Eboya Kyouka The Ocean Medium Fountain Pen

Eboya Kyouka The Ocean Medium Fountain Pen

The Eboya Kyouka The Ocean Medium Fountain Pen is a handcrafted writing instrument made in Tokyo by Eboya, the fountain pen brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, Japan’s last factory dedicated exclusively to ebonite production. Each pen is individually crafted and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to traditional craftsmanship and functional design.

The use of ebonite—one of the earliest polymers ever developed—gives this pen its distinctive appearance and tactile warmth. Ebonite is produced by vulcanizing natural rubber with sulfur (between 25% and 50%) and takes its name from ebony, which it gradually replaced due to its strength, stability, and natural sheen. As with all Eboya fountain pens, the engraving “Eboya Made in Tokyo” on the barrel certifies its authenticity and origin.

Concept and design

The Kyouka (鏡花) series is inspired by the classic British Onoto-style fountain pens, a design highly appreciated by Japanese writers and intellectuals in the early 20th century. Its straight, substantial barrel and restrained decorative details express a sense of practical beauty and balance. Today, this type of design has become increasingly rare, making the Kyouka series especially distinctive.

The color The Ocean evokes the depth of a calm sea and the subtle reflections of light on water. It is a complex tone with nuanced variations depending on lighting and viewing angle. This color is difficult to find outside Japan and is exclusive to Eboya, developed from solid marbled ebonite and carefully polished to enhance its depth and character.

Functionality and filling system

Fitted with a 14K gold nib, the Eboya Kyouka The Ocean Medium offers smooth, controlled, and precise writing. It uses an international standard cartridge/converter filling system (European type). Compatible converters include those from Pelikan and Rotring. It is not compatible with proprietary systems from brands such as Montblanc, Waterman, or Caran d’Ache. Each barrel is individually crafted and adjusted in Eboya’s Tokyo workshop.

Technical specifications

• Filling system: international cartridge / converter (European type)
• Overall length: 142 mm
• Body diameter: 15 mm
• Weight: approx. 24 g
• Nib: 14K gold
• Body material: marbled ebonite The Ocean, original design by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing
• Paulownia wood box (Eboya upgrades the standard cardboard packaging with this traditional Japanese presentation box for Inktraveler)

To preserve its finish, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or humid environments and store the pen in a dark place. Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient. Images are for reference only and may differ slightly from the final product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the color The Ocean exclusive to Eboya?
Yes. The Ocean is a color developed by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing exclusively for Eboya and is difficult to find outside Japan.

Are Eboya fountain pens at Inktraveler real in-stock items?
Yes. Inktraveler works exclusively with real stock. All Eboya fountain pens listed as available are physically in our possession and ready for immediate shipment.

Can I request an Eboya Kyouka The Ocean if it is not available?
Yes. If this model or color is not currently available on the website, you may contact us. As long as Eboya continues to produce it, we can arrange a special order. Due to the handcrafted nature of production, lead times are typically several months.

Will every The Ocean fountain pen look exactly the same?
No. Because the marbled ebonite is worked by hand, each pen shows slight variations in color and pattern, making every piece unique.

Brand history and philosophy

Eboya is the flagship brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, founded in 1952 and recognized as Japan’s last specialist dedicated exclusively to ebonite. For decades, the company supplied ebonite to many of Japan’s leading fountain pen manufacturers. In 2009, it introduced its own line of fountain pens, combining material expertise, traditional craftsmanship, and a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Until 2016, production was led by master turner Noritoshi Kanesaki, a disciple of the legendary nibmeister Kubo Kohei, leaving a lasting artisanal legacy that continues to define Eboya today. Each pen is created to be durable, balanced, and suited for a lifetime of writing.