Nagasawa Kobe 23 Nagata Blue 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Nagasawa Kobe 23 Nagata Blue 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink is part of the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, created by Nagasawa Bungu Center to transform the places, landscapes and symbols of Kobe into colours rich in meaning. This ink is inspired by Nagata, a district of Kobe closely associated with Tetsujin 28-go, the legendary robot created by Kobe-born manga artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama.
According to the official collection description, statues of characters created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama can be found throughout Nagata. Nagata Blue was designed to reproduce the metallic colour of the powerful iron body of Tetsujin 28, one of the most iconic characters in the history of Japanese manga.
Tetsujin 28 and the Spirit of Nagata
Near JR Shin-Nagata Station stands one of Kobe's most recognisable landmarks: the gigantic Tetsujin 28-go monument. Built as a symbol of community revitalisation and recovery following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, this impressive steel structure rises 18 metres high and weighs approximately 50 tons.
The monument was unveiled in 2009 through the efforts of local merchants and community organisations. Since then, it has become a symbol of Kobe's resilience, representing strength, hope and the future of the Nagata district. With its arm pointing toward the city, Tetsujin continues to watch over the area's reconstruction and ongoing development.
The Meaning of Nagata Blue
The official inspiration for this ink comes from the distinctive metallic colour of Tetsujin 28 itself. Nagata Blue recreates that appearance through a steel-blue shade with subtle grey and violet undertones reminiscent of the legendary giant robot's iron body.
Within the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, it stands out for its unique personality. Rather than being a traditional bright blue, it is a sophisticated and complex colour that combines depth, industrial character and a subtle sense of nostalgia linked to classic Japanese manga culture.
Writing Performance and Experience
Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa, Nagata Blue offers a smooth, flowing and highly enjoyable writing experience. Its colour maintains excellent readability while displaying interesting tonal variations depending on the paper, nib and amount of ink laid down on the page.
Medium, broad and stub nibs are particularly effective at revealing its rich steel-blue tones and delicate transitions towards grey and violet hues. It is an excellent choice for journals, correspondence, everyday writing and creative projects.
Tip for Appreciating the True Colour
To fully appreciate the nuances of Nagata Blue, we recommend using premium Japanese papers such as the Kobe Ink Notebook or the Kobe Font Notebook, where its depth of colour and shading can be appreciated with exceptional clarity.
Package Contents
50 ml glass bottle of Nagasawa Kobe 23 Nagata Blue fountain pen ink. Presented in the official Kobe INK Monogatari packaging.
If you are looking for other colours from the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, please contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com and we will be delighted to assist you.
Technical Specifications
• Colour: Nagata Blue
• Collection: Kobe INK Monogatari
• Number: 23
• Capacity: 50 ml
• Type: fountain pen ink
• Glass bottle
• Box dimensions: 65 × 65 × 52 mm
• Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa Bungu Center
• Made in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nagata Blue represent?
It represents the metallic colour of the iron body of Tetsujin 28, the legendary robot created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama.
Who was Mitsuteru Yokoyama?
He was one of Japan's most influential manga artists and the creator of Tetsujin 28, a pioneering work in the giant robot genre.
What is the connection between the ink and the Shin-Nagata monument?
The ink is inspired by the colour of the giant Tetsujin 28 monument built in Nagata as a symbol of recovery after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Is it suitable for everyday writing?
Yes. Its excellent readability and elegant steel-blue tone make it an outstanding choice for daily writing.
Which nibs show its nuances best?
Medium, broad and stub nibs generally reveal its transitions between blue, grey and violet most effectively.
Your Opinion Matters
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History and Philosophy of the Brand
Nagasawa Bungu Center, founded in Kobe in 1882, is one of Japan's most historic stationery companies. The Kobe INK Monogatari collection transforms the landscapes, traditions and iconic locations of Kobe into colours capable of telling stories through writing.
Manufactured by Sailor exclusively for Nagasawa, these inks allow writers to discover the city from unique perspectives, turning every written page into a small journey through Kobe's history and culture.
"True strength does not always move forward; sometimes it stands firm, inspiring those who look upon it."
