Nagasawa Kobe Nakahara Pure Blue 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Nagasawa Kobe Nakahara Pure Blue is a special edition developed as a tribute to Junichi Nakahara (1913–1983), one of the most influential illustrators, designers and creative figures in twentieth-century Japanese visual culture. Like Nakahara Luxury Red, this ink was created through a collaboration between Nagasawa and the artistic world of Nakahara, bringing together illustration, design and writing in a unique collection.
For this edition, Nagasawa selected one of Nakahara's most memorable illustrations, featuring a young woman whose elegant appearance conveys freshness, natural beauty and quiet sophistication. The colour of her hat became the inspiration for Pure Blue, a clean and luminous blue designed to reflect the sense of purity and effortless elegance that characterises much of Nakahara's work.
Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa, Pure Blue offers a smooth and enjoyable writing experience with attractive shading that reveals different nuances depending on paper and ink concentration. Its balanced and versatile tone makes it equally suitable for everyday writing, correspondence, journals and creative projects.
Junichi Nakahara and Japanese Feminine Aesthetics
Junichi Nakahara was one of the most influential figures in Japanese illustration between the 1930s and the 1960s. His elegant portraits of young women, instantly recognisable through their large expressive eyes and long eyelashes, appeared in popular publications such as Shojo No Tomo, Soleil, Junior Soleil and Himawari. His work helped define the visual identity of Japanese femininity for several generations and remains highly regarded today.
He is widely considered one of the major pioneers of shōjo aesthetics, particularly through his use of large expressive eyes, a visual feature that would later influence countless Japanese illustrators and artists. Renowned creators such as Macoto Takahashi, Hanamura Eico and Riyoko Ikeda have acknowledged the importance of Nakahara's artistic legacy in shaping their own styles.
Beyond illustration, Nakahara was also active in fashion, interior design, stationery and popular culture. Through his magazines and publications, he promoted an optimistic vision of beauty, creativity and elegance during a period of profound social transformation in Japan. His influence remains visible today, and his works continue to inspire exhibitions, publications and special collaborations such as this ink collection.
The Meaning of Pure Blue
While Nakahara Luxury Red expresses a more intense and sophisticated elegance, Pure Blue conveys freshness, lightness and natural beauty. The colour takes direct inspiration from the blue hat worn by one of Nakahara's illustrated figures, transforming a visual detail into a writing experience.
Its tone evokes clear skies and the sense of optimism often present in Nakahara's work. The result is a clean and balanced blue that reflects the artist's ability to communicate beauty through simplicity, harmony and refined visual expression.
Nagasawa Collectibles and Writing Culture
Special editions developed by Nagasawa occupy a unique place among enthusiasts of Japanese writing instruments and collecting. The collaboration with Junichi Nakahara brings together two disciplines closely linked to Japanese visual culture: illustration and writing.
To fully appreciate the nuances of this ink, we recommend using high-quality fountain pen notebooks such as the Graphilo Kobe Ink or the Graphilo Kobe Font, whose exceptional paper allows shading, saturation and colour depth to be displayed with remarkable clarity.
Together with Nakahara Luxury Red, Pure Blue forms a small collection inspired by two of Junichi Nakahara's most iconic works. Both inks are particularly appealing to collectors of Japanese illustration and enthusiasts of exclusive Sailor-produced inks created for the Japanese market.
Package Contents
50 ml glass bottle of Nagasawa Kobe Nakahara Pure Blue fountain pen ink. Presented in a special illustrated box inspired by the artwork of Junichi Nakahara and accompanied by an informational booklet about the collection.
Photographs are provided for reference only. The appearance of the colour may vary slightly depending on monitor settings, paper choice and writing conditions.
If you would like information about other exclusive Nagasawa inks or the Junichi Nakahara collection, please contact us. We will be delighted to assist you.
Technical Specifications
• Colour: Nakahara Pure Blue
• Capacity: 50 ml
• Type: Fountain pen ink
• Special Edition Junichi Nakahara × Nagasawa
• Glass bottle
• Special illustrated presentation box
• Includes collection booklet
• Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa
• Made in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Nakahara Pure Blue special?
This special edition is inspired by a Junichi Nakahara illustration and reproduces the pure, luminous blue taken from the hat worn by one of his most iconic female figures.
Is it part of the Kobe INK Monogatari collection?
No. It is an independent special collaboration inspired by the artwork of Junichi Nakahara rather than a standard Kobe INK Monogatari release.
What inspired the Pure Blue colour?
The colour of the blue hat worn by a young woman portrayed by Junichi Nakahara, symbolising freshness, natural beauty and understated elegance.
Your Opinion Matters
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History and Philosophy of the Brand
Founded in 1882, Nagasawa Bungu Center is one of Japan's most historic stationery companies. For more than a century it has developed writing instruments, inks and exclusive editions inspired by both the city of Kobe and broader aspects of Japanese culture.
In addition to the celebrated Kobe INK Monogatari collection, Nagasawa regularly collaborates with artists, designers and creators to produce inks that connect writing with other artistic disciplines. The Junichi Nakahara series is one of the finest examples of this philosophy.
Each bottle of Nakahara Pure Blue offers an opportunity to experience a small part of the creative world of an artist whose influence remains present in Japanese illustration, fashion and visual culture to this day.
"The most enduring beauty is often found in the simplest forms."
