Nagasawa 143rd Anniversary Urushi Naginata Kitanozaka Fountain Pen
To commemorate the 143rd anniversary of Nagasawa Bungu Center —established in 1882— this special limited edition of only 70 pieces is released: the Urushi Naginata Kitanozaka. It brings together the refinement of traditional Japanese lacquerwork and the expressive writing character of a Naginata nib, resulting in a fountain pen of balanced proportions, cultural depth and exceptional craftsmanship.
The pen is crafted from ebonite coated with Kaga Urushi, a renowned lacquer technique from the Kanazawa region, admired for its luminous depth, natural gloss and expertly polished finish. Its deep blue color is inspired by Nagasawa’s original ink, #38 Kitano-zaka Night Blue, capturing the shifting tones of the night sky over the historic Kitano slope.
Kitano-zaka —with *zaka* meaning “slope”— lies a short distance from Sannomiya, the vibrant center of Kobe. The Kitano district is famous for its exotic atmosphere and unique blend of Western and Japanese architecture. Kitano-zaka itself, with its gentle incline, offers an elegant urban landscape that comes alive at night as the shop lights illuminate the street, creating a distinctive, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The color of this pen evokes that same transition toward a deep, intense night blue, recreated through transparent layers of urushi.
Naginata nib performance
The large 21K gold nib is sharpened into a Naginata Medium (NM) tip. This profile allows broader strokes when the pen is held at a low angle and finer lines when held upright, making it ideal for expressive writing and for Japanese characters requiring tome, hane and harai. The signature weathervane engraving, exclusive to Nagasawa’s original models, completes the traditional aesthetic.
Functionality and filling system
The pen uses a cartridge-converter system (converter included) and maintains excellent balance during long writing sessions. The cap ring features the inscription “NAGASAWA SINCE 1882,” while the back of the cap is marked “143rd,” emphasizing its commemorative character. Each pen is individually numbered.
For optimal performance and to fully appreciate the tonal richness produced by the Naginata nib, we recommend pairing the pen with high-quality Japanese paper. Options include the Life Symphony A5 plain notebook and the Life Noble Note Memo ruled.
Package contents
Presented in a special paulownia wood box with velvet interior and certificate. At Inktraveler, we include a complimentary ink bottle so you can enjoy writing from the very first moment.
(Images are for reference only and may show slight variations.)
Technical specifications
- Limited edition: 70 pieces
- Nib: 21K gold, Naginata Medium (NM)
- Material: ebonite with Kaga Urushi lacquer (cap, barrel, section)
- Length: 134 mm (152 mm posted)
- Maximum diameter: 19.2 mm
- Weight: 34 g
- Filling system: cartridge or converter (included)
- Cap ring: “NAGASAWA SINCE 1882”
- “143rd” engraved on the back of the cap
- Special paulownia wood box included
Brand history and philosophy
Since 1882, Nagasawa Bungu Center has shaped Kobe’s writing culture through craftsmanship, design and a deep appreciation for the handwritten word. This anniversary edition not only honors 143 years of history, but also celebrates the connection between urushi lacquer, traditional nib craftsmanship and the unique atmosphere of Kitano-zaka. More than a writing instrument, it is a piece that embodies place, memory and artistry.
"In every layer of urushi rests a moment; in every stroke, a story."
