Sailor Manyo Yomogi 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

Sailor Manyo Yomogi 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

The Sailor Manyo Yomogi 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink belongs to the first edition of the Sailor Manyo collection launched internationally in November 2019. Inspired by the Japanese yomogi plant, commonly known as Japanese mugwort, this ink surprises with its deep petrol blue tone enriched by turquoise undertones and subtle purple reflections visible in heavier ink pools and on certain papers. A particularly attractive colour for fountain pen users who appreciate expressive, complex inks with strong visual personality.

Manyo and the spirit of Japanese poetry

The Manyo collection takes its name from Manyoshu, “The Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves”, regarded as the oldest and most celebrated anthology of Japanese poetry. Over approximately four centuries, 4,516 poems were compiled exploring themes such as love, nature, the seasons and human emotions, reflecting a deeply sensitive vision of Japanese culture.

Flowers and plants played a central role within this poetic tradition, with more than 1,500 poems referring to around 160 plant species and nearly 50 different flowers. For the first Manyo ink series, Sailor selected eight plants to transform into colour: Haha, Yomogi, Sumire, Kikyou, Nekoyanagi, Akebi, Kuzu and Yamabuki.

Yomogi and the symbolism of Japanese mugwort

Yomogi (よもぎ / 蓬), commonly known as Japanese mugwort, is a plant deeply connected to traditional Japanese culture. Besides growing wild in fields and rural pathways, it is widely used in Japanese food such as mochi, traditional sweets and herbal teas. Its distinctive herbal aroma and cultural presence evoke memories associated with the seasons and the Japanese countryside.

Interestingly, Sailor did not translate the plant’s green colour literally, but instead reinterpreted its atmosphere through a sophisticated petrol blue ink filled with depth and nuance. Depending on the paper, nib and ink saturation, Yomogi may reveal tonal variation between deep blue, dark turquoise and subtle purple reflections in areas of heavier concentration. At Inktraveler, we find it especially interesting how this colour changes depending on lighting and Japanese paper texture, creating a remarkably vivid and expressive writing experience.

Compatibility and writing experience

This ink has been formulated exclusively for fountain pens, providing a smooth and balanced flow suitable for daily writing and regular fountain pen maintenance. Its water-based formulation allows easy cleaning and stable performance even in finer Japanese nibs. The 50 ml glass bottle also offers comfortable and reliable filling.

Paper recommendation to appreciate the colour

To fully enjoy Yomogi’s petrol blue, turquoise and purple nuances, we recommend high-quality Japanese papers such as the Midori Cotton Pad A5 or the Life Ginkouka Japanese Paper Pad, where its tonal variation and natural shading appear with greater depth and beauty.

Frequently asked questions

Is this ink suitable for fountain pens?
Yes. It is specifically formulated for fountain pens and should not be used in other writing systems.

Is this a waterproof ink?
No. This is a non-pigmented water-based ink and is not intended to be permanent.

Which nib sizes show the best shading?
Medium and broad nibs reveal Yomogi’s tonal variation and subtle purple reflections particularly well.

What kind of colour is Yomogi?
Yomogi presents a complex petrol blue with turquoise undertones and subtle purple reflections inspired by a poetic reinterpretation of Japanese nature.

Package contents

50 ml Sailor Manyo glass ink bottle. Official Sailor paperboard box included. (Product photos are illustrative and slight variations may exist compared to the actual product).

Technical specifications

• Volume: 50 ml
• Ink type: water-based fountain pen ink
• Bottle dimensions: 53 × 44 × 70 mm
• Approximate weight: 203 g
• Packaging: official Sailor paperboard box
• Box dimensions: 55 × 47 × 76 mm

Further reading and guide

If you would like to discover more about the origin of this collection and explore additional colours from the series, you can read our dedicated guide to Sailor Manyo inks.

History and philosophy of Sailor

Founded in Hiroshima in 1911, Sailor is one of Japan’s most respected writing instrument companies. For more than a century, the brand has combined craftsmanship, technical research and Japanese aesthetic sensitivity to create fountain pens and inks admired around the world. With the Manyo collection, Sailor transforms classical poetry, nature and emotion into colour, creating a series that reflects the subtle relationship between writing and seasonal beauty in Japanese culture.

"Some colours seem to contain the silent depth of water and evening skies at dusk."