Sailor Manyo Akebi 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Sailor Manyo Akebi 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink belongs to the first edition of the Sailor Manyo collection launched internationally in November 2019. Inspired by the Japanese akebi plant, known for its purple fruits and delicate reddish violet tones, this ink offers a sophisticated colour ranging between dusty magenta, muted mauve and deep vintage rose. A particularly attractive shade for fountain pen users who appreciate expressive Japanese inks with visible shading, chromatic depth and literary inspiration.
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.
Akebi and its distinctive colour
Akebi stands out for its refined balance of reddish purple, aged rose and subtle violet undertones. Depending on the paper, lighting and nib used, the ink reveals delicate tonal variations and natural shading that give handwriting remarkable visual depth. It is especially appreciated for journaling, personal correspondence and slower reflective writing where its colour transitions can be fully appreciated.
At Inktraveler, we find it particularly interesting how Akebi behaves differently on smooth Japanese papers compared to more absorbent textures, revealing slightly different characteristics depending on the writing instrument. Medium and broad nibs allow the pink and violet nuances to appear more clearly.
Compatibility and writing experience
This ink has been formulated exclusively for fountain pens, providing a smooth and reliable flow while remaining easy to clean and maintain. The 50 ml glass bottle allows comfortable filling even for larger fountain pens. If a particular Manyo colour is unavailable, feel free to contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com and we will do our best to source it for you.
Paper recommendation to appreciate the colour
To fully enjoy Akebi’s shading and subtle tonal complexity, we recommend high-quality Japanese papers such as the Midori Cotton Pad A5, where the purple and dusty rose tones appear with greater depth and softness. It also pairs exceptionally well with the Life Ginkouka Japanese Paper Pad, whose lightly textured surface and smooth feel help emphasise the vintage and slightly melancholic character of this ink.
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, broad and music nibs reveal Akebi’s tonal variation and shading particularly well.
Does Akebi belong to the original Manyo collection?
Yes. Akebi is part of the first international Sailor Manyo ink collection launched in 2019.
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 preserve the silent memory of seasons and emotions."
Manyo Ink
Well, there's no much to add about Sailor Manyo ink: highest quality Japanese ink on the wet side. Akebi is a beautiful well saturated burgundy colour with a little bit of yellow sheen. I do like it.