Sailor Manyo Ume 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

Sailor Manyo Ume 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

The Sailor Manyo Ume 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink belongs to the new colours added to the Manyo collection by Sailor in 2020 for the international market. Inspired by the ume flower (梅), known as the Japanese apricot or Chinese plum (Prunus mume), this ink presents an elegant warm pinkish-red tone with soft luminous undertones reminiscent of the first blossoms appearing at the end of the Japanese winter. A particularly attractive colour for fountain pen users who appreciate expressive, delicate inks deeply connected to Japanese aesthetic sensitivity.

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, trees and plants held strong symbolic meaning within this literary tradition, and Sailor transforms those natural elements into ink colours intended to convey sensations beyond simple writing. In the Manyo series, each colour attempts to capture part of the poetic and seasonal atmosphere found in classical Japanese poetry.

Ume and the symbolism of the Japanese plum blossom

Ume (梅), known as the Japanese apricot or Chinese plum (Prunus mume), occupies a very special place within Japanese culture. Its blossoms traditionally symbolise the imminent arrival of spring because they bloom while winter cold and even snow may still remain. For centuries, seeing the first ume blossoms has been considered one of the most anticipated signs of seasonal change in Japan.

The ume blossom also symbolises strength and resilience against adversity, a meaning inherited from Chinese tradition. Its ability to bloom during the harshness of winter transformed it into a symbol of perseverance, elegance and renewal. Sailor translates this balance of delicacy and strength into a refined warm pink ink capable of revealing tonal variation between reddish pink, soft coral and subtle raspberry undertones depending on the paper and nib used.

At Inktraveler, we find it especially interesting how Ume maintains a luminous and delicate appearance while still displaying gentle shading and chromatic depth on high-quality Japanese papers.

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 Ume’s pink and reddish nuances, we recommend high-quality Japanese papers such as the Midori Cotton Pad A5 or the Life Ginkouka Japanese Paper Pad, where its luminosity and shading appear with exceptional delicacy.

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 Ume’s tonal variation and soft shading particularly well.

What does the ume blossom symbolise?
Traditionally, it symbolises the arrival of spring as well as strength, perseverance and resilience against adversity.

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 new Manyo colours added in 2020, you can read our guide dedicated to the Sailor Manyo II 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 quietly announce the end of winter and the arrival of spring."