Sailor Manyo Himeyuri 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Sailor Manyo Himeyuri Starlily 50 ml fountain pen ink is a special edition created to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Sailor’s Manyo collection. Inspired by the Japanese word himeyuri (姫百合), meaning “starlily”, this ink evokes the delicate beauty of small summer wildflowers quietly blooming far from sight. Its soft and elegant tone conveys intimacy, melancholy and silent beauty, making it especially appealing for writers who appreciate calm, reflective and emotionally expressive inks.
Manyo and the spirit of Japanese poetry
The Manyoshu is often regarded as one of the purest expressions of the Japanese spirit. Its name means “Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves” and it is considered the oldest and most revered poetry anthology in Japan. Over four centuries, more than four thousand poems were written by people from every social class, ranging from farmers to emperors, many of them anonymous or later attributed to more famous poets.
The final compiler is believed to have been Ōtomo no Yakamochi, and the latest poem included in the anthology dates from the year 759 AD. The collection was organised into twenty books following a structure similar to Chinese poetry anthologies of the same period. The word Manyo itself suggests “people from every walk of life”, reflecting the diversity and emotional depth of the poems contained within it.
These poems focused heavily on nature and the changing seasons, using them as symbols for emotions, human relationships, political concerns and ancient myths. For this fifth anniversary edition, Sailor selected poems centred on unrequited love and transformed the natural imagery found in them into distinctive fountain pen inks.
Himeyuri and the poem behind its colour
Himeyuri is inspired by a poem comparing hidden love to a small summer flower blooming unnoticed in the wild:
“Like the star lily blooming in the thicket of a summer field, unknown to anyone, my love remains a painful and poignant secret.”
That feeling of concealed beauty and restrained emotion is reflected in a refined and delicate ink with soft tonal variations depending on the paper and nib used. Just as the Starlily quietly appears among dense summer vegetation, Himeyuri expresses a discreet elegance deeply connected to Japanese aesthetics and sensitivity. Sailor accompanies this anniversary edition with a special foil-stamped label exclusive to the collection.
Compatibility and writing experience
This ink has been specially formulated for fountain pens, providing a stable and consistent flow while helping preserve the longevity of the nib. The elegant 50 ml glass bottle allows comfortable and efficient filling, making it easy to enjoy every last drop. If another Manyo colour is currently unavailable, feel free to contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com and we will do our best to source it for you as quickly as possible.
Recommended paper for best results
To fully appreciate the subtle shading and delicate tonal transitions of Himeyuri, we recommend using high quality Japanese paper such as the Midori Cotton Pad A5, where the depth and complexity of the colour become especially noticeable.
Frequently asked questions
Is this fountain pen ink?
Yes. It is specifically formulated for fountain pens and should not be used with other writing systems.
Is this a permanent ink?
No. This is a water-based dye ink and is not designed to be waterproof.
Which nib sizes show the best shading?
Medium and broad nibs generally reveal the ink’s natural shading and tonal variation more clearly.
Is the special label exclusive to this edition?
Yes. This anniversary edition features a unique foil-stamped label different from the standard Manyo line.
Package contents
50 ml Sailor glass ink bottle with special Manyo fifth anniversary label. Presented in a cardboard box. (Product photos are illustrative and slight variations may exist compared to the final product).
Recommended reading
If you would like to learn more about the origin of this collection and discover other colours in the series, you can read our guide dedicated to Sailor Manyo inks.
History and philosophy of Sailor
Founded in Hiroshima in 1911, Sailor is one of Japan’s most respected writing instrument manufacturers. For more than a century, the company has combined traditional craftsmanship, technical innovation and Japanese aesthetic sensitivity to create fountain pens and inks appreciated worldwide. In the Manyo collection, Sailor brings together classical literature, seasonal nature and colour in a way that beautifully represents the Japanese appreciation for writing.
"Some emotions remain hidden for years, like wildflowers quietly blooming far from every gaze."
