Fountain Pens: What Happened in 2022

This is a collaboration with Jacob from Fudefan. We both cover what we saw were some of the defining things happening in the fountain pen world, from our perspective in Japan.
Jacob's @Fudefan IG: fudefan?hl=en
Jacob's Fudefan blog post: www.fudefan.com/2022/12/2022-...
Luke Copping @lukecopping IG: lukecopping...
Luke Copping website: www.lukecopping.com/
Stilo & Stile @stiloestyle IG: stiloestile...
Stilo & Stile website: www.stiloestile.it/en/
Bungukan Kobayashi @pennamaestro IG: pennamaestr...
Bungukan Kobayashi website: www.kobabun.net/
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Paper Trends
02:01 - Hobonichi's Tomoe River
03:04 - The Arc of Tomoe River
05:24 - Yamamoto Paper
07:11 - Chromo-shading Ink and Paper
08:04 - Ink Cards
09:23 - Dark Paper
10:08 - Wacca Washi Paper
10:51 - Box and Needle
12:41 - Pen Trends
12:51 - Obre Coloring
13:44 - Translucent, Matte and Frosted
13:55 - Bungukan Kobayashi Clematis
14:27 - Stilo & Stile Leonardo
14:55 - Mori Platinum President
15:15 - Usagiya Jeans Style Platinum 3776
15:45 - Pilot Translucent 912
15:58 - Bungubox 823 Fujiyama Blue
18:25 - GOAT Kakuno Refresh
19:10 - Platinum Shape of Heart
20:42 - Pilot Custom 74 30th Anniversary
22:10 - Pen Predictions
23:46 - Ink
24:38 - Inku Numa History
26:26 - "Ink Play" for "Inkheads"
27:18 - Teranishi Guitar Ink
29:59 - Ferris Wheel Press
33:36 - Different Ink Properties
36:12 - Ink Paraphernalia
38:08 - Shumi no Bungu Bako "Box of Hobbies"
Music: As I Dream byJohannes Bornlof www.epidemicsound.com/track/4...

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

The ink is hands down the best part of the hobby. It’s why I started buying more than one pen when I began the hobby. Needed more pens to ink up at the same time to see the inks! Happy New Year, InkyRocks!

[@InkyRocks]

It's quite surprising that maybe my prediction isn't so controversial hahaha! I was expecting a "vintage pens rule" kind of feedback. Thank you and have a great 2023💞

[@InkyRocks]

Happy New Year!! Still working on the corrected subtitles and translations. Sorry about the audio--I'll get a real mic soon!

[@elledechenestudio]

I find your voice to be quite pleasant and relaxing, while you share interesting perspectives and predictions. Ink play is such a fun concept, and I didn’t realize that I’ve been engaged in this for the past month as I’ve gotten back into fountain pens after a 4 year hiatus. It seems like the options have exploded, which is both wonderful and daunting to this collector’s soul.

[@InkyRocks]

@@elledechenestudio Seriously. I can imagine coming back to this and seeing the paper and ink explosion and all the different colors and materials that are now in pens! Have a great (and ink filled!) new year!

[@elledechenestudio]

@@InkyRocks thank you, you also! I am well on my way, having just ordered a Visconti Homo Sapiens Fountain Pen - Bronze Age with the Mark Bacas Fine CSI grind. Which ink to pair it with? This will be fun to figure out.

[@joeynuggetz]

I totally agree that ink is what people want. I'm all for smaller bottles and more of them at a cheaper price. Ink samples often times aren't enough to truly test out an ink once you factor in all the paper and nibs you want to try the ink in. I've been getting more into dip pens and hope that trend continues.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! One of the nice things about smaller bottles over samples is that many times you do still retain the fun packaging etc.

[@MummyBrown]

Ooo, I second all of this!

[@wanderpetal]

i agree with this statement. if there were a shop in my area selling small bottles of ink for less than a cup of coffee, i’d buy a new color to play with in the café every time I went out for a coffee.

[@isandie]

I came here to say this too! I can see ink popularity growing HUGELY. I just keep seeing Ferris wheel press inks selling out soooo fast for every release….and it’s happening faster and faster!

[@tiffanybluetarot]

Agreed. Ink is what it’s all about. Only a hair ahead of flex nibs, though! 😅

[@julierak343]

"Pilot's just going to burp up something weird" is the GREATEST prediction ever. I'm a Pilot fan so I'm here for the burps! I'm proud of Ferris Wheel because I'm from Canada. Glad Japan knows about them.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! But it's true! YOu don't expect anything and then BAM--823 Fujiyama! Ought to be proud--it's awesome stuff and the Japanese love it!

[@gadgetstop321]

Price per bottle is more of a consideration for me than price per ml when buying ink because I've never come close to using an entire bottle anyway. Thanks for all the fun and informative videos and Happy New Year.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too--I've finished bottles but I rarely do. Thanks so much--Have a great New Year!

[@randy-9842]

@gadgetstop321 - it has taken me a long time to learn that lesson. Some small to mid-sized bottles of ink would have helped tame my ink "collection" (ahem: accumulation). Ink samples are often too small and I have never (yet) finished a big bottle.

[@mandiewrites4936]

I'm the same way that I'll get an Herbin 10ml over the 100ml. I love packaging, too, so I'd prefer actual bottles over sample. I'd really love to get more Ferris Wheel Press, but the price is a big oof.

[@hannahf9301]

I've just come back from Japan, and on your suggestion I went to the store Okamotoya. You weren't kidding it was the place to go for Tono & Lims! They had rows upon rows of the stuff, including shokido & and their store exclusive inks. The staff were super nice and showed me to a little nook where I could sit down and swatch inks to my hearts content (which I was so thankful for, I found I was struggling with Tokyo & and a lack of places to sit). Also I think Okamotoya was a good example of what you were talking about with インク沼/Ink play (I've been following hashtags for it for a year and love it). There was a half meter of space dedicated to fountain pens vs the rows and rows of ink. When I bought my inks, they gave me a free cute passport size TN insert, filled with fp friendly paper and on the inside of the cover was the loyalty points system. This is where I see the difference in Ink play vs インク沼/Ink Swamp; the Loyalty system had 20 stamp slots and you got a stamp for every ¥5000. Ink swamp is an all consuming and expensive hobby, you get sucked into the swamp. However Ink play is probably one of the cheapest ways to engage with the hobby; dip pens & samples are the cheapest entry points. My predictions are: - we're going to get the kakuno/plaisir equivalent of a glass pen (pricing wise) from one of the big brands. Majohn/Moonman has some (N6/N8/N10). Best bet is Sailor after what they've been doing playing around with dip pens. - More brands are going to follow Diamine & Troublemaker's lead with duochrome/iridescent/chameleon shimmer (easy guess) - Colourshift inks are going to taper down; theres only a limited range of ones you can make. - Super out there guess; masking. Theres certain japanese swatch cards that are treated so the ink will not stick to parts of the cards, leaving an image in the negative space. What I'm thinking is someone will make a disposable "masking kit" thats like a stencil you stick to the paper, do your swatch and the remove the "mask" (like one would do dried masking fluid) and you get a negative space picture in your pretty swatch!

[@InkyRocks]

Sounds like you enjoyed your time here! Love your predictions and that masking one! Would be cool!

[@Snick3927]

Too many delightments here to single out for praise any in particular-I just enjoyed this entire, thoughtful, well-conceived production enormously. Thanks for all of that, Alesa!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank so much! I'm experimenting with different styles as I just couldn't do nothing but pen pans for the length of time I needed to discuss some of this. Really appreciate the support!💞

[@apocalypse_frau]

I love your anecdote about the Bungubox 823; what a great story with a happy ending.💙I hope you are right about Inku-Numa becoming a global phenomenon sooner than later, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings us in fountain pen friendly paper. Thank you so much for another wonderful year end roundup and predictions video. Your insights are always relevant and refreshing. May the New Year bring you joy and good fortune in abundance! 😊

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so very much! Have a healthy happy 2023💝

[@Sonicman415]

Nearly an hour of Inky Rocks🎉 The best 💜💜💜 The blue 823 is stunning.. wishing they’d do that in every color. Gorgeous. Omg, I’m so into the Kaküno right now.. I switched out one of the nibs for a Plumix 1.0 Cursive italic. Love. And it fits a con 70.. which I also love.

[@InkyRocks]

YES! That is an awesome and fun hack. Thank you so much for your kind support this past year. Hope I can keep your interest this year. Have a great 2023! 💝

[@bobbythompson263]

Finally I can put a nice face on that nice voice :) and thanks to be a voice from Japan for us... Love Japan! Happy Holiday !

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Bobby! Have a great New Year!

[@michaeljoseph7879]

I love your channel and content. Thank you for all the info and happy new year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support. Have a great 2023!

[@pamelamoniz608]

I think you are on spot with your ink play prediction. I happened upon Diamine’s Inkvent calendar last year and pre-ordered it this year to make sure I got it again. I could not wait to open each small bottle to swab out the ink. In addition to shading and shimmer, there were chameleon and even scented inks. Really cool! I am hoping to try Ferris Wheel Press now that they have a smaller bottle. Take care and Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

I've been tempted by the Inkvent calendar but I'm ashamed to say I haven't done it yet. Right now I'm staring at about 20 bottles of ink on my desk that I haven't messed with yet and it just seems like it would be adding to the pile! Though I definitely get the fun in it! Have a great new year!

[@bodhitoro]

Love the documentary style - it’s wonderful to see the Ink Queen herself on camera 😍 I had hoped for some festive flying rivers of ink as well and look forward to more of that in the new year 🥳☔️ Thanks for your hilarious update on the Swamp Monster 😈and the all the ink & paper things.❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Ink Queen! hahaha love it! I threw a bottle at the beginning of the vid and dropped a bottle in water at the end! It was just such a long vid...

[@fudefan]

One more prediction: 2023 will be the year when Japanese pen makers and retailers FINALLY realize that your KZbin channel is, in terms of viewership, Superbowl for fans of Japanese stationery.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I like that prediction! Got one of my own: Fudefan becomes the new Pen Habit! (He had awesome production value)

[@pmk0576]

Jacob your posts via Instagram, your website, and your podcast deserve an award too. You, CY, and Alesa have taught me so much this past year. Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@fudefan]

@@pmk0576 thank you! Glad to hear that.

[@charissau2852]

I'm so glad I have the day off from work so I could dive into this new video of yours. You have so much to learn, and so many things to look up and explore here! I'm one who has been so thrilled this year whenever I could find an ink in a smaller bottle. "Ink heads love ink play" indeed. 🙂But yes I do love experiencing all the things: pens, paper, ink = happiness. Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Yes, all three are the trifecta and I love it! Have a great 2023!

[@davidscott8457]

Great video Alesa! I especially loved the paper coverage, this is going to be a fascinating topic for me to explore with my hobby in 2023. Watching your video and taking to a couple of folks on IG I realise the more I know the more I know I don't know about paper! Thanks again. Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously! The more I look into paper, the more overwhelmed I get hahaha! I can't keep track of them all. Thanks so much and have a wonderful 2023!

[@marilyngardner4269]

What a wonderful video, Alesa! I enjoyed every moment and will probably watch it again. You have me convinced that your predictions are spot on! I think I see signs of "ink play" becoming a trend in the West too, although perhaps not with the fervor of Ink Swamp. I'm seeing more and more KZbin channels from ladies in the U.S. and Canada where testing and showcasing different inks is the main focus. Many buy samples rather than bottles, because the point is not to find a favorite ink and use it often but to try them all. And Ferris Wheel Press, arguably an impractical ink for actual writing, shows up often. These KZbinrs also collect fountain pens, but testing inks is the main focus. There are an astonishing number of these KZbinrs cropping up with English language content. This would be the perfect market for smaller bottles. Wishing you all the best in the new year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I rarely use samples and that is interesting feedback. Maybe it is more prevalent than I thought! Interestingly, many people here don't buy samples. I don't think I've seen them for sale but you can get very little bottles of ink (like 10 ml) from some special runs at certain stationery stores. Have a great 2023!💞

[@anniebus105]

That was fabulous! What a great pen community you have access too. Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, I'm very lucky and trying to take full advantage of it while I'm here. Have a great new year!

[@experienced.novice]

Fantastic as always!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much!💞

[@kathynagaji5179]

Enjoyed the overview and your take on it-and just ordered the magazine! 😂 Thank you and have a wonderful new year!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! Did you order thru then or like a bookstore? Asking in case some one asks me. Here, I just pick it up when I go to a stationery store. Thanks and have a great 2023!

[@stevieladphrao4445]

Great Recap of 2022, Alesa. I think you are right in that 2023 will see inks and ink related paraphernalia going into the next year up, as costs of production/the weaker yen and persistently high gold prices influences product planning and buying decisions. I got a shock when Bungubox sent out their New Year greetings today - where they’ve announced the closures of their Hamamatsu “Honten” and the Omotesando branch store ! But it appears that they’re opening up in Jimbocho, Tokyo- phew. I nearly had a coronary episode there. When I looked back at their product releases such as their Mikkabi pen, ink and Urushi KOP that celebrated not just their anniversary, but also their links to their hometown - Hamamatsu; it does feel wistful that this association with Hamamatsu will come to an end in a few weeks. I hope that they will be able to continue their Mikan ink. Wishing you a very happy 2023 - and as they say 「あけましておめでとうございます」！

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. I actually haven’t checked my email and haven’t seen the Bungubox announcement! Pretty wild! Maybe I should cover that in a video. 明けおめ❗️ 🐰🐇

[@archivist17]

Loved your overview, and explanation of some of the trends happening. Thanks for an insight into where Japan is leading us in stationery.

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great 2023!

[@peggylove1]

What a great and informative video. Thanks for doing this. I always love hearing what’s coming up in the Japanese stationery market. Then I can plan what I want to spend my money on in the near future.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I plan, but somehow all the new stuff wrecks my plans..💕

[@tspacefullstop4161]

Wow. That is some interesting and bold statements. Really enjoyed the explanation on the 'Ink Monster'...very informative. Thank you and Happy 2023!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I'm getting a lot of "pro ink" feedback and my prediction may not have been as controversial as I thought hahaha! Thanks and happy new year!

[@ChopstickPanorama]

Really enjoyed this video! Especially your discussion about ink play. It makes a lot of sense. There are so many tools now that allow you to play with inks from papers to writing utensils etc. I bought a bunch of wooden stamps as well in ink bottle shapes to swatch inks and play with inks too when I went to Japan recently!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome--I love ink bottle stamps and occasionally use them to swatch inks too! Hope you enjoyed your time here. Thank you!

[@lizdubdub]

Awesome video! Super informative. Thank you!!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Should be cranking back up making videos this week!

[@CraftsBayou]

I love how informative your channel is. ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much. This has been a rough year. I should be back to posting more soon!

[@JannyHaak]

Hi Alesa! I love your yearly looking back and predictions for the coming year. I agree on the ink play getting bigger and bigger. I love playing with all the inks I can get my hands on! But I also love fountain pens ... and nibs ... and paper! OK ok I love the whole package! 🤣 Thanks for another year of awesome content! Looking forward to all the fun in 2023! Happy New Year! 🎉🥂

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Me too--I love the whole package! Thanks and have a great new year!💝

[@pepperpath]

Yes, ink play and creativity for the new year sounds wonderful. As an artist, I have loved inks since I began using fountain pens (again) over 10 years ago. Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you are enjoying all the ink fun! Have a great new year!

[@Emi-ry7yl]

Love your end of year review and predictions! Really appreciate your insights and so many highlights. 🙏 I've only become reacquainted with fountain pens in the past year but from what I've seen, I think you're spot on with your ink play prediction and that's no bad thing. For someone like me who doesn't have the kind of expenditure to buy all the pens on my radar (if only! 😂), the ability to afford different inks and 'play' with the fountain pens, glass pens and dip nibs I do have is an exciting prospect. I definitely agree that smaller bottles is the way to go and a smart move by any company embracing this. Wishing you and your viewers a very happy new year! 🎊

[@InkyRocks]

THanks so much! I agree whole heartedly--it allows more fun for your investment. Have a great 2023!💝

[@Pradyut_J]

Very informative video. And Happy New Year 🎉

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Have a great 2023!

[@boygirlpartydotcom]

i love your predictions and perspectives! it must be such a gift to be your pen friend!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I love the pen community!

[@tiffanybluetarot]

Happy New Year, Your Inkiness! Thank you for this excellent recap. Ahh, the Shape of Heart…still a dream for me. It’s like somehow they took part of my soul & put it in a pen. One day, I’ll have one. And of course - no doubt your predictions for 2023 will turn out to be spot-on. (They usually are, aren’t they? With Oracle-like accuracy!) All the best to you this upcoming year & always! 🙏✨🌻

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for all your very sunny and supportive comments this past year! Hope you have a wonderful 2023!

[@ramonafirehorse]

Great video! Interesting to hear about trends in Japan

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Happy New Year!

[@ladyj9386]

I really enjoyed this video and appreciate all your insights and predictions! Ink play continuing strong in 2023 seems highly likely and sounds fun. I do like to change inks frequently. I hope to get to a pen show in 2023 - will be my first one. Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! I hope you can make it to a show--they are so much fun! Have a great 2023!

[@Michelle-nw7ew]

Thank you so much for this video it was very educational and I enjoy listening to you.

[@InkyRocks]

So glad you liked it. Hopefully I can put out more like it!

[@quaveda1983]

Loved this video! Fascinating

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! 💞

[@ann-ingridhelik3056]

Hi, so happy to see you!, i agree with you about inks. I see them as important as the fountain pen. I have too many bottles that were not quite as good as I expected but they linger there on my shelf while i search for the next one… i am so happy for the smaller bottles, they look better than sample bottles and if I’m still excited by that particular ink then I’ll buy the bigger bottle! As i read some of the comments i had to go to read the translated story of “lemon”. Now i will be checking out the links you posted. I wish you a happy new year. May you be blessed with health, love and laughter in 2023 !

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I'm pleasantly surprised so many people agree about the ink! Have a great new year! 💖

[@raemcmahon8216]

Great video, nice to put a face to the voice. I love the detail of this video, so informative. I agree with the small ink bottles. Some ink is packages to last 2 lifetimes. Keep up the great work!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I just had a few nasty comments and it is so nice to return to such a friendly comment. I hope I can keep you interested in 2023 with my vids. Have a great New Year!

[@peterhofmann8292]

The reasoning for the ink play I believe is the "price of entry", way cheaper to purchase small quantities of ink than to purchase pens🙂 I do love some of what Pilot and Platinum are doing with the pens though, and happy that my budget is limited. Appreciate the end of year recap well worth the time to watch.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I agree, sometimes I think people go a little over board on the spending when they first start this hobby and having smaller bottles is a step in the right direction.

[@joeinfranca49]

Thank you for this most informative video!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome--glad you liked it!

[@fossilimprint2954]

Am new to this world (fountain pens, japanese paper, inks) and your videos are teaching me a lot. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! I live in the "land of stationery" so am trying to take advantage of it.

[@michellesgoldberg]

Happy New Year! I too enjoy the smaller bottles of ink, so I can have variety. Hope to see you in the States sometime. Might have to travel to a pen show. 🙂

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much. Right now, I’m planning on the California Pen Show (in a few weeks) and either the DC or SF pen show depending on when we get out tickets. August is the WORST time to fly in and out of Japan! Hope to see you!

[@michellesgoldberg]

@@InkyRocks Just checked and I'll see you at the CA pen show. 🙂

[@SUSSDUE]

Thank you for a very interesting video! So nice to hear about what happens in the Japanese pen world. And how lucky you are to have that wonderful Pilot !

[@InkyRocks]

Oh, I love the pen. I had been waiting quite some time for a different color (like years!). Have a happy new year!

[@bethcunningham4346]

I agree that inks are so fun! Having smaller bottles is perfect for us who want to try different inks and not have lots of big bottles sitting around. I need to spend more time playing with all of my inks 😊. Happy New Year🎉. I hope to see you if you attend one of the pen shows that I’ll be attending (Baltimore and/or DC)!!

[@InkyRocks]

I need more time for my inks too!! Thanks and I hope to meet you in one of the shows! Take care and happy 2023!

[@susanroll7297]

You look and sound terrific! I can't tell you how much I ' vs enjoyed watching your content and I really learned alot. Wishing you an abundance of love, joy and peace in the New Year. Lots of live, Sue.

[@InkyRocks]

Hi Sue-thank you so much! I’ve been experimenting with different approaches as taking all the B roll instead of just talking to the camera is very work intensive if I have a lot to cover. Still trying to find my way. Have a wonderful new year!

[@susanroll7297]

Whatever you're doing is really nice to watch. Keep experimenting until you find a place that's exciting and comfortable for you.

[@onemorerow520]

I started my fountain pen journey seven months ago but once I discovered the inks I was hooked. I need to start an Inku Numa group here. Thank you for another very informative video!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! It would definitely be more fun to get together and do ink stuff. At least the others will understand what you are saying hahaha! Happy New Year!

[@la_papetrie]

You give so much amazing info especially for a noob like me .is much appreciated 🙏. Thank you for sharing ✌️🌻

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Glad you find it useful!💕

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Happy New Year! Very interesting predictions..Maybe I will see you at the SFPENSHOW!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I've got about equal amounts of votes for DC or SF. Problem is they are so close together but not close enough and I can't spend a month in the States! It will all depend on the flights. Have a great 2023!

[@jcparkins]

Love the video and it's so nice to see your face in videos :-) I'm one of the smaller bottles of ink people, too. I don't need a gallon of the stuff. I get tired of a color and want to try out others but feel guilty because I already have so many nearly full bottles. I do love looking at all of the new shiny pens, but I have a few favorite, like the Kakuno, and would rather spend my money on ink or paper - the latter of which is not easy to find over here other than Clairfontaine, Rhodia, and some Tomoe River that's fairly pricey. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2023!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Jackie! Hope you are enjoying the holidays--I'm fasting and it's awful hahaha! Have a great new year!💖

[@sriyaneedesilva844]

Loved the video. Hopefully we will see your predictions beyond the Japanese isles. The GOAT kakuno- absolutely spot-on. As for ink play - that’s explains my “swamp” collection. Happy new year too. My wish for 2023 - Sailor does a collaboration with Jonathan Brooks & has a Pro-gear with primary manipulation body …..

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! THAT would be something but I figure it will be a blue moon...Have a great new year!

[@2_pencil]

I bought a Kakuno because of your recommendation. I love it! Thanks!

[@InkyRocks]

That is so awesome! As another comment pointed out, you can put a Plumix calligraphy nib in your Kakuno for more nib variation. Have a great 2023!

[@pleestationeryteahouse]

Such a fantastic video on fountain pen and paper trends. Thanks for your thorough research and reflections :) waiting for “pilot burp up something weird” LOL sounds about right

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Doesn't it?! Wouldn't it be great if they did a Myu or Murex? One can only dream. Thanks!

[@randy-9842]

Very interesting ... and wow, did you ever cover a lot of ground in this video. The smaller bottles of ink are, I think, a very good idea. Maybe a bit larger than an ink sample, but much smaller than the larger bottles. It's hard for a novice to talk themselves into those, though. I have WAY too many full sized bottles of ink! I also like the idea of different papers with properties that behave differently under varied conditions. My wallet is warning me away from participating in that rabbit hole though! Maybe one of the sampler packages -- :) Thanks for a great review. Oh, almost forgot - That Pilot 823 in Fujiyama Blue is gorgeous! I'd really like to see more of Pilot's forays into new pens and I wish they were more available here in the US. Of course, ... again... , I'd have a serious argument from my wallet. Cheers and I hope you have a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! This one was a looong one! I have WAAAY too many bottle of ink too! Have a great 2023!

[@TheBohemianStyle]

I agree with you that ink collection will be more popular and all the different options of ink that have glitter, sparkle, shimmer, foil and various colour options. Ferris Wheel ink brand is everywhere in Toronto, Ontario. I’m new to Hobonichi and Tomoe River paper and I enjoy it a lot. My first and only fountain pen purchase is Sailer pro gear slim, gold nib, 21k in one of those limited style in spring rain (matt, frosted, somewhat transparent colouring). I don’t think I ever want to get such a small narrow nib as MF again. I don’t dislike it, I think owning one is good enough for me. Also, I don’t want to get out of hand to own a huge collection of fountain pens and I would like to save for Mont Blanc brand to be part of my small, precious collection. Great video! All the best to you in the New Year of 2023!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It looks like you have thought it out carefully and it sounds like a great approach. Selecting what you want to do in a hobby is half the fun. Have a great new year!

[@animula6908]

Ink swamp makes perfect sense since you explained it. I use swamp to describe other obsessive fanaticisms now too. I love it as a description of how you get sucked into a hobby or topic like it’s quicksand or a bog.

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously! That's a great explanation!

[@tbayless8324]

As I have repeated, I just got in this Fountain Pen world about 6 months ago, and it can be overwhelming. You really don't realize that until you start researching FP's, Paper, Inks, accessories you will need on down the line. But, ME myself will need to get ahold of the tail of the dragon and figure out where and what makes me happy in the Fountain Pen world, It will take over your life and possibly your money if you let it. But this hobby is very satisfying and calming.

[@InkyRocks]

It is-so don’t let it stress you out. I’m probably one of the few people who does not catalogue their inks or pens. I have no idea how many I have nor what color is similar to another. I really don’t care. I just enjoy it. My advice is to enjoy the process and not try to do it all at once. Have fun!

[@tbayless8324]

@@InkyRocks WOW! You really don't inventory your pen stuff? Now that is a calming effect. And therefore the happiness Thanks for the reinsurance 😊. I am glad that you are in Japan and experience their world and meet alot of people and to share it with us that may never get to Japan.

[@Perelka_L]

Ha, I can certainly understand appeal of pencils, I cannot afford same amount of fountain pen stuff as I used to and as such I felt like a good switch. I can draw with both, though of course one will not replace the other. This is so much amazing paper! It still boggles my mind how such a thing can be made in so many different ways, Japanese paper is just... something else, it seems. Those swatchcards are something else!!! It is interesting to see black paper borrowed from art concept (it is used plenty with crayons or pastels or paints), seems like a logical conclusion with pigment inks becoming more than just an afterthought. Whoah, that Clematis is truly gorgeous indeed! I love both sparkly and those desaturated colors... It will be great to watch, what will come up next year, what about a combo *thinking emoji*. With Kakuno I am cackling a bit because I fully agree! Double hilarious for me is the fact kakuno (of any type! not even European ones, black with int standard!) is not available where I live... but Shape of Heart? Yep. It makes no sense!! Three barells is... Weird but also so cool!! Wow, Pilot. I hope inkunuma will survive long enough to swamp other regions of world though, personally. It does make sense it would outgrow fountain pens since they... do have much more applications than ink itself. Glass pens, brush, inkwash art, it all goes beyond just FPs and all are worlds of their own. and I guess inkunuma goes outside FP territory with acrylic inks, or glue one you displayed a while ago too. Yeah. Though man, teranishi inks are pricy here too, more or less on Sailor standard level, I can't wait to experience those too... With FWP I kinda gotta add that... Man, they are *aggressive* with availability! It's a cool thing for me, like, I do nothing but mention I wish I had something under your comments here (for which I apologize) but I *can* get them in *my city* at that. It's kind of incredible, and indeed makes one very happy! Is le Petit Jardin an iron gall ink? It sounds like iron gall, you can wash external layer off but writing underneath is still here and legible. That ink spread out is stunning!!! Whoah. It's like a whole rainbow... My jaw literally dropped when I saw it. It's amazing!!! Thank you again for a fantastic video. And sorry for uh. Amount I wrote, as usual. Happy 2023!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much for your lovely feedback! That is a bummer about Teranishi inks being expensive. Le Petit Jardin isn't iron gall--just a mix of pigment and dye. Great color. Happy New Year!

[@_erickgama_]

Thanks for another wonderful video! Can't wait to see what Pilot ventures into this year! Also, I hope you are able to attend the Chicago Pen Show :)

[@InkyRocks]

ooooo. I had to look up the timing. Probably not this year as May is not good for me, but hopefully in the future as I have never been to it. Thanks so much for all you've done for the community-h-ave a great new year!

[@VincentDuxD]

Yes yes yes, the year end reflections of sth useful, thx auntie 😊

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Thanks!

[@cyntoh9265]

Ink play should become the go to term. And smaller bottles are going to make bigger inroads in the coming years. Lovely video. Thanks for creating it.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! And I wholeheartedly agree!

[@HansWeberHimself]

Great to see you talk and smile. Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Mainly had to go to this for longer vids as doing 40 minutes of B roll would be SO much work!

[@HansWeberHimself]

@@InkyRocks That makes sense. 😁

[@VincentDuxD]

Oh yeah, happy new year 🎉

[@InkyRocks]

Have a wonderful 2023!

[@janatherton9194]

I think you are right about the refillable trend. I received one of the Kuretake Ink Cafe kits over Christmas and I bought some extra felt tips and one of the inexpensive Kakuno pens to go with them and I'm enjoying drawing and writing with them, as they feel like a more portable version of the dip pen inks and brushes that I love to work with at home. The Kakunos are an inexpensive introduction to working with fountain pens and fun to experiment with and I wish they had been available to me when I was a student.

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! I don't give the Kakuno the GOAT title lightly! As another commenter reminded me, you can put an inexpensive Plumix calligraphy (stub) nib in the Kakuno and really widen your ink play. When the Guitar felt tip pens reach outside of Japan, I feel it will be really popular as I thought they were just as good as the other felt tip ones at a much much cheaper price. I think 2023 will be a fun year in pens!

[@DaedalusGage]

Happy New Year! Hearing some of your videos, I started to wonder if you might make a video for us wide-eyed wanderers visiting Japan, cataloguing all the great fountain pen/ink sites to see?

[@InkyRocks]

I have mulled that over but my store videos don't do too well. I may do an abbreviated version or something! Have a great 2023!

[@konradyearwood5845]

Happy New Year!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks--have a great 2023!

[@alexandrapirvu7945]

Thank you for this video! Educational, informative, also fun! I do hope West will get into more ink play, and ink bottles will adapt as smaller, cheaper bottles = more affordable

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! Thank you!

[@yovidal4]

lovely video happy new year

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! And have a wonderful 2023!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

Thank you Inky Rocks I really appreciate your channel for all the crazy fun exciting videos you make I think that I nearly had a heart attack when i saw the first video of you spilling ink .. as I am an ink connoisseur myself and review inks almost every day this last year and then I made my own inky spilling experiance in the shower and gosh that was fun :) I will be at the california pen show Hopefully I will see you there :> Take care talk soon

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! I'm so excited to meet you--I'll be there on Thursday and Friday. We'll have to do a "short" together!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

@@InkyRocks awesome I can't wait

[@gregm7643]

Happy New Year! In terms of paper, I would suggest the trend may be segmentation, where manufacturers and vendors appeal to a smaller segments of users who want to emphasize a specific aspect of ink be it chromo shading, shading, etc. I'm also noticing an increase in rose gold trim, which is good for me because I love it. You hit the nail on the head with the 823 commentary.The price of ink is ridiculous, I'm looking at you Iroshizuku. Thanks!

[@InkyRocks]

It's so funny because Iroshizuku is so cheap here--much cheaper than the small bottles of Sailor and half the price of say, Ferris Wheel Press. I think the problem is that many paper companies, despite putting out all kinds of paper, are struggling. As much as we love it, analog still has a tough road. Have a great 2023!💕

[@adistractedplanner]

Great video! Recently purchased the Platinum 3776 Century Shape of a Heart and filled it with Diamine Writer's Blood ink (it seemed fitting). Thanks for the info on inku-numa. I hope ink play becomes more of a thing here in the U.S.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! That’s a great ink to put in there! Did you find the hearts? It took me a few minutes

[@shayron44]

Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks-have a great 2023!

[@docfrayon]

Looking at this nice video while... playing with a bottle of hand-crafted China Ink that I got for Xmas... and of course, I've got some on my fingers... Smells nice :) I can't wait to try it out... in 2023 ! Enjoy Inks, Papers & Pens in 2023 !!

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! I think this will be a great year for all three. What is the ink you got? Have a great (and healthy) New Year!

[@docfrayon]

@@InkyRocks If you « Google » '一得阁 特制浓墨' you should find it. I'm not sure KZbin likes external links in comments... If you have thoughts on it, please do share. Yep ! Good health ! 3 years Keto on january 17th :)

[@unjuanequis6336]

Hi Alesa! very interesting video, as always. Personally, I've seen the shift of focus from pens toward ink, around here I find the most practical sizes for sampling are the 10ml bottles from J. Herbin and the 20ml bottles of Krishna, anything smaller is not enough for me.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, sometimes these smaller bottles have openings that are a bit too small, and you do need a minimum amount of ink to play with. Thanks and have a wonderful new year!

[@shazphantomchic1398]

I love ink, so I hope you are right. I’m looking forward to seeing what crazy fun ink appears 💜

[@InkyRocks]

It’s already so crazy! It’s to the point I’m not sure there are that many “normal” inks around. I really crave a good ink like Tsuki-yo or Pilot’s Blue Black!

[@Ibrohim....]

Happy new year!

[@InkyRocks]

🎉Thank you! Have a great 2023!

[@luigig6256]

My love of Pilot pens never caused a feverish chase but I hear you. Luckily it seems that nobody or anything was harmed in the chase. It is a gorgeous 823. Happy new year.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! I have waited for an 823 for like, 10 years! Have a great New Year!

[@dakotashawne4288]

Noo dont diss the ink cards i love those😂 great video as always love it❤ I lowkey want the heart platinum just because but I wish it came out in another color. The glass pen and ink market in Japan is really something. I always get overwhelmed with which inks to get

[@dakotashawne4288]

There is also something about getting the bottles with the ink so small bottles is a really great idea

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, I totally agree--it's nice to get the glass bottles instead of sample vials. I love the ink cards too--I just don't use ink cards😁

[@dakotashawne4288]

@@InkyRocks it is a different approach hehe as for the bottles very true sometimes the bottle is part of the whole ink experience ie FWP

[@richardsimms251]

Very good teaching video. RS. Canada

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you-hope you got some good info!

[@HeidiRaatz]

What a great overview with reflections and predictions galore. Thank you! Gosh, I hope you are right about Pilot and the Custom 823. As a pen it's on my list but I'm so underwhelmed by the colour options! Fingers x-ed the Bungubox collaboration was a sort of beta test.🤞Re: paper, how do you feel about the Sanzen "tomoe river" paper that'll be the replacement in Hobonichi planners? I did a test of all my writing tools with the little test insert and it worked pretty well, but definitely failed/bled through with pooled ink!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Yes, I would love to see more "fun" 823s. There really is no other choice as Sanzen is the only one making TR now. I actually had some good results dumping ink on the paper. I felt like it was a little more draggy than the old machine number 7 stuff. Graphilo is pretty fun but not offered in enough sizes and quantities.

[@robinmosenfelder6226]

I enjoy your comments and predictions about the world of pens and Inks. Japan is the leader with quality. I have a large ink collection..smaller bottles is a good idea.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Smaller bottles with large openings FTW!

[@jom6829]

Ink play should definitely be used in 2023, so I hope it becomes the go to phrase and is more popular in the West. Certainly from current fountain pen enthusiasts there are many who love to show the properties of their inks. Fascinating to see companies reactions to the demise of Tomoe River paper - I hope that goes from strength to strength too, as who doesn't love paper. I'll be interested to see what pens come out next year and what funny things Pilot gets up to. All in all 2023 looks like it will be fun for this hobby. I wish you much happiness and ink, paper and pen fun for the new year and beyond.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much for your feedback. I, too, am looking forward to 2023. And the increased interest in ink. Have a great New Year!💝

[@wind-flower]

Maruzen does the lemon thing because of a short story named "Lemon" by Motojiro Kajii from 1924. Maruzen is the favourite store of the story's protagonist.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you. I think I’ll post the Wikipedia link in my pinned comment.

[@freespirit995]

As always, a very interesting video. Watching from Europe, it is frustrating that there is no comparable pen, paper and ink 'scene'- people living in Japan are very, very fortunate. Just one question about your survey: unless I missed it, why was there no coverage of Sailor pens? These are my favourite Japanese brand (but I long ago abandoned any idea of keeping up with their dozens of new offerings...) In 2022, they came up with interesting new designs like the Black Hole Pro Gear. Best wishes for 2023!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I know what you are saying, but I think some of the nuttiness will spread. But you are right, the epicenter is here in Japan. I didn't do Sailor pens because I had featured them so much earlier (last several years) that I actually go tired of a lot of the new ones coming out. Probably a personal preference but one that was shared by quite a few of my pen friends here in Tokyo. They do make lovely pens and probably have read the "ink Swamp" ladies better than the other two companies.

[@stefanstefan5269]

Just found your channel while on a search for interesting things that would be a good alternative to news or political channels, which are just plain depressing. I like your content and find it very informative and relevant to my hobby of fountain pens, paper and ink! Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

That’s awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

[@viviwiththefrills]

I’ve fallen out of the fountain pen & ink hobby (thank goodness for my wallet) so this recap is super helpful!! Anyway, even though I’m not as obsessive as I was, I still really enjoy all your videos and will be looking forward to your 2023 videos :)

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Curiously, a lot of people just like watching other people do the swatching and don't do it themselves. I like watching but I don't swatch. It just seems to orderly for me hahaha! Have a great 2023!

[@kaleem_k]

The Carnegie museum here in Pittsburgh has a great gem & mineral exhibit if you want to see some rocks while you're in the States. I don't think Birmingham pens has a showroom, but their workshop is just outside the city.

[@InkyRocks]

That sounds pretty cool! This year, I'll be going to the big Tucson Gem and Mineral show. I have too many hobbies hahaha!

[@Derek.LeStrange]

My goodness this just feels like a safe place for paper talk as a whole. Always getting looks from coworkers that just don't understand

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I hear you! My pen friends keep me sane. You may try to look around for pen meetups or whatever on sites like FPN etc.

[@AndrewWertheimer]

Nice video with interesting reflections. The Maruzen lemon motif comes from a short story by author Motojirō Kajii called “Lemon" (1924) you can find the story online. Happy travels in2023. Aloha

[@InkyRocks]

THanks Andrew! I'll need to read it as they really lean into it sometimes. Happy new Year!

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@InkyRocks the author was a famous I-novelist and the story is in many anthologies …. Maybe even school texts, so it is kind of iconic. I remember reading in the English Asahi about how a young girl left a lemon in a bookshop that was closing. I’m into books, bookstores, & libraries so the story was a bit of a tear-jerker for me. Thanks for sharing inky rocks and thoughts throughout C-19. Aloha

[@naeemahjs]

Great to see you.. your Inkiness..🙏

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Thank you!

[@rohitpid]

Can you do an updated Japanese paper video? I loved your original from many years ago and it seems the paper world has progressed a lot since then. I love your videos! Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, you are so right. I’ve got about 8 videos in the fire now. So maybe during summer. There are a lot of new papers!

[@rohitpid]

@@InkyRocks Wow, looking forward to those 8 too!

[@DoodlesdaMariChannel]

I love your end of the year videos and predictions, I always learn so much! I do love fountain pens but I think I'm more of an ink person myself since I tend to stick with the cheaper fountain pens mostly (I'm always afraid I'd lose or damage an expensive one). The inks just make the whole experience more interesting, specially when we can swap samples with friends.

[@InkyRocks]

thanks so much! I figure I can be both--ink and pen hahaha! (subscribed BTW--nice channel!)

[@Stacey.B]

I agree about the ink. I found fountain pens 🖊 through ink. After using fountain pens I enjoyed the bounce and feel of writing ✍️ with fountain pens.

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! How did you come about to be using ink? What introduced you to ink?

[@darkchocolate4643]

Another outstanding video, Alesa (like you make any other kind... ). I'm old enough to remember when "a crazy ink" meant you switched from your usual blue to a brown ink, or, if you were really daring, a green one. Inks these days are a lot more fun, and you're right, in a way they are more important than the actual fountain pen. What point is there in having a few dozen pens, if they're all inked with Waterman Serenity Blue, right? It may be my imagination, but Japan seems to be a bit of a frontrunner on truly crazy inks though. Ink with caterpillar poop? Were you joking, or does that really exist?

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I remember when "weird" colors came out (ie NOT blue or black) and I thought: really? It's now just crazy. And yes, Japan is the front runner on some truly crazy inks and yes, caterpillar poop. The green is from the kind of leaves it eats or something. It is a pretty light green and I've already used it up! Have a great new year!

[@darkchocolate4643]

@@InkyRocks Thanks, Alesa, you have a great New Year too! Best of wishes for 2013. ❤

[@dashsunil]

Great story about 823 blue. Its gorgeous. 😁

[@InkyRocks]

hahaaha! thanks! I'm really enjoying it!

[@Rebecca_English]

I think you're onto something about inks! I know I tend to choose smaller bottles and pass on larger bottles. The smaller bottles are easier to store, and honestly, let me try more inks!

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously! I like that a lot of the smaller bottles still retain their interesting design so you are not just using an oversized sample.

[@bieberninja1]

i thought i knew a lot about the hobby, but there is so much stuff that i never knew existed, i wouldn't spend money on any of the products in this video but you made the video interesting, you always give so much information, i like this video and am glad you made it

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you. What would you be interested in seeing?

[@bieberninja1]

@@InkyRocks i'm just paraphrasing what you said in the video but i think you said the pilot kakuno is the greatest or best fountain pen but i can't find a video of you doing a review on it, i saw a few short vidoes you did but not an actual review but anything you do is interesting, you definitely do not follow the same routine as everyone else when they talk about the hobby, you found a way to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd which i appreciate

[@InkyRocks]

@@bieberninja1 Thanks so much. My single pen reviews don't do so well, so sometimes I just do shorts on them. In the end, I'm just not that interested in the exact measurements of a pen etc, and there are so many other excellent reviewers that do that sort of thing. I do appreciate any kind of feedback as sometimes I'm really "out there" hahaha

[@bieberninja1]

@@InkyRocks if you ever change your mind about the Kakuno i would like to hear your opinion about it, but i do understand you'll get a bunch of backlash if you don't follow the standard routine for a pen review, like you said exact measurements, thank you the explanation

[@GaryScott-pdx]

I really joy your videos. The only sad thing is that I can’t get a lot of pens and inks that you talk about in the states. But it’s always fu to dream.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, that is a bummer. You may want to check out my "how to buy pens from Japan" vid. Also I would haunt Yoseka--they seem to work really hard on keeping up with a lot of the Japanese stuff.

[@amyelr]

Omg I am totally an ink swamp lady. 😂 I was just thinking today about my ink sample addiction and how the pen is more just a delivery system for them. I do really love the pens- and have too many- but now I am also curious about what beautiful glass dip pens Japan has to offer.

[@InkyRocks]

Oh dear. There are just so MANY beautiful glass pens here. I really wish some glass blowers outside of Japan would get their stuff together and figure out there is a huge market for them. Check out Hanabi Glass. He is here in Japan but is American and you can order from him. The rest of the artists here are difficult to order from as many of them have long waiting lists. You may also want to check out my vid on how to order Japanese pens. Some of the websites on there have some cool glass pens too.

[@dakotashawne4288]

Maruzen unofficial logo is the lemon because it was featured in a short story novel titled lemon where a lemon was left in Maruzen and they kind of went with that. (I think this was the origin)

[@InkyRocks]

I'll need to link the Wikipedia post in my show notes.