Pilot Iroshizuku Ink Full Line

[@knutvonheim3838]

9 years later and this video is still helpful 😊 Thank you!🎉

[@zackzimmer7167]

At least the bottles are $20 now, he said they were $30, ouch.

[@seanwieland9763]

@@zackzimmer7167in other videos he says that Pilot had to amortize the costs of making the fancy bottles and packaging. Once that was paid off, the prices came down significantly. $15-20 is the norm for the 50mL bottles in 2023, and that’s when almost everything else is 30-40% more expensive because of inflation from the 2 years lockdowns.

[@giovannigio6217]

this is the most useful video if someone is approaching to buy any of these inks. having the opportunity of looking at all of them in one video is really practical

[@creativewatercolor]

I referred to this video so many times in the past few years but don't think I ever left a comment. Thank you so much Brian! Great vid, very helpful.

[@dallinlee7068]

I'm glad the prices of these inks came down!!

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, I'm pumped! Under $20 for an Iroshizuku ink is a great bargain. - Colin

[@dallinlee7068]

The Goulet Pen Company Looking to buy another bottle of Kon Peki from gouletpens! I found your channel recently and definitely will support your website over any i have been using :)

[@vueltaa_43]

It's still about $35 in Europe.

[@halbaradodinson2583]

I just got the Fuyu- Syogun and it is increadible! I absolutely love it. The mixture of blues and greys call to mind the sky right before a rainstorm and the mist that settles in the valleys of the high mountains. Plus the shading is absolutely beautiful. It is not the most saturated of inks, but this adds to its etherial beauty.

[@bikkies]

I've been in the hobby maybe 6 months or so now, and have started trying out a more varied range of inks than good old safe Quink (which has never let me down). Recently I've added some Iroshizuku to my collection. So far I probably like kon-peki, yama-budo and momiji the most. The lighter colours are very attractive but my vision isn't the greatest and I tend to need more contrast to be able to read my own scribblings. Generally I gravitate towards blacks, darker blues, purples and darker greens for that contrast requirement. There are Iroshizuku inks that tick all these boxes. I know it's less economical but I'm particularly keen on the little 10ml bottles. Despite being such a small quantity (better for more occasional use) the bottles still feel glorious in the hand. They deserve top marks for aesthetics coupled with practicality.

[@Gouletpens]

Yama-budo is surprisingly awesome...I actually find Chiku-rin quite pleasant, even though it's not a color I would pick for myself out of a lineup.

[@randy25rhoads]

Brian's big ol' smile at the beginning of every video just makes my day.

[@fabiolean]

There's an inevitable countdown to when I break down and get one of every single one and arrange them gorgeously in my bookshelf :3

[@Gouletpens]

They're super interesting bottles, but you could always get a sample of each to narrow down your list. :) - Colin

[@danobot12]

that happened to me a few days ago. Bought Yama-Budo (magenta), Yu-Yake (sunset), Aso-Gao of course and a 15ml bottle of ku-yaku. Some ebay sellers in Japan sell them for US$18.5 (AU$26) with box and bottle (wish id known about them because i paid $50 a bottle on Notemaker.com)

[@danielbdbe]

hello could you please let me know the names of such ebay sellers ? thanks daniel

[@salvatoreIII]

Its nice seeing the examples in this more natural as opposed to studio lighting

[@Gouletpens]

I think that's exactly what they were going for....here in the US people LOVE deep and saturated ink colors, but that's not usually the goal in other countries like Japan. Fuyu-Syogun is actually a pretty popular color, especially considering that grays in general are not that popular a color.

[@lizzielake]

Glad to find your commentary! Should have known that KZbin could help out with ink and pen questions, but this is new to me. Maybe you have answered this already elsewhere -- but one big question I have about these inks is whether some or all are archival. That would definitely help justify the price for many artists or calligraphers. (In the meantime I just enjoy all the other qualities.) I'd greatly appreciate hearing if you know about this. You might be interested in knowing that in Japan, gray ink is traditionally an ink color used for people who are in mourning (this would be done by letting the black ink remain watery for brush-writing -- one doesn't grind the ink cake long enough to fully darken the water in the grinding stone). The two grays in this line differ in that fuyu-shogun is cool (bluer); the other, kiri-same, is warm gray, with a hint of red. Murasaki shikibu is named after the great novelist nicknamed Murasaki, a word used for a shade of purple. She wrote The Tale of Genji. In the U.S. the tradition for mourning is of course black ink on plain paper; brown ink is/was social; blue is for business or everyday writing. I think it's fun to know this, but I doubt anyone pays any attention to this now. Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

+lizzielake Hi there! Thanks for sharing some of that backstory. :) If you are looking for permanent inks to sketch with, I'd recommend the De Atramentis Document ink line. They are fantastic to draw with and are permanent and waterproof. www.gouletpens.com/ink-sample-package-de-atramentis-document-inks/p/ISP-DADocument. In regards to the Pilot Iroshizuku line, none of these colors will be truly waterproof. Hope that helps! -Margaret

[@lizzielake]

+The Goulet Pen Company Thanks for the information about De Atramentis Document inks. I now hear elsewhere that the Iroshizuku inks are not archival and are acidic. So over time the inks will eat into the pen, I imagine, and probably change color if exposed to light (like when a work is framed). This does not make them useless, but it is important to know. I believe the key factor is acidity, not whether the ink is waterproof.

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

in England, black is for business. no blue for business here.

[@elizabethplotnick6587]

Interesting, thank you. I have been out of the business world for a while here, so I am not sure how things are right now. Surely black is preferred in at least some businesses or professions here. Thanks.

[@bethautrey9634]

My very first pen was a pilot metropolitan and Shin Kai ink color. I'm hooked forever on fountain pens. Thanks for all you videos and education. Love your vids and your customer service.

[@Gouletpens]

That's definitely a great combo to start with. Love all the Iroshizuku inks. Thanks for the support! - Colin

[@Gouletpens]

That's one of the pluses of using a less-saturated color, it's easy on the eyes when viewing a whole page of it. J. Herbin inks are great for that, too. I'm really glad you had a good experience with me and my store :)

[@danobot12]

I think the strings purpose is to catch ink that flows through the caps threads. (like when you get ink on the threads inside the cap and screw it back on). That might be its purpose :)

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, other commenters have mentioned that as well. Makes perfect sense! - Colin

[@bikkies]

That's really interesting. I hadn't thought of that. Yet another illustration of how someone has put a little thought into the design, rather than just churning out flimsy generic bottles like mainstream Diamine inks. They all do the job but for overall style it has to be Iroshizuku in my mind, closely followed by Lamy.

[@ElaineDarlingtonBrown]

Thanks to you, I now own 2 of these - Ina-ho and Kiri-same, and am awaiting the Fuyu-syogun. I currently have the Kiri-same in a matte Vanishing Point (also down to your review) and absolutely LOVE it. The translation - 'Misty Rain' - describes the colour perfectly and, with such a fine nib, I'm getting the most subtle effect that I'd never have dreamt possible. It's bordering on 'pencil'. The fluidity of these inks, plus the wondrous performance of the VP, makes for an amazing experience in my creative work. Thank you so very much.

[@joesgoodlife]

I took me awhile to be willing to spend this kind of money for ink but when I did I was sold! I don't know if it in my head but my pens seem to write smoother and flow better than all the others I have tried. And I have tried many.

[@Gouletpens]

ferraraphotographics It is great ink :) Glad you're liking it! -Margaret

[@vahehovh3663]

Try Noodler’s eel inks

[@BrandochGarage]

I was in love with those bottles from the very first time I saw them. I also really like the Namiki black bottle (squat and round) - it looks great on my desk.

[@jameskeener7251]

I’m fairly new to this world and I bought two Iroshizuku inks because of the bottles. I thought that much attention to excellence in packaging boded well for the quality of the inks. One of the times that intuitive impulse played out as hoped.

[@steventrosiek2623]

Fabulous review of the Irosizuku inks. Ceruleun blue is my favourite so far. Thanks, Brian, for a job well done.

[@halbaradodinson2583]

uty. I take a lot of notes for class and typically when I look at a page full of them, my eyes are a little overwhelmed, but not with this ink. It's melody of colors is peaceful and relaxing. Overall an incredible ink! By the way I bought it from Brian and the service was increadible! The ink got here quickly and in perfect condition. Plus there was a hand written note inside thanking me for my purchase.

[@billmcyrus]

This is absolutely excellent and thank you so much for doing this video as well as the many others! Currently I own two Iroshizukus and will definitely be getting more of them.

[@kendalnewton4784]

i am obsessed with the goulet pen company! Love you guys! Next ink drop should be all iroshizuku inks ;) just saying

[@johnandrewmunroe]

Thank you for the excellent overview. I'm just taking delivery of my first Iroshizuku (Yu-Yake) tomorrow. Being in Tokyo it was only $16 at today's rate. Makes it clear that shipping is a major factor. Such a treat to see all colors with both swab and pen. A great resource!

[@0927holly]

I know this is an old video but I have to comment. I love this ink. I bought some samples and I bought full bottle Tsuki-yo. I'm saving my pennies for more bottles. I'm a fountain pen newbie. My collection includes Pilot Metros, Safari, Al-Star, Eco, TWSBI 580 and Lamy Joy. This ink works perfect in all of them. I filled my Lamy Joy 1.1 with my sample of Murasaki-shikibu and I can't stop writing with it! I'll refer to this video often. Thank you for creating it!

[@Gouletpens]

Yes, I love the Iroshizuku inks. By far my favorite. Well-behaved on paper, easy to clean out, huge range of colors with great shading & sheening options. I basically recommend them to everyone! :) - Colin

[@urasgungor9244]

So many blues! No wonder Brian is a fan of these ^^

[@maX0229567]

5:04 My sight.... BRIGHTENS!

[@TheModernPhilosopher]

I placed an order for my own bottle of Take-Sumi after I got the email that you guys had it in stock. After watching this video, I'm very eager to get my bottle so I can test it with my new Namiki Falcon. Thanks for making a video on the Iroshizuku ink line!

[@Seth0331]

In the process of collecting all 24 colours of these inks. Love the inks.

[@NicholasAarons]

Awesome Video Brian. Lovely Inks. Keep up the great work. Nick.

[@lucasriddle5538]

Murasaki Shikibu, the first ink vial I ever bought❤

[@DonnieCallister]

funny that no one sees a function in the thread ... saw a couple vids on youtube where they just pulled it off. to me they would act as a stop for ink drops spilling over the rim, right?

[@kevinu.k.7042]

I so agree with you regarding price and their superb quality. Shin-Kai seems to be Namiki Blue Black, which is the same as Pilot Blue Black, but just in a nicer bottle. It's my go to Blue Black for it's shading and subtle colour. The ink in this range that makes me hand my wallet over without question is Murusaki-Shikibu. Superb colour and great shading. Thanks for this review. It's so very helpful as I check out their other colours.

[@lilmzann]

It's kind of crap how much these inks cost in America. They're literally less than half that price in Japan ... import price, y u suck?! I picked up almost all of the colors (gotta catch 'em all) last time I went to a stationary store and it wasn't too painful in for the wallet. I just love how they perform and the bottle is absolutely beautiful. I actually keep them on my vanity. I wish they were a tad water resistant, but that's just because I'm a klutz and tend to spill my coffee or drip water on whatever I'm writing on. Otherwise, no real complaints . These inks are my new loves

[@Gouletpens]

I think you'll like it! I'll have a video specifically on it coming out very soon.

[@Gouletpens]

No, these inks don't time travel ;) It seemed so natural to say 2012 that I didn't even notice it when doing my editing...bah!

[@Gouletpens]

Haha, I'm glad to hear that :)

[@arlenepadden1243]

I use this ink with fountain pens and my oblique pen holder and a Leonardt Principal nib. Great ink.

[@etherealemily4901]

CERULEAN!! I love that blue but I could never figure out the name of it!! Thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

Yes!! It's the best.

[@TonicLime1]

I have yama-budo. It's one of my favorite inks. I can't wait to add more colors to my collection. Next on my list is Chiku-rin Bamboo Forest and Fuyu-syogum Old Man Winter.

[@JoachimderZweite]

I love this stuff. I am now practicing Kanjis with my recently acquired economical fountain pens and I have just bought two bottles of Waterman Ink. I do not understand why writing with a fountain pen is so pleasurable and so compelling but I recently heard that writing is what transmits culture. Fountain pens are like hooks that lead to inks, paper. history, literature and eventually art. Suddenly I want to live again - make different choices, read many more books, learn different languages, seek out different women and write more letters.

[@alishadonohoe]

Kudos on your pronunciation of all these inks! I stumble over them when talking to friends about them. Haha. Thanks for putting them altogether. I do enjoy these inks!

[@anibal5845]

Wait, they're expensive?

[@zackzimmer7167]

Fred: “It’s called an Ascot.” Daphne:🙄🙄🙄

[@Gouletpens]

I'm sorry for your import duties, a lot of countries have those and there's nothing we can do about it. It's actually illegal for us to claim items as a gift when they're clearly purchased merchandise, and we aren't willing to lie like that. I understand that it means we could lose your business (and others'), but we have to play by the rules!

[@Gouletpens]

Sorry, that's just using a different method to try to skirt around the same rules...I'm still breaking the same laws by doing that, not to mention that all of the shipping still ultimately goes through USPS, whether Paypal or any other shipping software is used to generate the label. I'm afraid when it comes to importing/exporting goods, there's no 'safe' way to get around these rules. You just have to pay up.

[@DrTomTonkin]

Love the take-sumi. I need to check out other blacks, but I'm not sure why I should seek something else.

[@Gouletpens]

If you find an ink you really like, there isn't a huge need to find others! - Colin

[@slugger777]

Do you think the string is there to soak up some ink spills on the rim of the bottle. To prevent it from running down the side of the bottle and onto the table or where it is standing?

[@ameliabuns4058]

honestly i'd buy it anyways if i could. No idea how others run out of ink, but i write daily and I still have never finished a 50ml bottle! i'd say that's like at last gonna last me a year, 20$/12 = 1.6$ a month. I calculate all my purchases like that. My PC is like 25$ a month which lasts 4 years :3

[@pippamathers]

Or do you have to use the colours that they provide you with?

[@mellow-jello]

If rumors in 2024 are true, Pilot will deepsix three blues, with only Konpeki and Shinkai will be the only blues in the Iroshizuku line. Better than brown, only Yamaguri left standing.

[@pmckinlay653]

I had a colleague get some for me when he was in Japan recently- Tokyo Hands have it for 1750 Yen per bottle (including taxes). I got Tsuki-Yo, Yama-Budo, Chiku-Rin, and Ku-Jaku. I may well get a bottle of Syo-Ro from you lot soonish!

[@Gouletpens]

It is cheaper in Japan, obviously. Funny though that ink like Noodler's over there costs more than Iroshizuku, it all depends where it's coming from! -Brian Goulet

[@debxylen]

Asa-gao❤

[@nathannguyen2041]

I have a question regarding fountain pens, how do you switch out ink colours? Do you just flush it out with water and then fill it?

[@Gouletpens]

Nathan Nguyen Yup, pretty much! I have a whole video on cleaning and maintaining pens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hamrZomJbqeYhZo -Brian Goulet

[@kevyan76yt]

Is the ink water proof?

[@vwood2]

Kevin Yan - this is a late reply, but the two lighter greys are quite water resistant - not waterproof but resistant enough to use in watercolour sketches.

[@ianboard544]

Is the cost really that bad? Tsuki-yo is my everyday ink and at the rate I go through it, a bottle will last me several months.

[@pippamathers]

Do these bottles work with pilot parallel pens?

[@false-set]

I just bought montblanc permanent blue for my 912 custom, I was told it flows great and has a nice shade... waiting fit to arrive i checked a forum... they've more or less said the opposite, dry and stains barrels and nibs... I can handle the converter turning blue but not my shiny nib... no way it'll stain rhodium right?... right? :(

[@Ryan98391]

I'm interested in the Fuyu-Gaki, Winter Persimmon, Orange Red. I have a orange Jinhao 159 that I plan to use with this ink.

[@Gouletpens]

Love that ink! Should go really well with the orange Jinhao. - Colin

[@Gouletpens]

Haha, thanks! I don't know any Japanese, but fake my way through it as best I can ;)

[@halleycapps6359]

3:05 "Very wet inks that dry very quickly." I'm brand new to fountain pens, and I'm just curious how that works. Being very wet, how does it dry very quickly? I'm sorry if this is a ridiculous question, but I'm very very curious! I've never tried any Iroshizuku inks!

[@YdeB]

"Wet" is usually used as a measure of how much ink is put onto the page, when in the context of fountain pens.

[@belphegor_dev]

Iroshizuku is really all you need, unless you're looking for tacky shimmer inks. Better behaved than Diamine too, and not that much more expensive.

[@skandhasuhasbadrinarayan9129]

is this good for bad paper

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, especially using a finer nib, these are really well-behaved inks on a variety of paper. - Colin

[@skandhasuhasbadrinarayan9129]

Thanks

[@anhhuynhkimnguyen6793]

I’m deciding between Asa-gao, Tsuki-yo and Shin-kai right now. I’m so conflicted.

[@rr8299]

Me too!

[@panama-canada]

True Black is very difficult to make.

[@dogfood2525]

Hi, there. The Pilot Iroshizuku asa-gao morning glory dark blue: is it a purplish color or as seen in your card selection as a vivid blue? I have seen it labeled as vivid purplish blue. I do not want any purple in it. Great videos, thanks.

[@Gouletpens]

That's strange, it's definitely a vibrant blue. You can see a writing sample on the product page: www.gouletpens.com/is-pn69203/p/IS-PN69203 - Colin

[@ignacio1094]

ahhh, I don't know which one get first. Maybe the deep orange.

[@ShenghuiYang]

0:34 is it kon-peki?

[@advingan]

Are these permeant ink? Will it run if they dry on paper and the paper touches alcohol or water?

[@Gouletpens]

Advin Gan They are not permanent, but they are wet inks that dry pretty fast! The ink might run a bit when interacting with water. -Margaret

[@alextaplin7354]

I have tried samples of Iroshizuku inks and they perform as equals to my Diamine inks which I can get about 12 of for the price of 1 Iroshizuku and the colours haven't got anything really special enough to justify the price either. I would really like to see a video like this for the Sailor Manyo inks now I have noticed a new set has came out.

[@Gouletpens]

That's a good call, Alex. We can definitely give that line some love. - Drew

[@drdipanwitabiswas4124]

Can you plz suggest me some scented inks?

[@panama-canada]

The price in Japan is $25 for 50 mil.

[@nichtgewesen2751]

Is the Iroshizuku Yu-yake going to be back in stock any time soon? Or is it gone for good on your site?

[@Gouletpens]

+nichtgeWesen Not gone for good. Hopefully we'll have more in the next few weeks :) -Margaret

[@gloriatepper5962]

Are these inks water based? If not what ? Preservatives ?

[@Gouletpens]

Yes, nearly all fountain pen ink is water based! - Colin

[@albertovega3383]

Wow, I just bought the Kosumosu bottle thinking that $35 was a decent price for ink. I Should have gone cheaper as I just bought my first fountain pen. LOL SMH

[@MD-eb6iu]

They’re lovely inks but the prices have gotten crazy in the U.K.

[@MrLionken07]

Do you know if the Pilot Blue ink (pilot blue bottle) is the same as the Namiki Blue that you guys carry?

[@yalingliu8796]

Can I use these ink for my TWSBI ECO?

[@brianexplores285]

No

[@amunoz4809]

You can get them on amazon for 18 dollars

[@myleshollingsworth1265]

they should really make a white ink for colored paper

[@Gouletpens]

Myles Hollingsworth That would be cool. Unfortunately there really isn't a bright white fountain pen ink. -Margaret

[@myleshollingsworth1265]

yeah

[@Ya0Yao]

The price of a 50ml bottle Iroshizuku is about $11 in Japan and $13 in China...

[@Gouletpens]

Well the price to ship from Japan to... Japan is definitely a lot cheaper than to the US. We're pretty pumped to have them available for under $20 now! Great value at either cost. :) - Colin

[@sandrat2935]

It's hard to really get into really nice fountain pens and inks when you're only 16 T.T

[@davidninan88]

I can understand how it would seem that way but with some research you can find some terrific pens and inks that don't cost the moon. :)

[@liveforlife2494]

Agreed! I'm not that much older and I agree that it can definitely be an issue, especially moneywise. If you haven't already, try the Platinum Preppy ($4), a Pilot Varsity ($3-4), or a Pilot Metropolitan ($15). These are all cheap but very dependable pens. Also, try Goulet Pens' ink samples (most are $1.25), available on their website! You can find all these things on Gouletpens.com--amazing site and company!

[@ryancalton9775]

Omg I know right

[@yomama7084]

I would recommend a jinhao because you can get a lot of pens for a super cheap price!

[@keroppiix]

I just waited till Christmas

[@thomask1424]

What's really curious about the line is that there is no outright red.

[@Gouletpens]

I suppose that's a bit weird, but who needs red when they have Fuyu-gaki? ;) - Colin

[@AlexOtter]

At 4:17, I think you meant January 2013! Unless these new Iroshizukus transcend time itself :P

[@darkelf2x1]

for 35 I can almost buy 2 bottles of montblanc ink

[@Gouletpens]

Or 3 bottles of Noodlers, 4 bottles of PR...yeah, it's a lot! -Brian Goulet

[@kuhataparunks]

Didnt even notice that- that's kind of sad... This costs more than MB ink!! How!!?

[@barbaram9906]

Hey that would be Nice to have an up date on this one with close up, thanks a new subscriber

[@Gouletpens]

+Barbara M There hasn't been a big change to the Pilot Iroshizuku lineup, but if you go to our website you can see a closer look at each of the ink swabs in our Swab Shop (www.gouletpens.com/swab-shop) - Colin

[@barbaram9906]

+The Goulet Pen Company I did ;) very usefull thanks

[@JoJoElZ16]

15 DEC 2017 It costs only 19.99USD

[@Gouletpens]

You're right, the price recently dropped! :) -Margaret

[@happyface4234]

iinkk

[@briannova5570]

yes there is a black.

[@Gouletpens]

Yes, Take-Sumi. -Brian Goulet

[@kshirsagar45]

Did you get a letter by me to you?

[@cryingbball]

4:42 Im a ho huh?

[@AlecTeoJK]

lol i hear a mechanical keyboard in the background.

[@kshirsagar45]

I understand but maybe the rules can be bent by me buying from you and paying through paypal and you as a friend ship it to me

[@kshirsagar45]

Above 20 dollars *

[@sinceyouveaskedilltellyouw2241]

It tastes terrible.

[@kshirsagar45]

I really want to buy from you but as I live in india I have to pay a hell of a lot import duties because I cantI buy stock below 20dollars. If you can kindly consider shipping as a gift I think I could buy many things from you.my first purchase from u was pleasant but 70% duties. I think you can understand

[@debxylen]

Asa-gao❤