Are we still in an age where we write down our thoughts with a traditional pen? Pilot Pen certainly seems to believe so, considering their frequent releases of new pens this year. Pilot Pen is headquartered in Japan and the Singapore office was set up in 1984. Pilot has taken an active approach in community efforts, especially towards students.
FriXion Ball Knock Zone
In 2005, Pilot Pen unveiled the innovative FriXion Series, marking the world’s inaugural erasable writing collection. These writing instruments feature a unique thermo-sensitive gel ink that vanishes upon the application of friction. In August this year, they introduced the FriXion Ball Knock Zone, boasting a substantial 70% increase in ink capacity, higher ink density, and an extended writing distance to ensure an uninterrupted and seamless writing experience. This new addition also incorporates a novel tip holding system, guaranteeing steady and precise writing.
The FriXion Ball Knock Zone is available for purchase at S$7.30 (inclusive of GST) and is offered in black ink, with a choice of two nib sizes: 0.5mm and 0.7mm. For both nib sizes, users can select from the classic barrel colors, including ‘All-time Black,’ ‘Neutral Clear,’ and ‘Midnight Navy.’ Those who prefer the finer 0.5mm nib have the option of choosing from two additional playful colors, namely ‘Break Time Beige’ and ‘First Light Pink.’ Moreover, the Refill Pack, comprising two ink refills of the same colour (available in black, blue, and red inks), is available at the same price of S$7.30 (inclusive of GST).
To add some fun to pen and paper are FriXion Stamps retail at S$1.85 in petite and charming designs and FriXion Light Erasable Spotliter retailing at S$1.20 in an array of bold fluorescent colours and soothing pastel tones.
Limited Edition ILMILY Herbal-scented Roller Ball Pens
The Pilot ILMILY Herbal-Scented Roller Ball Pens, available as a limited edition, are set to debut on October 16 at S$2.65, coinciding with World Mental Wellness Month. The ILMILY line, which was established in 2021 by passionate enthusiasts of stationery, stands for “I like me, I like you.” This collection conveys a message of self-care and mutual appreciation.
This special herbal-scented series encompasses four gel ink ballpoint pens, each infused with a natural herbal fragrance – Peppermint, Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, and Geranium. These pens cater to individuals who value the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. They maintain essential design elements cherished in Pilot Pens, including a rubberised grip and a retractable feature that ensures a smooth and comfortable writing experience for users.
Designed for everyday use, these roller ball pens feature high-quality black gel ink, enabling your thoughts to flow effortlessly from your mind to the page without any smudging. Their sturdy lift-clip also allows for convenient attachment to a notebook or pocket, ensuring secure and hassle-free portability.
Limited-Edition 105th Anniversary “White Rabbit” Fountain Pen
This year marks the 105th anniversary of Pilot Pen, and in celebration of this milestone, the brand has introduced the Pilot Limited-Edition 105th Anniversary “White Rabbit” Fountain Pen, available in October 2023, with only 100 sets available worldwide. This exquisite pen is meticulously handcrafted by the renowned Maki-e artisan, Masahiro Yamada, who hails from the prestigious Kokkokai group. Over decades, a range of refined Maki-e techniques have been employed to achieve a flawless finish.
The white rabbit is widely recognized as a symbol of good fortune in both Japan and around the world. The iconic narrative of the “White Rabbit of Inaba,” also known as the ‘Master of the Great Land,’ depicts the deity coming to the aid of the white rabbit in its time of need. This folk tale embodies important themes of honesty and kindness, and Pilot Pen seeks to celebrate individual success through this pen.
The pen showcases an Emperor vest-type pen body, adorned with a meticulously designed white rabbit on the barrel, created using the intricate Taka Maki-e technique, which imparts a high-relief texture to the animal character, elevating its presence from the surface with exceptional beauty. The delicate portrayal of the background landscape is achieved through a combination of Maki-e techniques, including Togidashi Maki-e (Burnished Maki-e) and Raden (Mother-of-Pearl) for the wave patterns, and Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Combined Raised and Burnished Maki-e) for the rocks. These techniques collectively infuse depth and texture into the appearance of the fountain pen, breathing life into the design.
Additional notable details include the unique engraving on its 18K gold nib, marked with the number 50 to commemorate the significant 105th anniversary milestone. This special pen will be available at Aesthetic Bay in The Adelphi, Elephant & Coral in Mandarin Gallery, and Fook Hing Trading Co in Bras Basah Complex. The pricing details have not been disclosed.
Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Pilot Capless Kanreki Fountain Pen
Pilot Pen is set to unveil its Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Pilot Capless Kanreki Fountain Pen in October 2023, exclusively available through select dealers in Singapore. This special release will comprise only 2,023 pieces, aligning with the momentous 60th-anniversary milestone.
The Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Pilot Capless Kanreki Fountain Pen pays homage to the rich cultural traditions of Japan, often referred to as the ‘land of the rising sun.’ In Japan, celebrating one’s 60th birthday, known as “Kanreki” (還暦), holds profound significance. The Kanji characters “Kan” and “reki” symbolise “cycle” and “calendar,” respectively, signifying the completion of a 60-year cycle according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. During the Kanreki celebration, the colour red takes centre stage, symbolizing the rebirth into the next 60-year phase of life. Red is not only a sacred hue but is also closely associated with prosperity, joy, and happiness. To mark this special occasion, the Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Pilot Capless Kanreki Fountain Pen showcases a deep red barrel with a high-gloss finish, complemented by matte black accents, capturing the essence of the Kanreki celebration.
This pen boasts a retractable medium nib made of 18 karat gold and plated with rhodium, ensuring an exceptional and smooth writing experience. The metal construction of the fountain pen not only enhances stability, making writing more comfortable, but it also includes a practical clip at the pen’s tip, allowing users to securely carry it, nib-up, in a pen case or pocket.
The Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Pilot Capless Kanreki Fountain Pen is priced at S$330 before GST and will be available at Aesthetic Bay in The Adelphi, Elephant & Coral in Mandarin Gallery, and Fook Hing Trading Co in Bras Basah Complex.
