If you’ve spent more than five minutes hanging out in the stationery corners of the internet, you already know the . The series is widely celebrated as the entry-level fountain pen, and for good reason. It has captured the hearts of beginners and seasoned pen collectors alike thanks to its ultra-reliable nib, comfortable grip, and that iconic, cheerful little smiley face stamped right onto the metal.
The Kakuno series' iconic smiley face right on the nib
Recently, Pilot took that cozy energy even further with the release of the , a dreamy lineup of soft pastel pens inspired by peaceful naps and daydreams, with slightly translucent bodies and soft gold-toned accents.
Now, legendary Kobe-based stationery institution Nagasawa is taking the Madoromi concept further.
The new lineup of the Madoromi fountain pens and the details they'll be sporting.
A Love Letter to Kobe: The Four New Designs
Known for their iconic Kobe INK Monogatari series and custom designs, Nagasawa has crafted a special-edition fountain pen that merges Pilot's bulletproof everyday usability with exclusive local flair.
This second collection builds on the color base with four distinct designs heavily inspired by the local sights and flavors of Kobe:
The first look will be sporting bread. Yes, bread.
Bread (パン): Kobe is famously known as a town of bread. This design draws inspiration from iconic local bakeries, featuring a playful "sunrise" sweet bread motif complete with a little turtle illustration to add a touch of whimsy.
The second look will have a steamy nikuman design on them
Butaman (ぶたまん): Inspired by the annual Pork Bun Summit held in Nankinmachi (Kobe's Chinatown), this design features cute chick buns, panda buns, and street-side steamed treats.
Can't have a dreamy look without stars.
Starry Sky (星空): Capturing the breathtaking night sky viewed from the peaks of Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya, this transparent blue barrel highlights the Orion constellation visible over Kobe.
Kobe's coastal features will be the last design in their dreamy series
Shell (貝殻): A nod to Kobe's coastal side, this design evokes the gentle waves and seashell patterns along the shore from Suma to Maiko, accented with motifs representing Kobe's famous pearls.
Get ready to mark your calendars; the Madoromi KOBE2 series is set to launch on September 25, 2026. The exclusive fountain pens will be priced at ¥2,530 in Japan. Grab a piece of Kobe's local charm when sales begin, this new fountain pen collaboration proves why the Kakuno remains an absolute must-have in any stationery collection.
