I own and rotate four different Iroshizuku colors, and they consistently impress. The ink flows wonderfully wet on the page, yet dries surprisingly fast — a rare and welcome combination. What really stands out is the shading: wherever the ink pools slightly heavier, you get a beautiful depth of color that adds real character to your handwriting.
Consistent quality across all four bottles, smooth in every pen I've used it with, and a pleasure to write with day to day.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants both performance and visual character from their ink.
I´ve tested a lot of them and all have one in common: they just work and flow perfectly. Especially Yama-Budo and Kon-Peki are among the most forgiving inks I know, even dry nibs are no issue with those two. And of course they look amazing, I never found anything that replicates the essence of Yama-Budo. The bottles are very practical as well when there is not much ink left.
The Iroshizuku inks are fantastic for their behavior in fountain pens. They do not sheen and they do not have any fancy qualities; they are just extremely reliable, smooth, and bright colored inks with just the right amount of lubrication. These are ideal for dry pens with low ink flow. My favorites are the Yamabudo (a deep crimson/wine color), Ama-iro (a light blue), Konpeki (medium blue), Yama-guri (dark sepia), Tsukushi (warm, medium brown) and fufu-gaki (a bright orange).
Elegant glass bottle, smooth flowing & high quality.
Review Add on: 27-03-2026
Average Rating:
(4)
Its hard to be critical of Pilot's Iroshizuku line of inks: Elegant glass bottle, smooth flowing & high quality. I'm a big fan. Yama budo, Kon-peki & Ku-jaku are all firm favourites for all my modern fountain pens. A little pricier? well, maybe - but you truly get what you pay for...
I love these inks, they write smooth (I think they include a lubricant). The battles are also nice, and they are deeper in the middle so the nib can be submerge deeper.
Fuyu-syogun. It’s an interesting color, very mine, has some shading, dries quickly, and has a nice wet flow. It looks better with wider nib M or B. I don’t think I’ve tried a Pilot Iroshizuku ink I didn’t like.
The Take-Sumi is my favorite black ink: deep and wet. Syun-gyo is an excellent writing ink as well. Depending on perspective red-blackish, purple or brown, but stylish.
Iroshizuku make some of the very best inks. Wet, vibrant & well-brhaved inks. Unique & practical 50ml bottle, will adorn your desk with class. My favourite ink brand, well worth paying the little extra for.
..
