Sailor is one of Japan's oldest and most respected pen manufacturers, with a history stretching back over a century. Here is a brief account of how the company grew from a small nib-making workshop into one of the world's most celebrated fountain pen brands.
The Early Years
Sailor's history begins in 1911, when Mr Sakata and his brother founded the Sakata Manufactory to produce solid gold nibs. By 1917 the factory had relocated to the nearby town of Hamadacho, the company had been renamed Sailor Pen Sakata Manufactory Co., Ltd., and production had scaled up significantly.
In 1926, Imperial Prince Hirohito visited the factory -- a remarkable honour for a company with just 300 employees, only 15 years after its founding, and one that did a great deal for Sailor's credibility both in Japan and internationally.
Innovation and Milestones
Sailor launched Japan's first domestically produced ballpoint pen in 1948, after two years in development. The following year, 1949, brought another milestone: Sailor invented their own plastic injection machine and began mass-producing Japan's first plastic fountain pens, replacing the ebonite and celluloid construction that had been standard until then.
In 1954, Sailor developed Japan's first ink cartridges, which went on sale commercially in 1958.
Notable Releases
1963 -- The mini type fountain pen was released, becoming a fashion piece of the era and popular for clipping to shirt pockets.
Sailor mini type fountain pen, 1963.
1969 -- Sailor produced the world's first fountain pen with a 21-carat gold nib. More than one million pieces were sold.
1972 -- The Fude pen (brush pen) went on sale, the first of its kind in the world. Sailor adapted the traditional Japanese calligraphy brush style into an everyday writing instrument.
1973 -- Sailor won first place for quality in a competition run by the Japan Consumers' Association.
1976 -- The Candy series was launched, aimed at younger writers, selling four million pieces in four years. The Chalana -- the slimmest pen in the world at the time -- was released simultaneously.
1981 -- The 1911 Profit fountain pen was released, drawing on 70 years of accumulated craft and expertise. It remains one of Sailor's most celebrated models.
2008 -- At the G8 summit held in Japan, world leaders were each gifted a Koransha-made Arita-yaki fountain pen produced by Sailor. The pen took two years to develop.
For a full overview of the Sailor range and buying guidance, see our Sailor Brand Guide or browse the Sailor range at Pure Pens.