#Japan #Tokyo #Fountain Pen #Naofumi Hama #SOUKA

A Celebration of Artistry: The 'SOUKA' Fountain Pen

In a remarkable collaboration between Plus Corporation and Sailor Pen, the "ancora" store in Ginza, Tokyo, is set to unveil a unique addition to its collection of writing instruments. The "Professional Gear Slim Fountain Pen SOUKA", designed by renowned kirie artist Naofumi Hama, will be released on May 23, 2025.

This limited edition fountain pen is significant as it marks the first time that the intricate art of kirie, or paper cutting, is incorporated into a writing instrument designed exclusively for "ancora". Hama’s innovative design reflects a delicate world of flowers and butterflies, bringing to life his vision of nature's beauty in an elegant and functional form.

A Unique Aesthetic

The SOUKA fountain pen will be available in two stunning color combinations: Silver/White and Gold/Black. Its 14K gold nib, which promises a smooth writing experience, features beautifully illustrated flowers and butterflies, while the cap adornments showcase a seasonally-inspired cherry blossom foil in unique finishes. Customers can choose from three nib widths – Fine (F), Medium-Fine (MF), and Medium (M) to suit their writing style.

Naofumi Hama expressed his creative intent with this piece, stating, "I wanted to create a small world of flowers within the fountain pen. I focused on the 'flow' of life, imagining an impossible scene where various flowers bloom from a single stem. This concept of 'seemingly real yet not' is integral to my approach to dimensional kirie art."

Limited Availability and Pre-orders

The highly anticipated SOUKA fountain pen is set to hit the shelves at 11:00 AM (JST) on May 23, 2025, both at the Ginza store and through the online shop. However, eager customers can start making advance telephone reservations on May 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM, provided they plan to pick up their purchase from the Ginza location. Reservations are limited to one pen per person to ensure fairness, and potential buyers are encouraged to act quickly, as availability may be limited.

To place a reservation, customers can contact the ancora Ginza store at 03-6274-6522. Please note that there will be no advance online reservations.

Pricing for the SOUKA fountain pen is set at ¥37,400 (¥34,000 excluding tax), reflecting its artisanal craftsmanship and exclusive design. Additionally, it's important to note that the converter for ink refilling is sold separately.

About Naofumi Hama

Emerging as a self-taught artist since 2012, Naofumi Hama has designed a distinctive style of kirie called "dimensional kirie". This innovative approach involves creating three-dimensional forms where he applies intricate paper cuts. His notably acclaimed works, such as the 'Sakura Kingyo', are characterized by their curved surfaces, setting a new benchmark in the world of paper art. Hama has gained widespread recognition through numerous television appearances and has published four instructional books, including the popular "Naofumi Hama's Dimensional Kirie".

With the release of the SOUKA fountain pen, enthusiasts of both writing and art have a unique opportunity to appreciate Hama's craftsmanship and creativity, beautifully embodied in a luxurious writing instrument. Don't miss out on being part of this exclusive launch; mark your calendars for May 23, 2025, and secure your chance to own this extraordinary piece.

For more information and to explore this beautiful collaboration, visit the official ancora online store at ancora-shop.jp.