Pilot Iroshizuku - Yu-yake

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake - Ink drop

From Pilot’s Iroshizuku line, Yu-yake translates to sunset in English. I love Iroshizuku inks, and I’m not sure why I overlooked this one for so long. I’ve owned Fuyu-gaki (the other orange in the line) for years, but I immediately prefer Yu-yake. There’s none of the glaring brightness that makes some oranges a bit uncomfortable for standard use.

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake fountain pen ink color range

Yu-yake is a calm and restrained sunset orange. It doesn’t lack intensity, but it’s tempered in a way that makes me think of matte finishes on what could be quite bright colors. It’s well-managed in a way that many will appreciate.

Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River

This is a complex orange, and the final color varies wildly based on the paper and nib-width you use. On some, it hints of red, but on others (particularly on uncoated papers), there’s a subtle tan aspect that gives it an earthiness. I wouldn’t call it burnt orange, but it leans that way at times. Shading isn’t dramatic, but there is gentle variation.

Writing sample details on Cosmo Air Snow paper

Writing experience and performance are everything you expect from an Iroshizuku ink. It’s wet and smooth in flow. With the exception of Mnemosyne, I didn’t find any feather or spread. There’s a stroke edging on coated papers, but it is consistently crisp and sharp on uncoated papers, as well. Show-through was mild throughout. It’s an excellent writing ink.

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake writing samples

You can find it in the very nice 50 ml, the newer 30 ml, or the 15 ml bottle. It isn’t the cheapest ink, but it isn’t too bad if you shop around. Either way, Iroshizuku inks are worth every penny!

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake ink swatch card

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake - Comparisons

Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake - 50 ml Bottle