Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Ink drop

Well, this is a very nice ink. Released in October 2022, Naoshima Kon is a store exclusive collaboration between Sailor and InkTraveler. It’s also Sailor’s first collaboration with a European retailer. InkTraveler is a shop based in Murcia, Spain. They specialize in Japanese pens and inks and have a wide selection of tempting goodies!

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Shading

Naoshima is an island in Japan’s Seto Sea just south of Okayama and about 100km west of Osaka. The Naoshima Kon (Naoshima Blue) was inspired by the beautiful, deep blue of Naoshima’s sky. Chosen by Maria (she and Pepe operate InkTraveler), this blue takes her back to her favorite place.

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Sheen

This is a very attractive deep blue, the kind that you appreciate more each time you use it. As you can see in the comparison image, it’s similar to Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo but brighter, and a touch darker than Taccia Fukaki Hanada. That’s very good company to be among! Naoshima Kon has a hint of yellow in lighter areas, and a subtle red sheen edge in both the splatter, and in writing on coated papers. Shading is very nice with this ink, and stronger than either of the two comparison inks mentioned earlier. Without it, it would be a bit flat, but here we see movement and a lot of character.

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Sample on Rhodia

There’s no question; this is a wonderful writing ink. It’s a Sailor, and performance is as good, or even better than hoped. Strokes were clean and sharp on all papers tested. It’s a bit brighter on coated papers, and shading is a touch stronger, too. Drying was better than average on all six papers, as well. I can’t find any faults or disappointments in performance.

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Ink Swatch Card

Naoshima Kon is an excellent ink for everyday use. The more a page fills, the more I like this ink. I’m very impressed. I don’t know how limited supplies are, but I highly recommend you check out InkTraveler and order a bottle!

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Ink Swatch Comparisons

Sailor x InkTraveler - Naoshima Kon - Ink Bottle and Box