PILOT Kakuno Transparent EF Fountain Pen

Product Description

The Kakuno is PILOT's entry-level fountain pen, built around a set of design details aimed at first-time writers. The barrel is hexagonal — a six-sided, pencil-like shape that keeps the pen from rolling off a desk and echoes the product's name, which plays on the Japanese words for "of writing" (書くの) and "six-angled" (六角の). Below it, the grip section is gently triangular, shaped to guide the thumb, index, and middle finger into a natural writing position. At approximately 11g (body weight), the pen is light enough to hold comfortably during longer writing sessions.

The nib is shaped with a small "face," formed by the ink slit, that acts as a visual cue for holding the pen at the correct angle — the face should point toward the writer. On this Transparent EF version, the face sticks its tongue out. The barrel has a clear, demonstrator-style finish that lets the ink level and color show through, setting it apart from the line's opaque colorways. The cap is a clipless snap-cap with a molded thumb indentation for easy removal, sized to sit flush inside a pencil case.

Product Specification

• Nib size: EF (extra fine)
• Nib material: stainless steel
• Grip section: triangular
• Barrel shape: hexagonal (six-sided)
• Cap: clipless snap-cap with thumb indentation
• Ink system: cartridge/converter type; one black PILOT ink cartridge included; compatible with CON-40 and CON-70N converters (sold separately)
• Dimensions: approx. 131mm length, 16.0mm maximum diameter
• Body weight: approx. 11g
• Body materials: recycled PC (polycarbonate) barrel and cap, recycled AS resin neck

Awards & Recognition

The Kakuno line has received Japan's Good Design Award and Kids Design Award. As of 2021, cumulative sales of the Kakuno line surpassed 4.2 million units.