PILOT
A Japanese maker refining the tools of writing for over a century.
From fountain pens and ballpoint pens to mechanical pencils and markers, PILOT is a comprehensive writing-instrument manufacturer based in Japan. The story starts in 1918, when founders Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada succeeded in machining the tiny "pen point" that makes a nib work — and went on to create Japan's first domestically made fountain pen. Today, PILOT products are sold in more than 190 countries and regions.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
PILOT began with a simple ambition: "to create something Japan can be proud of and share with the world." In 1918, the brand's predecessor was founded, and the name "PILOT" was chosen with the hope of becoming a guide — like a pilot guiding ships — leading the industry forward.
The company moved quickly onto the global stage. In 1926 it established overseas bases in New York, London, Shanghai, and Singapore. Today, PILOT products are sold in more than 190 countries and regions, while the commitment to writing feel and finishing remains rooted in its early fountain-pen craft.
Manufacturing also stays closely tied to Japan. With facilities such as the Hiratsuka plant (Kanagawa) and the Isesaki plants (Gunma), PILOT maintains a domestic foundation for the key processes behind writing instruments.
And the brand's scope is wider than you might expect. From stationery to toys, jewelry, and industrial materials, PILOT's technologies derived from writing continue to branch out — turning precision and ideas into everyday usefulness.
Founded in 1918 — built on Japan's first domestic fountain pen
PILOT's origins trace back to nib-making. By establishing the know-how to process the pen point, the founders created Japan's first domestically made fountain pen in 1918.
Capless and FriXion: ideas that changed daily writing
PILOT is known for signature innovations such as Capless (the world's first capless fountain pen) and FriXion (an erasable ballpoint pen) — tools that redefined what everyday writing could feel like.
Beyond pens: stationery, toys, jewelry, and industrial materials
Technologies developed for writing instruments also support other lines — stationery, educational toys, jewelry, and industrial components including ceramics.
Domestic production sites that back up quality
PILOT operates major production bases in Japan, including the Hiratsuka plant in Kanagawa and the Isesaki plant in Gunma, maintaining quality at the source.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
PILOT FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pen — Made in Japan
An erasable ballpoint pen using thermo-sensitive ink that disappears with friction heat. A popular everyday writing tool available in many colors and line widths.
View DetailsPILOT G2 Retractable Gel Pen — Made in Japan
A reliable retractable gel pen with a smooth, clean line. One of the most consistently used everyday pens in the PILOT lineup worldwide.
View DetailsPILOT Metropolitan Fountain Pen — Made in Japan
An accessible yet refined fountain pen with a stainless steel nib. A well-regarded entry point into PILOT's fountain pen world.
View DetailsPILOT Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil — Made in Japan
A mechanical pencil designed with an ergonomic grip to reduce hand fatigue during extended writing sessions. Available in multiple lead sizes.
View DetailsMEDIA Media, Awards & Initiatives
- PILOT created Capless (world's first capless fountain pen) and FriXion (erasable ballpoint pen) — both widely recognized innovations.
- Domestic plants in Hiratsuka (Kanagawa) and Isesaki (Gunma) maintain in-house production capability.