The drawback of this event, though, lies in its size—17 tables and around 100 visitors. But why is it so small when the metropolitan area of Tokyo hosts about 36 million people, there is an active pen community, and a rich pen manufacturing tradition?
Relaxed atmosphere.
But at the same time, are there real incentives to make it grow? Probably not, and I venture some hypothesis to explain that:
– In Tokyo there are pen and stationery events almost every single month, and people might not feel the need to cater the craving for pen action at this particular moment in the year.
– The Tokyo International Pen Show (TIPS) does attract more people than this Pen Trade event due to its eclectic nature—everything goes in there, new pens, old pens, paper, ink, paraphernalia,...
– Younger generations seem more focused on ink than on pens.
So, in summary, the potential market for a big pen-focused pen show in Tokyo is fragmented.
Some interesting pens on this table.
But in any event, and despite its size, there were some interesting pens and attractive people with whom to share information. And because of that, the date of the Pen Trade is the big day for those who love pens in Tokyo.
Parker 51 – Sailor Tomikei Blue
Bruno Taut
June 12th, 2023
etiquetas: Tokyo, mercado
Bruno Taut
June 12th, 2023
etiquetas: Tokyo, mercado
8 comments:
The six black pens at the bottom of the picture... Perfection
You are lucky, even if it's not abig event. You can choose among many events and multiple stores! And we'll always have Madrid 😘
I think I'd prefer a smaller more intimate setting with focus on older pens. Did you pick-up anything interesting? Three pens which piqued my interest from that tray of pens. 1. Bottom right maki-e with scrap paper under the rubber string. 2. Silver overlay pen Bottom half-top row 3rd from right - I have a similar Platinum Shiseido branded pen. 3. Bottom half-top row 4th from right - Is that a Pilot desk pen with raden?
Thanks, Saltire. And my apologies for the harsh conditions to comment--spam is very active and annoying lately. Hope it gets better soon.
Two of those jumbo pens were actually high quality. I praise your taste.
Cheers,
BT
Papish,
Thanks for your comment. Certainly in Tokyo we have no argument to complain on the pen scene, but a big real penshow would be wonderful.
Cheers,
BT
Markiv,
Well, re penshows, more is more; more is always better.
I did get some pens and am planning to write something about them. About the other two nothing can I say. I do not think it is a Pilot desk pen, but I could be wrong.
Thanks for passing by and commenting. My apologies for the delay in approving your comment.
Cheers,
BT
Re the pens you pointed out, the first one has no clear brand, and the maki-e is erotic in nature (check shunga online).
It was really a pleasure to see you again at the Pen Trading event. Thank you for your suggestions. It made the Wagner event a wonderful experience. There really are some interesting people at that event. I appreciate your introductions. Have a good autumn writing.
Thanks, Drew, for your comment and, more importantly, attending the Pen Trade event in Tokyo.
About autumn writing, I hope to be up to the challenge.
Cheers,
BT
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