Designed by Nakaya master pen designer Shinichi Yoshida in collaboration with Classic Fountain Pen's John Mottishaw, the Naka-ai, with its peaked ends and tapered body, combines many of Nakaya’s most distinctive design features in a single model. "Naka-ai" has the meaning of middle or in-between, and brings to mind the Middle Way of Buddhist practice with its emphasis on balance, integrity, and centeredness. Appropriately enough, the Naka-ai occupies a midway position between Nakaya's smaller Piccolo series pens and the longer desk pen -  this is a pen that will be a very comfortable fit for most pen users.

Natural Urushi lacquer over ebonite hard rubber creates a warm feel that users find highly appealing - it's often said that once you've used an ebonite Urushi pen, you can never go back to other pens again. Ebonite is a highly durable material - many vintage pens made from it are still in everyday use a hundred years and more after being originally sold.

Nakaya pens are individually handcrafted in a process that requires a minimum of three to six months and often much longer. Unless requested otherwise, each pen or nib you purchase from us will be carefully examined, tested, and optimized for your personal writing characteristics before it ships.