Is Pilot a Japanese pen brand?

Yes. Pilot originated in Japan in 1918 and is ultimately owned by Pilot Corporation, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Who makes Pilot pens?

Pilot Corporation makes and sells Pilot writing instruments. Pilot Corporation operates manufacturing facilities in Japan and has group companies and operations in other markets.

Are Pilot and Namiki the same brand?

Pilot and Namiki are associated writing instrument brands operated by Pilot Corporation. Namiki is used for a range of higher-end writing instruments, while Pilot covers a broader range of stationery products.

What is Pilot FRIXION?

FRIXION is Pilot's erasable ballpoint pen range. The ink technology allows writing to be erased through friction.

Who's behind Pilot? Check before you buy

About Pilot

What is Pilot?

Pilot is a Japanese writing instruments brand operated by Pilot Corporation. Pilot products include fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, mechanical pencils, markers, and other stationery products. Pilot Corporation also manufactures toys, rings, precious metal accessories, ceramic parts, and related products.

Who owns Pilot?

Pilot is ultimately owned by Pilot Corporation, according to Made O'Meter's ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. Pilot Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market under securities code 7846. Pilot Corporation is headquartered at 6-21 Kyobashi 2-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Pilot Corporation reported consolidated sales of 126,391 million yen for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2025 and had 3,175 consolidated employees as of 31 December 2025.

Where does Pilot come from?

Pilot originated in Japan in 1918. Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada founded the predecessor of Pilot Corporation, the Namiki Manufacturing Company. The founders developed a domestically produced fountain pen with a stainless steel nib. The Pilot name was chosen as a reference to a ship's pilot and the founders' connection to the sea. Pilot Corporation opened overseas offices in New York, London, Shanghai, and Singapore in 1926.

What products does Pilot make?

Pilot makes fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, mechanical pencils, markers, highlighters, and refills. Pilot Corporation identifies Capless as the world's first capless fountain pen and FRIXION as an erasable ballpoint pen. The company also sells Namiki writing instruments and other stationery products.

Frequently asked questions about Pilot

Is Pilot a Japanese pen brand?: Yes. Pilot originated in Japan in 1918 and is ultimately owned by Pilot Corporation, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Who makes Pilot pens?: Pilot Corporation makes and sells Pilot writing instruments. Pilot Corporation operates manufacturing facilities in Japan and has group companies and operations in other markets.
Are Pilot and Namiki the same brand?: Pilot and Namiki are associated writing instrument brands operated by Pilot Corporation. Namiki is used for a range of higher-end writing instruments, while Pilot covers a broader range of stationery products.
What is Pilot FRIXION?: FRIXION is Pilot's erasable ballpoint pen range. The ink technology allows writing to be erased through friction.
Is Pilot Corporation publicly traded?: Yes. Pilot Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market under securities code 7846.

Sources: pilot.co.jp: history, pilotpen.us, en.wikipedia.org, corp.pilot.co.jp, pilotpen.eu: pilot company, pilot.co.jp: english, pilotpen.eu: about pilot, es.wikipedia.org