Kakimori White Sakura Wood Nib Holder — Pale Japanese Cherry Sapwood Dip Pen Body for Interchangeable Nibs (Made in Japan)

A Quieter Take on Kakimori's Signature Nib Holder

Where the original Sakura Wood Nib Holder is cut from cherry heartwood and prized for the way it reddens and deepens with use, the White Sakura Wood Nib Holder takes the opposite path. Milled from the pale sapwood of the same Japanese cherry tree, it carries a soft, near-white grain that stays quiet and understated rather than warming into a dramatic patina. Designed by Makoto Koizumi and produced by Nakamura Woodworks in Japan, it shares the exact same body, dimensions, and Tachikawa-type universal nib socket as the standard Sakura edition — the difference is entirely in the wood itself.

What Makes the White Sakura Wood Nib Holder Different

Sapwood, the outer layer of the tree just beneath the bark, is naturally paler and more uniform in tone than the reddish heartwood used for Kakimori's original Sakura holder. That makes the White Sakura the more restrained, minimalist option in the lineup — a pale, almost bone-coloured body that reads cleanly against black ink, white paper, and matte desk accessories rather than competing with them. It is a natural fit for anyone who prefers a quiet, monochrome writing setup, or who simply wants a lighter visual complement to darker inks and pens already on their desk. As with the standard Sakura edition, the wood is left with a natural, ink-resistant finish rather than a heavy lacquer, so its texture and grain remain visible and tactile in the hand.

Design & Craftsmanship

The holder measures approximately 178mm in length with an 11mm body diameter — close to the length of a standard pencil — and weighs roughly 9–10g, light enough to hold comfortably through long writing sessions. The body is turned from a single piece of Japanese cherry sapwood, tapering gently toward the nib socket for a balanced, front-light grip. The nib socket is a Tachikawa-type universal mount — a press-fit plastic (or, on current production, recycled-carbon-fibre composite) socket that grips more securely and resists rust better than the open metal prongs found on traditional dip pen holders.

Compatibility & Care

The White Sakura Wood Nib Holder is built to universal specifications and accepts most standard-size dip pen nibs, including Kakimori's own steel and brass nibs as well as many comparable third-party nibs — a flexible base for building a small dip pen kit rather than a single-nib tool. Note that recent updates to the nib socket may not accept some traditional Japanese round-tip (maru) nibs; if pairing this holder with a specific vintage or specialty nib, we recommend confirming fit before purchase.

Because sapwood is paler and more porous-looking than heartwood, ink marks can show more visibly if left unattended — wipe the holder with a soft, dry cloth immediately after use rather than rinsing it under water. Avoid prolonged soaking, sudden temperature changes, or extended direct sunlight, all of which can warp or unevenly discolour the wood. As a natural material, no two holders are identical; expect visible variation in grain pattern and tone from piece to piece, and expect the White Sakura's colour to shift only gradually and subtly with age, rather than deepening dramatically the way the standard Sakura edition does.

One Body, Several Finishes

The White Sakura Wood Nib Holder sits alongside the rest of Kakimori's nib holder family, all sharing the same 178mm body and Tachikawa-style universal socket so that nibs move freely between them. Siblings include the standard Sakura Wood holder in reddish cherry heartwood, Aizome, cherry wood hand-dyed by an indigo artisan, Urushi, finished with the traditional fuki-urushi lacquering technique, and a solid aluminum version for a heavier, cooler-to-the-touch option.

About Kakimori

Kakimori is a stationery brand and shop rooted in Kuramae, Tokyo, tracing back to a family stationery business founded in 1961. Reopened in 2010 by third-generation owner Takuma Hirose as a shop dedicated entirely to the pleasure of handwriting, Kakimori now builds a small, deliberate catalogue of dip pens, nibs, custom inks, and order-made notebooks — objects meant, as the brand puts it, to be used for a lifetime rather than replaced.

Product Specifications

Available at Shosai — Ottawa–Gatineau

Shosai (shosai.ca) is a fine stationery boutique serving the Ottawa–Gatineau National Capital Region. We carry a curated selection of Kakimori dip pen holders and nibs alongside premium fountain pen inks and papers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

• 📍 In-store pickup: Gatineau, QC — J9J 0K6
• 🛵 Local delivery: Available in the Ottawa–Gatineau area
• 🚚 Ships Canada-wide and to the US
• 🇫🇷 Bilingual service — English and French

Whether you're pairing it with a matte black Frost pen or simply prefer a quieter wood tone on your desk, the Kakimori White Sakura Wood Nib Holder is a considered, understated addition to any writing kit.