Submitted by Name: Suzanne Sealy From: New York City E-mail: Contact
Comments: Hi, Russ -
I came across your site last Fall when I first got into * * * and appreciated all the valuable information. I am coming to Tokyo at the end of the month and was wondering if I could ask your advice on pen stores -- your list is fantastic, but I wonder how much has changed since 2008. My family won't have *alot* of patience for my visiting many pen stores, so I am looking for a shop with good selection and good prices. Also, I have a Nakaya Picollo Shu with a music nib which I got from Nibs.com. Do you recommend a visit to the Nakaya factory? I also have a Sailor 1911 with a music nib. I'd like to get a nice pen(s) as a souvenir from my trip while there. We will also visit Kyoto. Thanks so much for your help!! All the best, Suzanne
Best regards, Suzanne
Admin reply: Thanks for your kind words. I must admit I haven't visited most of those shops for a few years now, but I know that Ameyoko is still there, and Maruzen, and Ito-ya (under construction, but a temporary store is around the corner), and the Pilot Pen Station. The others may or may not be there now.
As for Nakaya, it isn't so much a factory as a little office with a few older guys working on pens at their benches. You could contact them via their web site and see about an appointment. At least one of them speaks English (so I'm told; he has only spoken in Japanese to me).
As for good prices, apparently the system in Japan guarantees that there will be no difference in Japanese fountain pen prices whether you go to an old basement shop or a fancy department store. Actually, I would recommend you just visit any department store in Japan to see the fountain pens. For non-Japanese fountain pens, Ameyoko has lower prices.
I have no idea what's in Kyoto!
Added: June 25, 2015
Submitted by Name: Kimberley Alvares
Comments: I was just wondering, what is the name of the font that you use to make your baseball inspired logos?
Admin reply: It's not a font, but my own creations based on several fonts and samples I've seen.
Added: June 14, 2015
Submitted by Name: Fredy Chitan From: Colombia E-mail: Contact
Comments: Hi, Russ, congrulations for your convertion, long life to japanese catolics
Admin reply: Thank you! God bless you!
Added: June 11, 2015
Submitted by Name: Randolph P Zuchowski From: North Central Pennsylvania E-mail: Contact
Comments: I just wanted to thank you for your explanation of the meter system for singing the psalms. I had just purchased a psaltery for using modes but I couldn't quite get my head around that. I came across the Scottish psaltery online and that made good sense to me but still nothing really explained the meter system satisfactorily.
Your explanation gave me a grasp of what is really going on. It also made me realize that I have a major treasure in my old 1940 Episcopal Hymnal that gives the meter for every song. I always wondered what those notations were for and now I not only know but I can now put them to good use.
Thank you so much for opening up a whole new world for me.
Admin reply: Wow, you made my day! I'm glad I created that article. Thanks!
Added: June 10, 2015
Submitted by Name: suko From: ミシガン E-mail: Contact
Comments: こんにちはラスさん!
I visit the Catholic Answers forums, and somehow managed to run into your profile there, and within your signature there, I saw a link to your conversion to the Catholic Church! I read a lot of what you wrote there, and just wanted to say "thanks" for posting it, as I'm sure it'll be a great help to others. Also, thanks so much for all you do in your evangelization efforts! I'm sure the Lord is very pleased by them.
Do you have any of your puppet shows on Youtube or any other place? I'd love to watch one of them if you do!
Anyway, take care and God bless, and I hope you are having a blessed and joyful Easter season!
Admin reply: Thanks for your message! Very few videos were taken during our puppet ministry unfortunately, and none were digital, so I never thought abot Youtube until you mentioned it!
Added: April 18, 2015
Submitted by Name: Jennifer From: Tokyo E-mail: Contact
Comments: Hello, Russ! I enjoy all of your detailed and informative pages about sketchbooks, supplies, scenes in Tokyo, etc. Thank you so much for sharing.
Do you ever teach a class or workshop on sketching and/or watercolor painting, in Tokyo?
Thank you in advance, Jennifer
Admin reply: Thanks! I have never given any thought to teaching sketching or watercolor, but that shouldn't come as a surprise since you are the first one to even suggest it! Not much of a demand in these parts...
Added: March 31, 2015
Submitted by Name: Laura Arehart From: San Diego E-mail: Contact
Comments: I love the sketches and I would have believed that a bird was sitting in the middle of the rock garden,as I find birds the perfect portal to the Divine!
Admin reply: Ah, you must be referring to the sketch on this page:
Submitted by Name: Terry Landis From: Austin, Texas, where the moon at night is big and bright E-mail: Contact
Comments: Hi Russ, thanks for telling about the prayer book. I have been feeling the need for some structure and direction and I believe the little book of morning and evening prayer will help. My friend became catholic and seems well satisfied, I am still a seeker and just want to be able to experience God as brother Lawrence did, practicing His presence.... blessings to you and your family Terry
Admin reply: Thanks for your message. I'm sure you will love using a prayer book. And I will pray for your journey!
Name: Marian Olejar
From: Slovakia
E-mail: Contact
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