Michael Masuyama

Michael Masuyama is one of the most noted and sought-after fountain pen nib specialists currently in practice. Decades of experience in all aspects of fountain pen production and distribution complement the more than twenty years in which Michael has focused on fountain pen nib tuning, customizations, and repair.

Education/Career at Sailor

Born in Tokyo, Michael studied at Keio University in Japan. Continuing his studies as he learned English in the United States, Michael took classes at Oklahoma State University and Chapman College in Orange, California. He ultimately graduated from Alliant International University in San Diego, which is also where he met his wife Emiko.

Returning to Japan, Michael worked in domestic sales for the Sailor Pen Company and was then elevated to Overseas Markets Sales Manager. In 1993, he returned to the United States to establish the Sailor Corporation of America.

As Vice President of Sailor’s U.S. subsidiary, Michael played a key role in expanding the brand’s popularity in North America and beyond. But an even more significant role would emerge for Michael through his work and friendship with Sailor’s master nib crafter, the late Nobuyoshi Nagahara.

Nib Specialist

Serving as Nagahara-san’s translator during his trips to the U.S. inspired Michael to refocus his own career on nib tuning, customizations, and repair. Nagahara-san continued to serve as a mentor and advisor to Michael as Michael helped found a new U.S. distribution system for Sailor and expanded his own nib skills.

Also serving as a role model and inspiration for Michael’s nib work is Akihiro Kawaguchi, Sailor’s renowned “pen doctor.” Now retired, Kawaguchi was a well-known presence in Japanese stationery and pen stores where he would tune and adjust newly-purchased pens for customers.

Mike ultimately created his own nib service company, MikeItWork, in 2007. Since then, he has been in constant demand as a nib specialist, with wait times for his services often stretching into the weeks and months. Michael’s wife Emiko has become well-known to pen enthusiasts for her work as Michael’s office manager and as a frequent presence beside him at pen shows.

Michael Masuyama’s relationship with the Nagahara family continues through his friendship and occasional collaborations with Yukio Nagahara, Nobuyoshi’s son. Yukio Nagahara continues the Nagahara family tradition of specialized nib work started by his father.

Focus On The Fountain Pen User

Michael’s approach to nib work begins with a focus on the end user. “If you have one hundred fountain pen users, there are one hundred different preferences,” Michael says. “So when I do nib adjustment work, listening to what the customer says is as important as what I can see by looking at the nib through a magnifying glass.”

Michael explains that he follows this approach of optimizing nibs for the individual user even when the requests may seem out of the ordinary. “Most customers, of course, want the smoothest possible writing experience. But I have one longtime customer who loves to have a strong ‘grab’ to the nib. I’ll adjust a perfectly smooth nib to produce significant feedback for him, though that would be an excessively scratchy nib for most other users.”

Michael also takes a particular pleasure in restoring writing functionality to pens that are family heirlooms and have sometimes been passed down through generations. Michael notes that these customers often have an emotional attachment and connection with these writing instruments, and that these feelings are far more important than whatever the pen’s current market valuation may be. “The emails and happy responses I receive from these customers are priceless. It gives me so much pleasure to do this work for them.”

Michael extends the same feeling of responsibility to all the nib work he does. Today’s new purchase, he says, is tomorrow’s trusted writing instrument, and the next generation’s treasured heirloom.

Michael Masuyama’s goal is always to extend the quality and functionality provided by the original nib manufacturer. “Since I offer a one-hundred percent hand-done tuning and regrinds, keyed to the specifications indicated by the customer, my intent is that the end result will always surpass in quality and functionality what the nib had when it left the factory.”

A Passion For Craftsmanship

After many years in Georgia, Michael and Emiko moved to Southern California in the early 2010’s, and also make frequent trips to Japan. When not involved in nib work, Michael is an avid golfer and surfer.

Using the same hands-on approach he takes in his nib work, Michael repairs his own surfboards, and assembles, adjusts and re-shafts his own golf clubs. He also does much of his own automotive repair work!

Taking an enjoyment in skilled craftsmanship is a constant in Michael’s life. This passion for handcrafted work done well exemplifies the reasons why Michael Masuyama has become such a noted name among fountain pen enthusiasts worldwide.

Here at PacificPenWorks, we’re very proud to be able to offer Michael’s services to our customers. Michael is available both for tuning and customization work on new pens and nibs you purchase from us. If you have questions about the range of services Michael offers, reach out to us at info@pacificpenworks.com and we’ll be happy to supply you with the information you need.