Ink from the nib maker
There is a practical logic to using Tachikawa ink with Tachikawa nibs — the ink is calibrated to the flow characteristics of the nib range and the 15ml bottle size means it fits alongside a nib set without the bulk of a 30ml or 60ml bottle. For a manga artist who carries their tools or works in a compact setup, this is the ink that completes the Tachikawa system. The wide-mouth bottle opening makes nib loading clean, and the ink dries fast enough that most artists can erase pencil guidelines without waiting.
Technical properties
Jet Black dries matte rather than glossy — which is correct for manga linework that will be scanned, as matte surfaces produce less reflection and more consistent tonal values in reproduction. The formula is waterproof once dry and resists standard soft erasers applied over dried ink. It does not perform well as a brush fill ink for large areas — that use is better served by IC Type 2 or Nicker Ultimate Black. For dip pen linework it is clean, consistent, and predictable.
Honest Note:
Who is it For?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
Is Tachikawa Jet Black the same as Deleter Black 4?
They are both waterproof matte black drawing inks but from different manufacturers with slightly different flow characteristics. Tachikawa is calibrated for Tachikawa nibs; Deleter Black 4 is formulated for broader manga production use including brush work. For dip pen linework both work well — the difference is subtle and comes down to personal preference.
Can I use Tachikawa Jet Black in a Pentel Pocket Brush?
No. Tachikawa Jet Black is for dip pens only and should not be used in any refillable brush pen or fountain pen.
Why is it only 15ml?
The 15ml format is designed to pair with a nib starter set — smaller, lighter, and less expensive than a 30ml bottle. For a working manga artist going through ink regularly, stocking multiple 15ml bottles or moving to IC or Nicker in larger formats is more economical.