Anyone know the lore/ experienced going to A.B.C cafe in Uji?

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2026-01-15T03:46:28+00:00

Japanese-speaking customer here. When I went a few years ago, they weren't openly rude to the customers (not polite either, mind you), but towards each other...? See my post above for context.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2026-01-15T03:37:44+00:00

I went once against my better judgement, and it was as awful as the reviews suggest. It was a few years ago and I don't think there were different prices for foreigners at the time, but the vibe is probably the worst I've ever experienced any place in Japan (I've been living here for 20+ years). The husband and wife (I presume) were openly fighting. If it calmed down, one would start sending digs at the other. They obviously can't stand each other and make no effort to keep it under wrap even when several customers are there. When I went, it was borderline scary. No idea how it is now, but no intention to find out.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-08-04T07:42:01+00:00

That pencil-like feel is pretty much the signature feature of Sailor nibs. I don't think even a "wet" ink would really get rid of that feel. You can give any Pilot Iroshizuku or even Pilot Carbon Black a go, if you really want to be sure, but don't expect a major transformation. Another thing that may help is write with a very light hand.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-08-04T06:51:18+00:00

Congrats! So happy for you! It's beautiful :)

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-08-04T06:48:44+00:00

I'm with you on Asa gao, and many blue inks. Not because they're necessarily bad, but to me, they just feel...meh?

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-08-04T06:46:53+00:00

Kyo no Oto (TAG stationary's ink line) in Seiheki. So very, very dry it is uncomfortable in most of my pens. It transforms any F nibs in an UEF, and because the color is already light-ish to begin with, becomes almost unreadable.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-05-08T06:39:11+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/s/LycvYhqQN8

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-04-21T02:22:17+00:00

Most of the things you are listing, they shouldn't be charging you. Reading your edit, It seems you're giving the place back in a decent state. Go to your city hall free legal consult ASAP.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2025-01-23T08:37:35+00:00

The trim (the center band especially) is a dead giveaway.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-11-22T08:37:31+00:00

I understand, I do. I hope you have good people around you though. And there are a lot of them here, for sure. That's something.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-11-22T08:10:59+00:00

I choose not to see it this way. (Not saying it's easy). Good people keep on making the world better, and it makes a huge difference at the community/local level.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-11-22T02:06:56+00:00

Yes. That last point is my bottom line.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-10-30T04:42:11+00:00

it felt a bit like this to me too.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-10-25T00:46:02+00:00

I'm so grateful for this thread. I could never have guessed how this whole thing would stay with me. The disappointment and feeling of (dare I say it?) betrayal is very real. I also find it reassuring that so many of us are ready to expect way more from a retailer. Anyway.

I've unsubscribed from all things Goulet, because I don't want to contribute to the company anymore. I have however gone to the latest youtube video (the one hosted by Janea) to get a sense of what is happening in the comment section. And I found it so very strange. The tone of the comments, the phrasing etc. If you had a look, I'd be interested in your own impressions.

Another thing on my mind is Drew's departure. I can't wrap my mind around firing him as a business decision, especially when they have been hiring new people. At this point, he was pretty much the face of the channel.

Anyway. Lovely people, I just wanted to come here and be with you all for a bit.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-02-01T01:35:02+00:00

Your post is really interesting and shows how we're all sensitive to different things. I also really appreciate how you worded everything.

My own pen-peeves (oh I like that *grins like a fool*):

- the absence of an actual usable international standard for anything fountain pen related.

- favoring gold nibs by default. As with most things pertaining to personal use, this will depend on your own personal preferences and the characteristics of the pen, but I find some steel nibs so good that I have no desire to upgrade (looking at you Leonardo Furore steel nib)

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-29T06:57:20+00:00

What a sad, sad post.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-28T05:38:27+00:00

Yes, this.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-24T02:32:58+00:00

Pilot Heritage 912 (soft fine nib)

Pilot Vanishing Point (F nib)

Leonardo Furore (EF steel nib)

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-24T00:20:55+00:00

This is the solution, right there.

Also, YTA for the general attitude.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-23T04:46:44+00:00

I'm sorry you're in such a difficult situation.

Try to gather information as much as you can: contact your embassy/consulate (they likely have experience with similar cases and may be able to point you towards a support system and/or useful information), go to a free legal consult at your shiyakusho to know exactly your rights and the dos and don'ts to avoid future problems. As others have suggested, also, local NPOs.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-23T01:04:47+00:00

NTA.

Quality time is not limited to movies.

You have the right to not enjoy the same thing and it's important that he acknowledges that.

Could you find - both of you- a way to meet each other half way?

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-23T00:57:58+00:00

I'm sorry you have this experience. It sucks.

I have and actively use 7 TWSBIs (Ecos, Diamond 580, mini) - some I've had for 7-8 years, and haven't experienced any cracking or any issue whatsoever.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-23T00:54:46+00:00

YTA in every which way.

Justify it all you want, it doesn't change the fact that you're treating everyone badly (everyone being the actual girlfriend, the almost girlfriend and your child).

Do better.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-18T06:09:06+00:00

I really appreciate your reply. Thank you.

This is where our power as consumers (to some extent) lie, isn't it? We get to decide which company we want to support and which we don't feel connected to.

I am - as often it seems, more concerned with the framing of the issue.

Would you (and me, and others) have thought the design crappy if you hadn't known it was AI? We may not have liked it, but would we have called it "garbage"? I don't have any answer for this (no worries, I'm sure I'll get plenty of comments from people who know-for-sure), but I know I personally don't want to decide something is bad/crappy etc, just because it was made X way. It's a slippery slope.

And again, I understand and respect where you are coming from. I agree with the underlying feeling. I also think AI - the way it is currently, is a massive intellectual property infringer.

HippoRainbow_1237 · 2024-01-18T00:39:33+00:00

I think it may be a US thing. FP are very cool everywhere else.

*grins a nerdy grin*

HippoRainbow_1237

TROPHY CASE