BUNGUBOX - Shuto Bancha

BUNGUBOX Shuto Bancha - Ink drop

Released at the end of 2025, this is Shuto Bancha from BUNGUBOX. As you probably guessed based on the label, this ink was inspired by green tea leaves. To be specific, Shuto Bancha refers to green tea harvested late in the season in autumn or early winter. The ink was made for BUNGUBOX by Sailor.

Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River

I love earthy, dark olive green inks, and this is a gorgeous example! As you can see in both the swatches and writing samples, it presents a wide range of coloration based on the paper you choose. While some call out the darker greens, others give voice to the yellow undertones. Overall, there’s a nice harmony in the results. In the medium nib I used for testing, there was nice shading, and it was particularly nice on Cosmo Air Snow.

Ink Swatches on Iroful and Takasago Bank papers

Writing performance is very much what you expect from Sailor inks. Strokes were consistent and stable with clean, strong stroke edges throughout. Across the wide range of papers tested, I didn’t find any hints of feathering at all. The writing experience is comfortable and smooth in flow and feel. It hits the writing sweet spot between neutral and wet. This is a very well-balanced ink.

Writing sample on Cosmo Air Snow paper

Shuto Bancha comes in a 20 ml bottle. For a BUNGUBOX ink, this keeps the price relatively affordable, but it makes me wish I’d picked up two bottles! I haven’t seen this ink on BUNGUBOX’s website, but it is available in their Tokyo store. A quick google shows it at least some of the shops carrying the brand (Stilo&Stile).

BUNGUBOX Shuto Bancha - Swatch Card

BUNGUBOX Shuto Bancha - Comparisons

BUNGUBOX Shuto Bancha 20 ml bottle