Namiki Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the predecessor of the Pilot Corporation, was founded on 27th January, 1918. The company trademarks were the ‘Pilot’ brand and a ‘lifebuoy’ logo.

When referring to the trademarks, founder Ryosuke Namiki reportedly said: “When a convoy of ships is proceeding in line astern at sea, the veteran ship’s captain who sails in the ship at the head of the convoy and guides the fleet is called the pilot. The company name PILOT therefore carries the meaning of a leader in fountain pens, a pioneer, the person who leads the field”.

He went on to say that “To those who have experience of ocean voyages, a lifebuoy is something that gives them confidence, that they will be fine if worn, no matter what marine incident happens, that they will never sink no matter the size of the waves. The lifebuoy represents indomitable spirit, that you are unsinkable, and that you will never sink regardless of the difficulties”.

Two months later, in March 1918, Namiki Manufacturing established a head office in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and started the manufacture of fountain pens. On 1st October of the following year, the company’s wooden, two-storey Ohtsuka Plant was completed to undertake full-scale production. From that year on, the company made 1st October its Foundation Commemoration Day.