Compiled from 7 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The Pentel Tradio Pulaman (TRJ50) is a capped pen with a flexible plastic nib that writes like a soft fountain pen, giving a 0.4 to 0.7 mm line by pressure and angle. It takes MLJ20 ink cartridges, lists at ¥605 (about US$3.80) in Japan, and is made in Japan, per Pentel of America.
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The Tradio Pulaman posted, at JetPens' 16.0 cm, drawn at 1 mm = 5 px.
Product facts
Product
Pentel Tradio Pulaman pen (TRJ50-A), black body, black ink
Plastic body and cap, plastic (resin) nib, water-based dye ink (Pentel)
Price range
$$$5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count)
Ink colors
Black
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Notes on these facts
Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in Japan: Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives Japan as the origin of the TRJ50, which it sells as the Tradio Stylo Sketch Pen. Source. Price: example listing.
Colors: names per Pentel Japan, checked October 24, 2026. The three ink colors on Pentel Japan's Tradio Pulaman page (TRJ50-A, -B, -C), each in a black body; the MLJ20 cartridges come in the same three. English names are translated from Pentel's Japanese color names. Tints are the color-chip values on Pentel Japan's page. Tints are representative, not measured. Shops stock different colors.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
Pentel Japan gives a 0.4 to 0.7 mm line width and a list price of ¥605 (about US$3.80) including tax for the TRJ50.
JetPens lists it at 14.4 cm (5.7 in) capped, 16.0 cm (6.3 in) posted and 15 g with ink.
Its MLJ20 ink cartridge, in black, red or blue, lists at ¥242 (about US$1.50) in Japan.
It descends from Pentel's Plaman plastic fountain pen, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2019.
The black-ink TRJ50-A had 2,790 Amazon US ratings and ranked #56 in Fountain Pens on October 22, 2026.
What is the Pentel Tradio Pulaman?
It is a capped pen with a flexible plastic nib that writes much like a soft fountain pen, with no metal nib or bottled ink to look after. Pentel Japan sells it as the Tradio Plaman (トラディオ プラマン), model TRJ50, and describes it as a pen that makes you feel a little more grown-up, “like a fountain pen.”
The ink comes in a cartridge that carries its own nib, so the pen is ready to write after a refill. In the US, Pentel of America sells the same TRJ50 as the Tradio Stylo Sketch Pen, and importers use the Pulaman name.
Pentel Tradio Pulaman specs
Spec
Tradio Pulaman TRJ50
Line width
0.4 to 0.7 mm (Pentel Japan)
Ink
Water-based dye ink (Pentel of America)
Ink colors
Black (TRJ50-A), red (-B), blue (-C)
Length
14.4 cm (5.7 in) capped, 13.3 cm uncapped, 16.0 cm (6.3 in) posted (JetPens)
Weight
15 g with ink (JetPens)
Refill
MLJ20 ink cartridge with nib, ¥242 (about US$1.50)
Japanese list price
¥605 (about US$3.80) including tax
JAN (black)
4902506351715
Minimaru lists it at about 145 mm and 15 g, close to JetPens’ figures.
Capped, uncapped and posted lengths from JetPens.
How does the plastic nib write?
The resin nib flexes, so the line goes from about 0.4 to 0.7 mm depending on how hard you press and how you hold the pen. A Pentel staff column on Pentel Japan’s site says angle and pressure make it easy to add character to letters, and that writing somehow looks neater.
Pentel of America adds that the dye ink dries quickly and that the nib gives thick and thin strokes for sketching. How a plastic nib feels against a steel one, and how fast it wears, is what our hands-on test will check.
Where does the Tradio Pulaman come from?
It descends from the Plaman, a plastic fountain pen that Pentel launched to make fountain-pen-style writing cheap and easy. Pentel says fountain pens around 1970 were expensive, so it developed a plastic-nib pen anyone could use; the Plaman marked its 40th anniversary in 2019.
The Tradio is the dressier body for the same idea, with a flared cap and a silver band. Pentel Japan sells it only in black, while a Pentel staff column notes that overseas versions come in many more colors and finishes.
How do you refill the Tradio Pulaman?
Pull out the old MLJ20 cartridge, which includes the nib, and push in a new one. Pentel Japan lists the MLJ20 at ¥242 (about US$1.50) in black, red and blue, so a new nib comes with each refill.
That makes the running cost higher per page than a bottled-ink fountain pen, but there is nothing to flush or clean. Pentel of America sells a 2-pack of black refills in the US.
How does the Tradio Pulaman compare with similar pens?
It sits between a felt-tip sign pen and a real fountain pen: more line variation than the first, less fuss than the second.
Figures for the other pens come from their guides. If you want a true fountain pen at a similar price, the Preppy is the usual choice; if you just want expressive everyday writing, the Pulaman is simpler.
Who should buy the Tradio Pulaman?
People who like a fountain-pen look and line but want a pen that’s easy to carry and refill. It suits letters, signatures, journaling and quick sketches.
If you need waterproof lines for ink washes, choose a pigment fineliner instead. For another flexible-tip Pentel, see the Pentel Touch Sign Pen.
Where is the Tradio Pulaman made?
In Japan, according to Pentel of America’s 2022 product catalog. Pentel is a Japanese company; since April 1, 2026 its Tokyo parent has been called ASTRUM Corporation, with Pentel kept as the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tradio Pulaman a real fountain pen?
Not in the usual sense. Pentel Japan calls the Plaman family plastic fountain pens, but the nib is resin, not metal, and the ink comes in a sealed cartridge. Pentel of America files it under porous point pens.
What is the difference between the Tradio Pulaman and the Tradio Stylo?
They are the same TRJ50 pen under different names. Pentel of America calls it the Tradio Stylo Sketch Pen; JetPens says the Pulaman has a black grip where some Stylo versions have a clear one.
What refill does the Tradio Pulaman use?
The MLJ20 ink cartridge with its own plastic nib, in black (MLJ20-A), red (MLJ20-B) or blue (MLJ20-C). You replace the nib with each cartridge.
Is the Tradio Pulaman ink waterproof?
Pentel of America describes water-based dye ink that dries quickly, not a pigment ink, so expect it to run if it gets wet. We'll test it.
Can left-handers use the Tradio Pulaman?
Pentel of America says the dye ink dries quickly, which helps left-handers. We haven't tested smearing yet; it's part of our hands-on test.
Is the Tradio Pulaman good for drawing?
Pentel of America sells it as a sketch pen and says the flexible nib makes thick and thin lines depending on angle and pressure.
Is the Tradio Pulaman made in the USA?
No. Pentel of America's catalog gives Japan as the origin.
