Pilot Corporation, known today for the pens, created a high-end fountain pen utilizing Maki-e lacquer techniques in 1926 (Taisho 15). Later, the Kokkokai (a group of Maki-e artisans) was founded with living national treasure Maki-e artisan, Gonroku Matsuda, as its center. As a result, the ancient Japanese art of Maki-e has been preserved for over 100 years. Today, the workshop is in a brick building in Hiratsuka, which previously housed the former Second Navy Ammunitions Arsenal. The history of Maki-e-lacquered fountain pens and lacquered pieces are part of the exhibit.