The "Manyosyu" collection - Thousand Blades - is the oldest (circa 759) and most respected anthology of Japanese poems. Over four centuries, 4,516 poems were written by people of all classes, from emperors to merchants and farmers. The term "Manyo" is an abbreviation of "Manyosyu" and its meaning implies people of all ranks.

The "Manyosyu" anthology is often regarded in Japan as a true expression of the Japanese spirit. The themes of the poems relate to love, funerals, celebrations, family matters, travel, the flow of the four seasons, nature, and more. Flowers are particularly significant in Japanese culture, and about 1,500 of the "Manyosyu" poems cover approximately 160 species of plants and 50 different flowers.

Sailor has therefore selected colors based on flowers mentioned in the "Manyosyu" for the new "Manyo" ink series.