Japanese stationery isn’t the cheapest stationery on the planet. They’re also not always made available for international sales either. So, is that why we go cray-cray when we do get our hands on some kawaii (cute) stationery?

Japanese stationery: bright, beautiful, and brilliant

Japanese stationery has garnered much popularity around the world for several decades now, and for good reason. Ask any one of your stationery-loving friends and they will make 1,  if not all 3, of the following remarks:

• “Because they’re so cute and/or pretty!”
• “Because they last forever.”
• “They just make sense. It makes [doing something] so much easier!”

And, we have the dedication of Japanese culture towards quality craftsmanship, excellence, and aesthetics to thank for that. That’s right, Japanese stationery manufacturers have produced some of the most practical, clever, and beautiful stationery products that this world has ever seen (IMO).

Everyone has their own reason(s) why they choose Japanese stationery. Often, it’s because of the unique designs and aesthetic. The Japanese are masters at striking a balance between simplicity, minimalism, and beauty. [Cue: Marie Kondo decluttering and sparking joy.] Japanese stationery often features clean lines, muted colours, and graceful designs that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to anyone’s desk space. ZEBRA’s Mildliner highlighters and brushes, for example, boast a range of ink colours housed in a simple and clean, white barrel. Collect the lot, pop 'em into a desk organiser, and your study nook is instantly upgraded.

Another reason for the love of Japanese stationery is the impeccable quality. Japanese brands often maintain a long tradition of craftsmanship, with many stretching back over centuries - think paper products like washi. It comes as no surprise then that Japanese stationery products are made with an incredible level of care and attention to detail. From pens and pencils, to paper and erasers, each stationery product is created to be both stylish and functional.

The final reason, and I couldn’t agree with this more, is that they just. make. sense. They do. Japanese stationery is renowned for its innovation. My personal favourite stationery item of all time? The glue tape - like correction tape, but instead of white tape to cover your mistakes, it’s sticky tape to glue your photos and pictures in the cleanest and most efficient way possible. Gone are the days where the glue stick and I battled over who was stickier, the glue stick or my fingers. Bye-bye wonky post-glue stick paper. Hello neat and flat post-glue tape paper. Some of Japan’s most prominent stationery brands, such as Uni, Pilot, and Pentel, prioritise the development of new and innovative pens, pencils, and other writing tools that make it easier and more enjoyable to use.

With that said, here are some of the most popular Japanese stationery brands today, in no particular order:

• Kokuyo - Kokuyo is a well known and trusted name when it comes to stationery. They produce hi-tech pens, pencils, markers, and many other stationery items perfect for the student or the artist.

• Kuretake - Kuretake is a manufacturer of art supplies and writing tools. They offer a wide range of calligraphy brush pens, and markers with unique tip designs and colours.

• Muji - Muji comes from the phrase Mujirushi Ryohin which means “no brand, good product.” Muji stationery are simple, streamlined products that are functional and affordable.

• Pilot - Pilot has been producing high-quality pens since 1918. It’s one of the oldest Japanese stationery brands around. Pilot pens are particularly favoured by designers, graphic artists, and calligraphers.

• Tombow - Tombow is a leader in pens and markers. They introduced their coloured brush pens in the 1960s. Tombow markers come in a range of colours and are known for their dual tips that can be used for both writing and colouring.

So, it’s clear to see why Japanese stationery is so popular. The quality, beauty, and ingenuity are attributes evident in the many popular Japanese brands today. From high-tech pens to minimalist notebooks, Japanese stationery products are worth checking out if you are looking to add a bit of sparkle and style to your desk!

Our gift boxes are a great way to get started and jump on that Japanese stationery bandwagon!