Industry Experts’ Favorite Picks: “Must-Buy Stationery!”
When asked to name the “Must-Buy Stationery!” they’ve personally found invaluable, the top choices highlighted both classic bestsellers and exciting new releases. The selections were KOKUYO’s “Soft Ring Notebook,” King Jim’s “Tepra” label printer, Sun-Star Stationery’s “Ukanmuri Clip,” and ZEBRA’s “Blenn” ballpoint pen. Developers praised these items with comments reflecting deep respect and even a touch of envy, acknowledging clever design and functionality.
KOKUYO: Soft Ring Notebook
KOKUYO’s “Soft Ring Notebook” secured first place for its unique, soft resin rings, which eliminate the discomfort often associated with traditional metal-ring notebooks. A King Jim employee commented, “The softness of the binding is so inviting. It doesn’t bother you if you lean on it—in fact, it’s almost soothing!” Another from ZEBRA added, “I used to worry about metal rings scratching my bag or other items, but with these soft rings, that’s no longer a concern. The rounded corners and stain-resistant cover also keep the notebook looking neat and professional, even when used in public.” This innovative design allows the notebook to fold back 360 degrees for space-saving use, a feature that deeply resonated with professionals.
Product Page: Soft Ring Notebook
King Jim: “Tepra” Label Printer
King Jim’s “Tepra” label printer, a long-loved household name, took the top spot with developers sharing fond memories and appreciation for its enduring utility. A KOKUYO employee noted, “It’s so easy to print labels from a smartphone now, and it’s affordable. The print quality has also improved, allowing for stylish wrapping with craft labels. It’s not just for kids’ items; it’s great for personal belongings too.” A Sun-Star Stationery employee shared a heartwarming anecdote: “My mother always labeled everything, from appliances to furniture, with a Tepra. It’s become a part of my family memories. Just recently, I saw a Tepra label on the handrail in her bathroom. It’s truly a wonderful product that’s loved for generations.” The Tepra series, including smartphone-compatible models, continues to support organization in various settings.
Sun-Star Stationery: Ukanmuri Clip
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Ukanmuri Clip” charmed its way to first place, not only for its functionality but also for its unique and memorable name, inspired by the Japanese kanji radical “Ukanmuri.” A King Jim employee praised its clever design: “The naming sense is brilliant, and the ‘petit’ size is perfect for B6-sized planners.” A ZEBRA employee reflected on its potential during their student days: “The ability to hold a book open is fantastic. When I was a student, textbooks would always close during study, which was annoying. This would have been so convenient.” Its distinctive two-pronged design effectively holds thick books and textbooks open by avoiding the spine.
ZEBRA: Blenn Ballpoint Pen
ZEBRA’s “Blenn” ballpoint pen, celebrated for its smooth, vibration-free writing experience, earned the top spot, proving its widespread appeal among professionals. A King Jim employee recounted, “I bought this during my job search. When taking quick notes with a ballpoint pen, emulsion ink is key, but finding one that was also comfortable to hold was difficult. The Blenn, with its excellent grip and smooth writing, was a lifesaver.” A KOKUYO employee highlighted its unique sensation: “I love the writing feel—it’s completely vibration-free. After using this, I realized how much other pens vibrated.” The Blenn system, engineered to suppress writing vibrations, offers a stress-free experience complemented by a seamless body design.
Fueling Fandom: “Oshikatsu Stationery” for Every Fan
Japan’s “Oshikatsu” (推し活) culture, where fans passionately support their favorite idols, characters, or anime, has deeply influenced stationery design. These tools are not just for organizing; they’re for expressing love and enhancing the fan experience. In the “Oshikatsu Stationery” category, the top picks were KOKUYO’s “Tool Pen Case Piiip,” King Jim’s “King Mini” series, Sun-Star Stationery’s “Cassette Tape Cutter,” and ZEBRA’s “Mildliner” highlighters. These items were lauded for their color variations, display capabilities, and ability to help fans cherish their precious memories.
KOKUYO: Tool Pen Case Piiip
KOKUYO’s “Tool Pen Case Piiip” was chosen as the top “Oshikatsu” stationery for its clever design that allows users to discreetly store everyday pens while prominently displaying their favorite fandom items. A King Jim employee noted, “There are many transparent pen cases, but the two-way design with a front pocket for ‘Oshi’ goods is truly excellent.” A Sun-Star Stationery employee added, “It feels like a pioneer in ‘show-off’ pen cases. It’s great to be able to display your ‘Oshi’ front and center!” This case helps coordinate stationery with a fan’s “Oshi color” and boosts motivation for both fandom and study.
Product Page: Tool Pen Case Piiip
King Jim: King Mini Series
King Jim’s “King Mini” series, miniature versions of familiar office staples, earned high praise for its extensive color variations and utility in organizing fandom memories. A KOKUYO employee commented, “It’s perfectly sized for cards and tickets, making it easy to organize ‘Oshikatsu’ memories.” A ZEBRA employee highlighted the aesthetic appeal: “It’s cute and would definitely lift your spirits! The wide range of colors means you’re sure to find your ‘Oshi’s’ color.” The “Mini Color Base” line, with its 12 vibrant colors, is particularly popular for “Oshikatsu” enthusiasts.
Sun-Star Stationery: Cassette Tape Cutter
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Cassette Tape Cutter” captured the top spot for its retro charm and innovative functionality. Developers appreciated its unique appearance and marketing appeal. A King Jim employee observed, “It would surely resonate as a nostalgic item for Showa/Heisei generations, and as a retro item for the Reiwa generation.” A KOKUYO employee, discovering it for the first time, exclaimed, “I saw it and immediately loved the look! It’s fantastic that it holds two tapes… and you’d want to write names on it just like a real cassette tape!” This playful tape cutter not only looks adorable but also offers practicality by holding two favorite tapes for easy switching.
Product Page: Cassette Tape Cutter
ZEBRA: Mildliner Highlighters
ZEBRA’s “Mildliner” highlighters were chosen for their gentle, eye-friendly colors and extensive palette, which allow for vibrant yet harmonious note-taking and fan journaling. A KOKUYO employee remarked, “Even when using many ‘Oshi’ colors, it doesn’t look messy and maintains a cohesive appearance, which lowers the barrier to use.” A Sun-Star Stationery employee added, “The subtle color palette is lovely, and with 40 colors, you’re sure to find your ‘Oshi’s’ color.” These highlighters feature mild, non-fluorescent colors that make text stand out without being harsh on the eyes, perfect for creating readable notes and attractive fan journals.
Essential for Students: “Study-Boosting Stationery” Revealed
With the university entrance exams just two months away, the timing of the “Study-Boosting Stationery” survey couldn’t be more crucial. The top selections addressed common student frustrations and aimed to enhance motivation. KOKUYO’s “Campus Punch that can be carried with a 2-hole binder,” King Jim’s “Visual Bar Timer,” Sun-Star Stationery’s “Pillit sticky notes,” and ZEBRA’s “Mildliner” highlighters were chosen for their ability to streamline study processes and make learning more engaging.
KOKUYO: Campus Punch that can be carried with a 2-hole binder
KOKUYO’s innovative “Campus Punch that can be carried with a 2-hole binder” won strong support from those who struggled with organizing handouts and lugging heavy punches. A Sun-Star Stationery employee shared, “I used to want to keep all my school handouts in one binder, so I’d punch holes and file them after getting home. This is exactly what I wished for! It’s the stationery I wanted most as a student.” A ZEBRA employee added, “I used to carry a heavy hole punch, so being able to immediately file handouts is incredibly appealing.” This slim, lightweight punch (approx. 7mm thick) can be stored in a pen case or clipped into a 2-hole binder, allowing for on-the-go organization. Its translucent body also helps prevent punching over text by allowing users to align holes precisely.
Product Page: Campus Thin Punch
King Jim: Visual Bar Timer
King Jim’s “Visual Bar Timer” stood out for its simple, distraction-free design, earning it the top spot. A ZEBRA employee praised its clarity: “The straightforward function and design are top-notch.” A Sun-Star Stationery employee reflected, “As a student, I managed my time with a smartphone app, which often led to me touching my phone unnecessarily. A simple timer like this, with only a clock and timer function, would have been very appealing.” This timer displays progress visually with a horizontal bar, making it easy to grasp remaining time at a glance. It’s designed to support concentration for anyone, from children learning to read analog clocks to individuals struggling with time management.
Product Page: Visual Bar Timer
Sun-Star Stationery: Pillit Sticky Notes
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Pillit” sticky notes were recognized for their unique tear-off feature and translucent design, which allows underlying text to remain visible. A KOKUYO employee commented on its innovative variations: “The ideas for changing and varying them are interesting! I used to stick sticky notes on mistakes or points to check, but then I’d forget what each note meant. With notes like these, I could have organized things much better.” A ZEBRA employee appreciated the practicality: “Just being a translucent sticky note that lets you read the text underneath is so convenient. The playful design would make studying more enjoyable.” These engaging sticky notes change their meaning (e.g., “LOOK!” to “OK!,” “?” to “!”) when torn along perforations, helping users track progress and solve queries.
Product Page: Pillit Sticky Notes
ZEBRA: Mildliner Highlighters
ZEBRA’s “Mildliner” highlighters once again claimed a top spot, this time for their gentle colors that don’t overpower text, boosting student motivation. A Sun-Star Stationery employee enthused, “The colors are so cute and uplifting! I wish I had these pens to organize my notes back in my student days.” A King Jim employee reflected, “The highlighters I used back then were so bright that they stood out but also felt tiring to look at. If Mildliners had existed then, that frustration would have been resolved.” With 40 colors, these highlighters ensure that notes are readable and visually appealing, without the harshness of traditional fluorescent pens.
The Future of Japanese Stationery: Beyond Functionality
This collaborative survey by Japan’s leading stationery manufacturers offers a fascinating insight into the industry’s focus on user experience, innovation, and cultural trends like “Oshikatsu.” The emphasis on comfort, efficiency, and emotional connection to tools reflects a deeper understanding of how stationery integrates into daily life, whether for intense study sessions or joyful fandom. As Japanese stationery continues to evolve, its blend of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design is sure to captivate global audiences, inspiring new ways to work, play, and express oneself. The future of kawaii culture abroad will undoubtedly be shaped by these clever, delightful, and highly functional tools, making everyday tasks a little more special.
