Industry Experts’ Favorite: “Must-Buy! Highly Noted Stationery”
The survey’s first highlight showcases products that impressed even rival developers, earning top spots for their innovative design and utility. These are the items that sparked both admiration and a touch of professional envy among the creators themselves.
King Jim: Label Writer “Tepra”
King Jim’s “Tepra” Label Writer emerged as a clear favorite, lauded for its enduring appeal and modern enhancements.
One Kokuyo employee commented, “It’s easy to print labels from a smartphone, affordable, and the printing is cleaner than before. Using craft labels allows for stylish wrapping, making it great for both kids’ and personal items.” The “Tepra” series, known for creating labels for names, storage, and kitchen items, now includes smartphone-dedicated models for versatile use.
Product HP: Label Writer “Tepra”
Kokuyo: “Soft Ring Notebook”
Kokuyo’s innovative “Soft Ring Notebook” captivated with its unique, comfortable design.
“The softness of the binding that makes you want to touch it. It doesn’t bother you even if you lean on it; in fact, its squishiness is somewhat soothing,” shared a King Jim employee. This notebook features Kokuyo’s proprietary soft resin rings, allowing 360-degree fold-back use without the discomfort of traditional metal rings, and prevents damage to bags or other items.
Product HP: Soft Ring Notebook
Sun-Star Stationery: “Ukanmuri Clip”
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Ukanmuri Clip” stood out not only for its functionality but also its clever name.
“The naming sense is brilliant. The ‘Puchi’ size is perfect for a B6-modified planner,” a King Jim employee noted. Shaped like the Japanese kanji radical “Ukanmuri,” this bookmark clip features a split design that avoids the book’s spine, securely holding even thick textbooks open.
Zebra: “Blén”
Zebra’s “Blén” ballpoint pen earned high praise for its remarkably stable writing experience.
“I love the writing feel where I don’t feel any vibration. After using this, I realized how much other writing instruments vibrated,” a Kokuyo employee expressed. The “Blén” pen incorporates a unique “blén system” internally to suppress writing vibrations, ensuring a stress-free and smooth glide.
Fueling Passion: “‘Oshi-katsu’ Stationery”
“Oshi-katsu,” a Japanese term referring to activities supporting one’s favorite idol, character, or artist, has become a significant cultural phenomenon. This category highlights stationery that enhances these passionate pursuits, from organizing memorabilia to expressing fandom pride.
King Jim: “King Mini”
King Jim’s “King Mini” series, miniature versions of classic office stationery, was recognized for its vibrant color range and utility in organizing fandom treasures.
“It’s cute and would boost my mood to carry around. Also, with so many colors, I’m sure to find my ‘oshi’s’ color,” a Zebra employee stated. The “Mini Color Base” files, available in 12 colors, are particularly popular for matching “oshi colors” and organizing cards or tickets.
Kokuyo: “Tool Pen Case “
Kokuyo’s “Tool Pen Case ” stood out for its clever design that allows users to display their “oshi” items while discreetly storing everyday pens.
“I see it as a pioneer of ‘displayable’ pen cases. I think it’s great for showing off your ‘oshi’ front and center!” a Sun-Star Stationery employee exclaimed. This transparent pen case features a front pocket perfect for showcasing “oshi” goods, boosting motivation for study or work.
Sun-Star Stationery: “Cassette Tape Cutter”
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Cassette Tape Cutter” charmed experts with its retro aesthetic and practical design.
“It would resonate with Showa/Heisei generations as a nostalgic item and with Reiwa generations as a retro item,” a King Jim employee shared. This playful tape cutter, shaped like a cassette tape, not only looks adorable but also holds two rolls of tape, making it convenient for various crafting needs.
Product HP: Cassette Tape Cutter
Zebra: “Mildliner”
Zebra’s “Mildliner” highlighters were a hit for their extensive color palette and gentle hues, perfect for creative “oshi-katsu” expressions.
“The exquisite coloring is cute, and with a rich variety of colors, you’re sure to find your ‘oshi’s’ color,” a Sun-Star Stationery employee said. With 40 soft, non-fluorescent colors, Mildliners allow for vibrant yet harmonious color coordination in notebooks and planners, ideal for expressing fandom without overwhelming the page.
Ace Your Exams: “Study-Enhancing Stationery”
With exam season approaching, the survey also explored stationery that helps students focus and optimize their study routines. These items address common student frustrations and aim to boost motivation.
King Jim: “Visual Bar Timer”
King Jim’s “Visual Bar Timer” was praised for its minimalist design that supports concentration without distractions.
“During my student days, I managed time with a smartphone app, which led to me touching my phone unnecessarily. So, a simple product with just a clock and timer seemed very appealing,” a Sun-Star Stationery employee reflected. This timer visually displays the remaining time with a horizontal bar, making it easy to grasp progress for students and anyone needing focused time management.
Kokuyo: “Campus 2-Hole Punch Portable with Binder”
Kokuyo’s portable punch, designed to be carried with a binder, was a dream come true for many who struggled with organizing handouts.
“I wanted to keep all the handouts from school in one binder, so I used to punch holes and store them after returning home. This is exactly the kind of product I wished existed. It’s the stationery I wanted most during my student days,” a Sun-Star Stationery employee fondly recalled. Its slim, lightweight design allows it to be stored in a pen case or clipped into a 2-hole binder, enabling immediate organization of documents on the go.
Product HP: Campus 2-Hole Punch Portable with Binder
Sun-Star Stationery: “Fusen ‘Pillit'”
Sun-Star Stationery’s “Fusen ‘Pillit'” sticky notes were highlighted for their unique ability to change meaning when torn, and their translucent quality.
“The idea and variations for changing it are interesting! I used to stick sticky notes on wrong parts or points to be confirmed, but then I’d forget which note was for what. With a sticky note like this, I could have sorted them well,” a Kokuyo employee shared. These innovative sticky notes transform from “LOOK!” to “OK!” or “?” to “!” when perforated, offering a clear visual cue of progress or resolution.
Zebra: “Mildliner”
Zebra’s “Mildliner” highlighters made a second appearance, this time as a top pick for study enhancement, thanks to their gentle colors and ability to boost motivation.
“The fluorescent pens I used back then were too vibrant, making things stand out but also somewhat tiring to look at. I thought if Mildliner had existed back then, that dissatisfaction would have been resolved,” a King Jim employee commented. The Mildliner’s soft, eye-friendly inks prevent visual fatigue, making notes and planners easier to review, and their wide color range can indeed make studying a more visually appealing and motivating experience.
This collaborative survey not only celebrates the ingenuity within the Japanese stationery industry but also highlights how manufacturers are keenly attuned to evolving consumer needs, from functional efficiency to emotional connection through “oshi-katsu.” The embrace of both practicality and playful aesthetics suggests a vibrant future for Kawaii culture abroad, where everyday tools are transformed into sources of joy and personal expression. These insights offer a glimpse into how stationery continues to innovate, bridging utility with personal passion and enhancing daily life in delightful ways.
