Shinjuku’s Stationery Wonderland Unveiled: A “Happy Paper Market” Awaits!
Prepare for a vibrant celebration of all things paper and pen as the “SHINJUKU Stationery Expo ~Happy Paper Market~” opens its doors at the Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku. From March 18th to March 30th, the 7th floor event space will transform into a delightful haven for stationery enthusiasts, brimming with unique and charming items from over 30 talented creators and manufacturers.
The event embraces the theme of “Sakura-iro” – the enchanting pink of cherry blossoms, a color deeply symbolic of spring and new beginnings in Japan. Visitors can expect to find a dazzling collection of spring-themed and cherry blossom-motif items, ranging from elegant notebooks and letter paper to whimsical greeting cards and stamps. It’s a true feast for the senses, where the delicate hues and intricate designs evoke the gentle warmth of the season.
Among the diverse lineup, several brands stand out with their distinctive creations:
-
Panda factory: Known for their amusing animal and mushroom motifs, these items are crafted with a retro sensibility, often utilizing traditional letterpress printing on special papers. The playful designs bring a smile to anyone’s face.
-
COMO: With a philosophy of “creating things that excite people,” COMO’s brand name, meaning “chest of drawers” in Italian, hints at the delightful surprises tucked within their stationery. Their designs are a testament to the joy of discovery.
-
Pontise: Illustrator Yumi Imai’s original雑貨レーベル (zakka label) draws inspiration from the natural world, featuring simple yet captivating designs of flowers, plants, and small animals. Her creations are like a breath of fresh air, reflecting the beauty of everyday life.
Exclusive Customization and Artisanal Touches
A highlight of the expo is the opportunity to create personalized stationery, adding a truly unique touch to your collection. Two brands offer special order services on select dates:
-
＊HoneyStyle＊: Letter concierge Chikako Hanibuchi’s brand emphasizes chic designs and colors that evoke the feeling of choosing an outfit or embracing the season. Visitors can customize letter sets and mini notebooks on the following dates:
-
March 18 (Wed) – 22 (Sun): 10:00 – 20:00
-
March 23 (Mon) – 29 (Sun): 11:00 – 19:00
-
March 30 (Mon): 10:00 – 17:00
-
Last order 30 minutes before closing each day.
-
-
Kappado: Specializing in stationery featuring cats and frogs, Kappado brings a working letterpress machine to the venue. This allows visitors to have their names printed on notebook covers for free, creating a one-of-a-kind notebook right before their eyes. Custom notebook orders are available on:
-
March 18 (Wed) – 21 (Sat): 10:00 – 20:00
-
March 22 (Sun): 10:00 – 17:00
-
March 26 (Thu): 12:00 – 20:00
-
March 27 (Fri) – 29 (Sun): 10:00 – 20:00
-
March 30 (Mon): 10:00 – 17:00
-
Last order 30 minutes before closing each day.
-
A Glimpse into Other Featured Brands
The expo is a treasure trove of creativity, with many other brands contributing to its charm:
-
Biscuit＆ツバメブックス (Biscuit & Tsubame Books): This duo from Tokyo’s Yanaka-Sendagi district offers a mix of vintage finds from Biscuit and original paper stationery from Tsubame Books.
-
KNOOPWORKS: They craft minimalist paper goods and stamps using only black, white, gray, and craft materials, focusing on functional and elegant design.
-
ぷんぷく堂 (Punpukudo): Known as the “night stationery store” in Ichikawa, Chiba, Punpukudo is a small stationery manufacturer that creates items its owner truly desires.
-
ありさ＆あかめがね (Arisa & Akamegane): This creative unit builds a world around their pet cat “Dali,” producing a delightful “Oekaki Stamp” series and other whimsical goods.
-
Hütte paper works: A paper brand launched in 2009 by Propeller Studio in Kobe, their designs are inspired by seasonal flowers and plants, capturing the fleeting beauty of nature.
-
adesso: Offering vibrant stationery and goods with Italian design and flair, adesso brings an international touch with items like glass pens, inks, and sealing stamps.
Special Gifts for Shoppers
Visitors to the expo will also have the chance to receive exclusive original goods as a token of appreciation. These gifts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for purchases made on the same day (receipts cannot be combined):
-
Spend 3,300 JPY or more: Receive one “Venue-Limited Design Postcard” (first 2,500 customers).
-
Spend 5,500 JPY or more: Receive one “Masking Tape” (first 1,000 customers), in addition to the postcard.
-
Spend 11,000 JPY or more: Receive one “Big Clip” (first 400 customers), in addition to the postcard and masking tape.
The sheer joy of discovering a new pen that glides perfectly or a letter paper that whispers spring is a feeling stationery enthusiasts worldwide understand. This event perfectly captures that excitement, offering a tangible connection to Japanese craftsmanship and design.
Event Details
-
Name: “SHINJUKU Stationery Expo ~Happy Paper Market~”
-
Period: March 18 (Wed) – 30 (Mon), 10:00 – 20:00 (Last day closes at 17:00)
-
Location: Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku 7F Event Space
-
Address: 1-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Shinjuku Nishi-guchi Halc)
-
Access: Directly connected to Shinjuku Station West Exit
-
Tel: 0570-025-888 (Navi Dial)
-
Official URL: https://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/shinjuku/event/bungu.html
This “Happy Paper Market” not only provides a platform for Japanese creators but also serves as a vibrant showcase of the evolving kawaii lifestyle trend. Such events are crucial in fostering global appreciation for the intricate beauty and innovative spirit of Japanese stationery, undoubtedly inspiring new trends and connections in the international kawaii community for years to come.
