Known for its high-quality standards and ingenious designs, Japanese stationery has gained a notorious reputation around the world, winning the hearts of first-time shoppers and diehard stationery fans alike. From fine-tip pens and erasable highlighters to bleed-resistant notebooks and dust-gathering erasers, Japan seems to have a solution for almost any problem you might have. But is Japanese stationery really worth the hype? Here we dive into a few reasons why the country’s office supplies are unlike any other:
So many choices
Whether shopping online or at a physical store, when it comes to Japanese stationery, you will find yourself with an unlimited amount of choices — and here we’re not only talking about color. Pens come in multiple tip sizes, notebooks feature different line and grid styles, binders and folders have multiple sizes and thicknesses, erasers are made with different materials and in different shapes, and the list goes on. But manufacturers provide a wide range of options not only to meet the customer’s needs but also to make their products distinguishable from similar ones. Because there are a lot of competitors in the market, each brand has to ensure that they stand out in the crowd.
Outstanding quality
In order to keep up with the high-quality standards of the customers, Japanese manufacturers pay attention to the smallest details and design these stationery items with the customer in mind. The products are not only made to meet the buyer’s everyday needs but also to enhance their overall experience — whether it be writing, scrapbooking, drawing, etc. By delivering products well above the standard, stationery companies ensure that the customer can focus on the task at hand without ever having to worry about their tools. In addition, all stationery stores in Japan also provide test stations near writing tools so you can test the quality of the products for yourself.
Endless innovation and efficiency
It’s easy to notice the clever solutions to stationary problems that Japanese products have. Erasers, for instance, have been blessed with a wide range of innovative designs — some can collect the residue they produce while others have multiple corners so that you can always have a sharp corner to erase with. There’s also a mechanical pencil that rotates its lead every time it is lifted, so it can be kept sharp at all times. Products like these aim to overcome small inconveniences you might come across, significantly facilitating their use and improving performance.
Too cute!
For Japanese stationery brands, beauty is just as important as quality and practicality. And the visual aspect of their products is truly like a cherry on the cake — and maybe the icing and toppings as well. The kawaii phenomenon has unsurprisingly dominated the market, where you can find highlighters with pastel colors, food or animal-shaped memo pads, pens and mechanical pencils decorated with cute characters, and more. However, the kawaii look is not the only aesthetic you will find for Japanese stationery. Many brands feature sleek, modern designs while others go for the vintage appeal. Whatever your need or preference is, you will be sure to find something to your liking within the fascinating world of Japanese stationery.