5 Japanese Stationery Brands You Should Know | Part 1
1. KOKUYO
When people think of Japanese stationery, KOKUYO is often one of the first brands that comes to mind. Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1905, KOKUYO has spent more than a century reimagining how stationery enhances the way people learn, work, and create. Guided by a philosophy of thoughtful and human-centred design, KOKUYO believes that even the simplest everyday tools should inspire creativity, enhance productivity, and bring greater comfort to daily life. This commitment to innovation, functionality, and simplicity has made the brand a favourite among students, professionals, and stationery lovers around the world.
At YUINK, we've curated several of KOKUYO's best-loved collections. The SOFTRING notebooks feature a soft ring binding that provides a more comfortable writing experience, whether you're left- or right-handed. The Good Tools collection offers clean, minimalist writing instruments designed for everyday use, while the HAKOAKE scissors cleverly combine a box cutter and scissors in one compact tool, making them ideal for both work and home.
2. MIDORI
For over 70 years, MIDORI has believed in 「暮らしに彩りを」 (Enriching everyday life). Founded in Japan in 1950, the brand creates stationery that celebrates the simple pleasure of writing and the beauty of everyday moments. Rather than following trends, MIDORI focuses on timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and products that encourage people to slow down, express themselves, and enjoy handwritten communication. Every product is thoughtfully crafted, with careful attention given to the choice of paper, materials, functionality, and every finishing detail.
At YUINK, we've carefully curated a selection of MIDORI's most loved stationery. From the compact XS series, which transforms everyday desk essentials into portable tools, to beautifully crafted Letterpress and Washi Paper Letter Sets that celebrate the art of handwritten correspondence, every collection is designed with purpose. Alongside the playful D-Clips, stickers, sticky notes, and marking pens, these collections reflect MIDORI's passion for writing, organisation, and everyday creativity.
3. MITSUBISHI PENCIL (uni)
Have you ever heard of the uni Jetstream? With more than 100 million Jetstream pens sold worldwide every year, it has become one of Japan's most iconic writing instruments. Behind the Jetstream is Mitsubishi Pencil (uni), a company guided by the philosophy 「違いが、美しい。」 (Difference is Beautiful). Rather than believing there is one perfect pen for everyone, Mitsubishi Pencil embraces the idea that every individual writes differently. Through continuous innovation, precision engineering, and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand creates writing instruments that deliver comfort, reliability, and an outstanding writing experience, empowering people to express their ideas with confidence.
At YUINK, we've curated uni's premium writing instruments, including the Jetstream Prime 3-Color, combining Jetstream's signature hybrid ink with an elegant multi-pen design, and the Jetstream 4&1 × Karimoku Limited Edition, featuring a handcrafted wooden grip created with renowned Japanese furniture maker Karimoku. You'll also find the vibrant uni-ball One gel pen, plus reliable markers and highlighters for everyday writing and creativity.
4. FURUKAWA SHIKO
For nearly two centuries, FURUKAWA SHIKO has specialised in creating paper goods that bring warmth, creativity, and personality to everyday life. Based in Mino, Gifu, home to the renowned Japanese Mino Washi paper tradition, the brand combines generations of papermaking heritage with charming illustrations and contemporary Japanese design. Rather than treating paper as simply a material, FURUKAWA SHIKO believes it can preserve memories, express emotions, and transform everyday moments into something worth keeping.
At YUINK, we've carefully curated a selection of FURUKAWA SHIKO's most loved paper goods. From the beloved Watashi Biyori sticker collection to letter sets, greeting cards, postcards, notebooks, sticky notes, and origami paper sets, every collection reflects the brand's passion for thoughtful paper design. Whether you're journaling, sending a thoughtful note, decorating your planner, or adding a personal touch to a gift, FURUKAWA SHIKO's stationery brings warmth, creativity, and charm to everyday moments.
5. LIHIT LAB.
LIHIT LAB. believes that great stationery should solve everyday problems through thoughtful design. Since 1938, this Japanese brand has been creating innovative stationery and organisational tools that make working, studying, and everyday life more efficient. By combining functionality, simplicity, and user-centred design, LIHIT LAB. transforms everyday challenges into smart and practical solutions that are intuitive to use and built to last.
LIHIT LAB. is renowned for its innovative organisers, file holders, storage solutions, and desk accessories, all designed to improve everyday efficiency through simple yet clever ideas. At YUINK, we've carefully curated the One Book Stand, featuring a unique stopper mechanism that keeps books neatly upright, even after one is removed. This ingenious design was recognised with the Grand Prize at the Stationery General Election 2023 and the Excellence Award in the Functionality Category of the Japan Stationery Awards, reflecting LIHIT LAB.'s commitment to thoughtful, problem-solving design.
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Japan is home to countless stationery brands, each with its own philosophy, craftsmanship, and approach to everyday design. KOKUYO, MIDORI, Mitsubishi Pencil (uni), FURUKAWA SHIKO, and LIHIT LAB. are just the beginning.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll introduce five more Japanese stationery brands that every stationery lover should know.