- [Narrator] Compared to American notebooks,
Japanese notebooks are thoughtfully designed
with the customer's needs and wants in mind.
They offer way more options for paper color, sheet style,
and other features.
Paper plays a central role in many Japanese traditions
and continues to be an important part of daily life.
This kind of paper culture results in some of the most
innovative, user-friendly notebooks we've ever come across.
To learn more about Japan's extensive paper culture,
check out the video in the card above.
We picked nine of our favorite unique
Japanese notebooks to share with you.
Let us know in the comments if you've ever used
any of these before, or which you want to try.
Built in whiteboard.
These convenient Gakken Write White Notebooks
let you take your ideas with you on the go.
Besides portability, they're great
for brainstorming sessions and solving math problem sets.
Each notebook includes six to eight whiteboard pages
with clear plastic dividers to protect your writing
from smudging or transferring.
The dividers can even work as extra pages.
The standard Write White Notebooks have blank pages,
while the Write White+ Notebooks
feature a to-do list and graph sheets.
They all come with a whiteboard marker.
Innovative lay-flat binding.
These Kleid x Nakamura Flat Notebooks lay completely flat
no matter which pages you have open.
Most lay-flat notebooks bind together bundles of sheets
that are folded in half, otherwise known as signatures.
Unlike other notebooks that use several sheets of paper
in each signature, the Kleid x Nakamura Flat Notebook
has signatures that consists of only one sheet of paper
folded in half.
This special binding method that Nakamura patented
also doesn't use any sewing,
so you can cleanly tear out pages.
When unfolded, the double page spread
can be used as an A4 size page.
The notebook is filled with OK Fools paper,
high-end Japanese writing paper
that's inspired by British foolscap paper.
Each page has a Japanese watermark that's visible
when held up to light.
Standing notebook.
If you've ever wanted to prop up notes or recipes,
check out these Midori + Stand Notebooks.
With the help of an elastic band
and notches on the front cover,
they transform into handy display stands.
Since the covers are made with sturdy chipboard,
the notebook stays upright and stable.
It comes in two sizes
and in blank or cross grid sheet styles.
Half size notebook.
Created with students and tech savvy workers in mind,
Kokuyo Half Size Campus Notebooks save desk space.
They're ideal for note taking on the go
in tighter workspaces,
like in a cafe or lecture hall.
Instead of jutting out awkwardly or covering your keyboard,
they fit perfectly in front of it.
Like other Campus notebooks,
they boast smooth paper that works well
with pencils and pens alike.
Squishy rings.
For a comfortable and convenient writing experience,
you can't go wrong with Kokuyo Sooofa Soft Ring Notebooks.
Instead of metal rings that dig into your skin
and get bent out of shape,
they feature soft plastic rings that squish down.
The front cover offers a notch for holding a pen
and the inside back cover has a pocket
for storing stickers or loose notes.
The Sooofa closes with an elastic band
to ensure the notebook won't flap open in your backpack,
protecting the pages from becoming creased.
Unique layouts.
Minimalist and lightweight,
Laconic style notebooks cover a wide variety of sheet styles
and are perfect for organization.
If you're looking for an undated planner,
pick up a daily, weekly, monthly, or 100 Days layout.
For general productivity, try the to-do list,
spreadsheet, meeting notes,
and Gantt chart spreads.
Comforting design.
Maruman Septcouleur Notebooks are as pleasant to look at
as they are to use.
The soft covers have a satisfying matte texture to them,
and can resist water for a short time,
so spills can be wiped off before they soak in.
They're available in several stylish colors
so you can pick whichever color matches your aesthetic
or personality.
Inside, the three millimeter graph lines
are printed in an unobtrusive light gray.
The paper is extra smooth,
similar to Maruman's popular Mnemosyne line of notebooks.
Colored paper.
Add a gentle touch of color to your writing
with these charming Midori Soft Color Notebooks.
They're filled with softly colored
fountain pen friendly paper,
with a subtle dot grid printed in a slightly darker shade.
Gold foil and staples accent the notebook.
If you prefer something more vibrant,
consider Midori's Color Paper Notebooks.
They offer lined pages
and covers inspired by French macarons.
Black paper notebook.
If black paper is more your style,
Etranger Di Costarica Blanc De Noirs Notebooks
are perfect for doodling or practicing calligraphy.
You can use the black sheets for creating striking cards,
writing letters, or scrapbooking with metallic,
glitter, pastel or white inks.
Which of these notebooks did you like best?
For even more unique notebooks, make sure to watch our video
on interesting Japanese notebooks in the card above.
You can find all these notebooks
linked in the description below and at JetPens.com,
the place for pen and stationary lovers.
The soft covers have a satisfying matte texture to them,
and can resist water for a short time,
so spills can be wiped off before they soak in.
(laughs)
They offer lined pages with covers
inspired by French macarons.
I'm laughing at how I sound.
Macaron, macarons.
Thanks for watching.
(downbeat music)