﻿Japanese stationery has a reputation for being high quality and innovative.
But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the best of the best.
We’re here to help with our brand new video series on must-have Japanese stationery.
In part one, we’ll focus on pens, pencils, and markers.
Keep watching to see smooth ballpoint pens, rotating mechanical pencils, and colorful highlighters!
Pens
If you think ballpoint pens are skippy writing instruments that make your hand cramp, the Uni Jetstream will change your mind.
It’s packed with low-viscosity ink that practically glides across the page.
It comes in a variety of body styles, but we recommend the Alpha Gel version for its super comfortable grip.
It’s hard to pick just one gel pen to recommend, but we think the Zebra Sarasa has a leg up on its competitors.
Its range of colors and ink formulas simply set it apart.
Try the original Clip for vibrant, smooth writing.
Highlighter enthusiasts can use the smear-resistant Mark On,
while artists can consider the vibrant R.
Learn more about the Sarasa in our comprehensive guide.
Of course, we have to give a quick shout out to the Uni-ball Signo too.
It comes in different body styles, tip sizes, and colors.
Try out our Off Black Bundle to experience five sophisticated shades.
Pencils
The Kuru Toga solves an issue you probably never thought about.
When you write with a normal mechanical pencil, the graphite wears down unevenly.
The Kuru Toga actually spins the graphite around, ensuring that it maintains a neat and precise conical shape!
There are several different Kuru Togas, including the sleek Advance Upgrade, which rotates the lead twice as fast as standard Kuru Toga pencils.
You can learn more about all the versions in our dedicated guide.
Heavy-handed writers are sure to find a new favorite pencil in the Zebra DelGuard.
It uses an ingenious system of springs that protects the graphite from breaking,
whether you use too much downward or sideways pressure.
Those who find they grip their pencils too hard, can pick up the Type-GR, which has an ergonomic grip and a chunky body that is easy to hold.
Wooden pencil lovers, we didn't forget about you!
Check out the Tombow 2558!
Don't judge it by its humble looks.
The high quality graphite creates rich, dark lines with little effort.
Plus, the eraser on the end actually works, and erases cleanly without leaving behind a smeared mess.
Highlighters & Markers
We love the Pentel Fude Touch thanks to its flexible yet easy to control tip.
Calligraphy beginners and lettering experts alike will appreciate its line variation and range of colors.
If you like the Fude Touch, take a look at the original Pentel Sign Pen.
Its firm, durable tip isn’t flexible, but it’s still an excellent option for bold, bright doodles.
Have you ever seen a retractable marker like this before?
The Zebra Clickart Knock deploys just like your favorite ballpoint or gel pen:
just press down on the clicker!
This handy marker comes in 48 colors that are available individually or in sets of 12.
Japanese stationery lovers are sure to be familiar with Zebra Mildliners—
you probably own one (if not the entire set!)
Their softly colored inks are available in a rainbow of colors, including fun hues like Citrus Green, Smoke Blue, and Cool Gray.
Calligraphers who want to incorporate the Mildliner’s pastel hues into their lettering can pick up the brush pen version of the Mildliner.
What must-have Japanese stationery is in your collection? Let us know in the comments below.
Stay tuned for our next video where we feature our favorite notebooks and pen cases!
Thanks for watching.