Kokuyo Stationery Guide: Japan’s Minimalist Master of Paper, Planners & Everyday Tools
Looking for high-quality paper, clever planners, or beautifully designed notebooks and office tools? In Japan, Kokuyo Co., Ltd. remains one of the most trusted names in stationery—beloved by students, office workers, creatives, and stationery fans around the world.
While many Japanese brands lean into “kawaii” designs, Kokuyo is known for its clean, minimal aesthetic paired with brilliant functionality. Their products feel simple, but they hide smart design choices: smooth paper that works with fountain pens, ergonomic staplers, tape glues that don’t smudge, and planners built for busy lives.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’re exploring:
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Kokuyo’s history
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Their design philosophy
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Their most iconic and best-selling products today
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Newer innovations that stationery fans love
Let’s take a look at one of Japan’s greatest stationery success stories.
*All images and information are taken from KOKUYO official website
Kokuyo Company History: From Ledger Maker to Global Stationery Leader
Kokuyo began in 1905, when founder Zentaro Kuroda opened a small shop creating wacho—traditional Japanese accounting ledgers. At only 26 years old, Kuroda built a business around meticulous craftsmanship and trustworthy paper quality. His shop, Kuroda Hiyoshi-ten, later evolved into Kokuyo, a name chosen to reflect honor and reliability.
Kokuyo’s Paper Revolution
Before the 1930s, Japan imported most ledger paper from England. Kokuyo changed that by partnering with Oji Paper and introducing the first domestically produced ledger paper in 1930. This move marked the beginning of Kokuyo’s long-standing leadership in Japanese paper manufacturing.
In the decades that followed, Kokuyo continued to innovate:
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Japan’s first colored writing paper
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National expansion in stationery distribution
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The launch of modern notebook lines
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Introduction of office furniture
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Development of “Universal Design” tools—simple, safe, functional products
Notable examples include the Punyo Punyo Pin, a thumbtack with a soft silicone ring to prevent accidental pricks—pure Kokuyo genius.
By the 2000s, the brand had also become a leader in:
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Student stationery
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Workstyle design (furniture + tools)
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High-function planners
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Eco-conscious office supplies
And today, Kokuyo remains at the forefront of Japan’s stationery culture.
Kokuyo’s Best-Selling and Most Loved Products (Updated for 2025)
Kokuyo Campus Loose Leaf Paper & Notebooks
Kokuyo’s Campus line continues to be the brand’s signature bestseller—an everyday essential for students, planners, and fountain pen users across Japan. The loose-leaf paper is available in two textures, Sarasara and Shikkari, each designed to match different writing styles. Sarasara offers a buttery-smooth glide for light handwriting, while Shikkari provides a firmer, slightly textured surface for people who press harder or prefer more control. Both resist feathering and bleed-through remarkably well, even with fountain pens. The Campus family now includes smart ring binders, recycled-paper editions, and structured study layouts, making it one of the most versatile paper systems on the market.
Kokuyo DotLiner Glue Tape
The DotLiner remains one of Kokuyo’s most beloved innovations—a clean, portable alternative to messy glue sticks and liquid adhesives. Instead of smearing paste, the compact dispenser rolls out an even strip of adhesive dots that bond instantly. The blue version offers a strong permanent hold, while the yellow, repositionable type is ideal for journaling, scrapbooking, or layouts you may want to adjust. In 2025, Kokuyo introduced eco-friendly refills and limited seasonal colors, making the DotLiner even more accessible and charming for creative use. It’s simple, tidy, and surprisingly addictive to use.
Kokuyo Harinacs Stapleless Stapler
The Harinacs stapler is a perfect example of Kokuyo design thinking: small, clever, and delightfully practical. Instead of metal staples, Harinacs cuts and folds paper to fasten up to ten sheets together—completely staple-free. It’s kinder to the environment, safe for children, and ideal for anyone who dislikes dealing with bent wires or accidentally poking themselves. The ergonomic shape makes it comfortable to use, and the clear viewing window ensures perfect alignment every time. Made with recycled plastic, the Harinacs brings a thoughtful, eco-friendly twist to everyday organization.
Kokuyo Kadokeshi Eraser
The Kadokeshi eraser, famous for its 28 corners, is still one of Kokuyo’s most iconic designs. Each corner provides a fresh point for precision erasing, making it especially helpful for planners, artists, and anyone who loves neat workspaces. Despite its unusual shape, the eraser is comfortable to hold and incredibly effective at lifting graphite without damaging the page. It comes with a protective sleeve and is both latex- and phthalate-free. Over the years, the Kadokeshi has earned a quiet cult following—proof that even an everyday tool can become a small piece of functional art.
Kokuyo for Work and Home Offices
Beyond stationery, Kokuyo has also earned recognition for its ergonomic office furniture. During the rise of remote work, many people rediscovered Kokuyo’s workstyle design—from adjustable STANDSIT desks to supportive ing chairs and modular storage systems. The brand approaches furniture with the same philosophy as its stationery: simple aesthetics, intuitive usability, and long-term comfort. Whether at home or in the office, Kokuyo provides a clean, calming environment that helps people focus and create.
Which Kokuyo products are you interested in? Do you prefer your stationery practical, or super cute? Why not take a look at Zenpop’s stationery box for all kinds of stationery to suit your personal tastes, whether it’s an adorable theme or a unique item!
