The 8 best Japanese notebooks

Most people only associate Japan with anime, and they would be right because it is a huge part of Japanese culture. But did you also know that some of the best stationery is made in Japan? Japanese notebooks, in particular, are made with attention to detail and come in various designs.

Notebooks are more than just simple tools for jotting down thoughts; they can be used for art and studying, so students, artists, office workers, and children could use a good notebook. Japanese notebooks have set a benchmark for the rest of the world because of their high quality, so if you have been searching for the perfect notebook, look no further. In this article, we will explore the best Japanese notebooks available in the market and how they can enhance your writing and sketching experiences.

• 1. Kokuyo Campus Notebooks
• 2. Midori MD Notebooks
• 3. Apica CD Notebooks
• 4. Traveler's Notebook
• 5. Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks
• 6. Life Noble Notebooks
• 7. Stalogy Notebooks
• 8. Tsubame Fools Notebooks

What To Consider When Buying Notebooks

Purpose and Usage

Are you using the notebook for writing, sketching, bullet journaling, or note-taking? Different purposes require specific features such as lined pages, dot grids, and blank pages. Artists would go for blank notebooks, while students would prefer something with a little more guidance to guide their writing. Understanding your purpose will help you select the appropriate style and format.

Paper Quality

The quality of the paper can significantly impact your writing or drawing experience. Sometimes, a special type of ink bleeds through the pages of thin paper. Artists and people who use fountain pens would need high-quality paper to prevent this from happening.

Look for notebooks with paper that is smooth, resistant to bleed-through, and suitable for your writing instruments. Consider factors like paper weight, texture, and compatibility with fountain pens, markers, or pencils.

Binding and Durability

Notebook binding affects its durability and usability. Common binding types include thread stitching, spiral binding, glue binding, and ring binding. Thread stitching and glue binding tend to last longer and allow the notebook to lay flat when opened, while spiral and ring bindings offer easy page turning and the ability to add or remove pages. 

Size and Portability

Think about the size and portability of the notebook. Consider whether you need a compact notebook that can fit in your bag or a larger one. Most companies in Japan would offer different B and A sizes of a notebook series, so make sure to pick the right one. 

8 Best Japanese Notebooks

Kokuyo Campus Notebooks

Kokuyo is one of Japan’s longest-standing stationery companies that started by producing ledger covers in 1905 and later began making the ledgers 3 years later. The company later shifted to notebooks, and by 1975, the first version of the Kokuyo campus was made. 

As the name implies, the Kokuyo Campus Notebook is made for students to take notes. They have remained popular because of their exceptional quality at an affordable price. The smooth, high-quality paper prevents ink smudging, and it is comfortable to write on, making it good for extensive note-taking sessions. There are different versions of this book, like the dotted, ruled, dotted ruled, and grid versions to suit everyone’s needs.

Midori MD Notebooks

Midori brand has one feature that makes all its products stand out - simplicity. The notebook is made with high-quality paper that is fountain pen friendly because it is bleed-resistant. 

Instead of a thicker paper as a cover, the paper used for pages also serves as a cover for the Midori MD Notebook. The reasoning behind this is the thread binding, which allows them to lay flat when opened and provides a durable structure. It is also plain so that you can customize it yourself. The MD notebooks come in blank, lined, and grid versions to suit students and artists. Ultimately, it is the minimalist design and quality materials that make these notebooks a great choice.

Apica CD Notebooks

Apica is another long-standing Japanese notebook brand established in 1916, so you can trust the quality of the books because of their experience. The paper used for the notebooks was created exclusively for APICA, and it is thin yet bleed-resistant. For those people that like using fountain pens or markers, this book is perfect.

The notebook comes in ruled and grid versions and a variety of sizes. Unlike the Midori MD, it won't lay flat when opened because of the way the spine is designed, but it is an amazing choice.

Traveler's Notebook

Most of the books on the list appeal to students and artists, but what if you just want a compact notebook that you can take anywhere? That’s where the Traveler's Notebook comes in. It is a customizable and versatile notebook that becomes your personalized writing companion. 

Made from top-quality leather, these notebook covers only become better over time. With various designs available, including grid, lined, and blank pages, the Traveler's Notebook is perfect for capturing your thoughts, sketches, and memories while on the go.

Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks

Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks just screams sophistication. It is a beautiful design that fits into office scenes and it can be a great gift. These notebooks have excellent paper quality that is resistant to bleed-through and feathering. The unique binding allows the notebook to lay completely flat, providing a comfortable writing surface. The Mnemosyne notebooks come in various sizes and ruling styles so that anyone can use them.

Life Noble Notebooks

Life Noble Notebooks has 100 pages of bleed-free sheets that are thick. Life. Co is one of the newer companies established in 1946, but because of the affordability of their books, they quickly rose in popularity in Japan. The notebook is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. It comes in ruled, grid, and plain versions allowing you to fill its pages with your ideas, drawings, and inspirations.

Stalogy Notebooks

Stalogy is a combination of the words stationery, standard, and technology. The 016 notebook is a classic, lined B5-style notebook that is very thin yet durable. Its slim profile and lightweight make it easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go use. The notebook features a soft cover with different colors that adds a touch of style to its overall aesthetic.

Tsubame Fools Notebooks

Don’t let the strange name look down on this notebook. Tsubame Fools Notebooks is one of the cheapest yet high-performing books on the market. The high-quality paper is perfect for students or professionals, and the book has around 80 pages, so you’ll use it for a long time. The notebook has a taped spine, so the cover can withstand a lot of abuse but treat it carefully. Also, Tsubame Fools Notebooks are available in different sizes and ruling styles, but one of the buyer’s favorites is the dotted version.

Japanese notebooks are a testament to the country's dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether you are a writer, artist, student, or professional, investing in a high-quality Japanese notebook can improve your experience. From Tomoe River to Midori MD, there is a wide range of Japanese notebooks to suit every taste, preference, and purpose. 

Have you been looking to buy some high-quality Japanese Planners? You can check out our ZenPop stationery store for the best deals from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.