Miyashita Nodoka’s Favorite Illustration Tools & Stationery | ZenPop Japan
For illustrator Miyashita Nodoka, drawing is a way to translate everyday scenery into something warm and inviting. Born in Tokyo and a graduate of Tama Art University’s Oil Painting program, she works across book illustrations, advertising, animation, and collaborations with stationery brands such as NB, KING JIM HITOTOKI KITTA, and many more.
Her drawings often feature plants and landscapes, painted with a lightness that feels both calm and quietly joyful. Behind that softness is a thoughtful mix of analog and digital tools—each chosen to support sketching, coloring, organizing ideas, and preserving moments.
This time, Miyashita Nodoka shares eight favorite items that support her creative process, from early sketches to finished illustrations.
Meet Nodoka Miyashita
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Name: Nodoka Miyashita (宮下 和)
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From: Tokyo, Japan
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Works: Illustration for literary magazines, advertising, animation, book covers, and stationery brands including NB, KING JIM KITTA (more details can be found at Miyashita's official website)
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Style: Bright, warm, and gentle
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Themes: Plants, landscapes, everyday scenes
Miyashita Nodoka’s Top 8 Favorite Creative Tools
1. Supernote Manta (E-Ink Tablet)
How I use it:
A digital paper tablet for monochrome creative work such as notes, rough sketches, and initial ideas.
Why it’s special:
“What I love most is how close it feels to writing on real paper. I use it for everything—ideas that pop into my head, meeting notes, and sketches when I’m out. I tend to lose paper notes, so having everything managed digitally in one place makes it easy to look back anytime. It’s truly helpful.”
You may also be interested in the PLUS Kaite Memo Pad, a reusable writing pad designed for smooth, paper-like writing without waste. Itlets you jot down notes and erase them with the magnetic brush.
2. Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen
How I use it:
For sketching.
Why it’s special:
“The tip has a perfect balance—somewhere between a brush and a pen. It’s easy to control line thickness, so I can draw expressive lines without effort. I also love how many colors there are, and how stylish and well-balanced the color tones feel. Drawing with them is always fun.”
Shop PENTEL Brush Touch Sign Pen
3. Kuretake CLEAN COLOR Real Brush
How I use it:
For coloring sketches.
Why it’s special:
“Even though it’s a marker, it allows for soft, watercolor-like expressions. I can get a delicate, gentle water-coloring look without using water, which makes it especially useful when sketching or coloring outside.”
Miyashita’s gentle illustration style doesn’t stop at the page. Her artwork also appears on KITTA masking tape, where soft colors and botanical motifs become part of everyday stationery life. You may visit Miyashita's gallery for more details.
These compact tapes are perfect for journaling, sketchbook accents, and subtle decoration — adding a quiet, illustrated touch without overwhelming the page. Used alongside her drawing tools, they feel like a natural extension of her creative world.
4. MUJI Nylon Mesh Pen Case (Vertical & Horizontal)
How I use it:
To store my favorite pens, especially the Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen and Kuretake Real Brush.
Why it’s special:
“The mesh material lets me see everything inside at a glance. I can also stand it upright, so even when it’s full, the pens don’t get buried and I can take out the pens I need easily. It’s lightweight, soft, and easy to carry—perfect for daily use.”
You may also be interested in the KUTSUWA Pen Case L gaba Stand, a self-standing organizer that puts your favorite tools on display.
5. Maruman Croquis Loose Leaf Paper
How I use it:
For sketches, rough drafts, and drawing practice.
Why it’s special:
“I’ve been using this since my student days. The cream-colored paper is easy on the eyes, even during long sessions. Because it’s loose-leaf, I can rearrange pages freely and organize them by theme later. It works especially well with analog tools—ink and pen feel just right on it.”
6. TALENS ART CREATION TAC Sketchbook (120 × 120 mm, Black)
How I use it:
For personal ideas, such as concepts for exhibitions or original goods.
Why it’s special:
“It’s small enough to carry around, so I can write down ideas anytime. The paper is thick, which means I can use many different materials without worrying about bleed-through. It’s my little secret notebook for important creative ideas.”
7. CANON iNSPiC Mini Photo Printer
How I use it:
To print photos taken on my smartphone and paste them into my diary.
Why it’s special:
“It doesn’t require ink, so I can use it easily anywhere. I love being able to turn digital photos into physical prints and keep visual memories in an analog way.”
8. Tape Stand (Brand Unknown, Purchased at Omotesando Spiral)
How I use it:
A tape cutter for desk work and packaging.
Why it’s special:
“I bought it because I fell in love at first sight. It has a minimal design, but it’s also very comfortable to use. The base is made of iron, so it’s heavy enough that it doesn’t move when pulling tape. It’s easy to replace the tape and has been a reliable desk companion for years.”
Reflections from Miyashita’s Desk
Miyashita Nodoka’s tools reflect a gentle balance between structure and freedom. Digital and analog coexist naturally on her desk, supporting everything from fleeting ideas to carefully developed illustrations. Each item is chosen not just for function, but for how it feels—how it supports long hours of drawing, quiet concentration, and joyful experimentation.
Her workspace reminds us that creativity often grows from familiarity: pens you’ve used for years, paper that feels right under your hand, tools that quietly stay with you through different phases of work. From sketching plants to capturing landscapes, her stationery helps bring warmth and clarity to every line she draws.
Interested in sharing your own favorite stationery selection or setup? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected] to be featured in a future story.
If you’d like to explore more creators and their favorite tools, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our Stationery Stories corner.
