Japanese Stationery Award 2026 Winners & Trends
The Japanese Stationery Awards are often compared to a “Guinness World Records” of stationery — an annual publication highlighting the most innovative, beautiful, and functional tools released in Japan that year.
The judges? Stationery store staff and industry professionals with firsthand insight into what customers truly love. Their experience on the sales floor gives them a uniquely practical perspective — what sells, what surprises, and what genuinely improves the writing experience.
source: fusosha
Published by Fusosha, the award book is released nationwide and eagerly awaited by fans and retailers alike. Winning a category is prestigious — but the real prize is the nationwide rush of stationery lovers eager to try the year’s most talked-about innovations.
And of course, ZenPop is always watching closely. Many winners feel familiar to us — because they’ve already been quietly loved inside our boxes or featured in our store before the awards shine their spotlight.
So, without further ado, here are the winners of the Japanese Stationery Awards 2026.
Main Awards Winners
The Grand Prize
Solid Light (LACONIC)
source: LACONIC
A surprise victory — and yet, somehow, not surprising at all.
For the first time, a company not traditionally known as a writing instrument manufacturer has claimed the Grand Prize with a mechanical pencil. But for those familiar with Laconic’s minimal, almost Zen-like design philosophy, this feels like a natural evolution.
The Solid Light is stripped down to its essence:
- A single black colorway
- A low center of gravity for stable writing
- A cool, metallic grip
- A hexagonal ring that prevents rolling — even without a clip
Even the fully transparent packaging reflects its uncompromising worldview. This is a pencil that doesn’t scream for attention — it earns it quietly. Commentators praised its balanced weight distribution and refined aesthetics. It’s not flashy. It’s focused. And that focus is exactly what makes writing feel intentional again.
ZenPop Comment: There’s something quietly beautiful about tools that don’t try too hard. Solid Light feels like the kind of pencil that invites you to slow down and focus — and that alone feels like a small luxury.
The Design Award
Komagoma File A4 (Sakura Craypas)
source: Sakur Craypas
Originally designed as a children’s organizing tool, the Komagoma File became a viral sensation on social media — and adults quickly adopted it as a clever storage solution. The A4 version wins for one key reason: visibility.
Its fan-shaped opening fully reveals contents at a glance. The horizontal A4 orientation makes documents easier to insert and remove while still allowing the file to stand upright on shelves. With more muted, adult-friendly colors, this once child-focused tool has grown into something universally practical.
ZenPop Comment: We love when a “children’s tool” grows up without losing its charm. Visibility and softness in color make this feel practical, but never clinical.
The Functionality Award
FRIXION SYNERGY 3 (PILOT)
source: PILOT
Pilot’s legendary erasable ink meets the ultra-precise Synergy tip. The FRIXION SYNERGY 3 combines:
- Three colors (black, red, blue)
- A slim, elegant body
- A smooth ultra-fine tip that avoids scratchiness
It answers a modern need: writing small, detailed planner notes without sacrificing smoothness. For the journaling generation — this is high performance without compromise.
ZenPop Comment: Erasable ink and ultra-fine precision? This feels made for modern planners and tiny handwriting moments. High performance, but still gentle.
The Idea Award
UFO Flat Pouch (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
Yes — the UFO series continues.
Following their pen case and bookmark, Sun-Star releases a flat pouch version that glows and doubles as a reflector. It’s playful, nostalgic and slightly absurd.
But beneath the humor lies sharp trend awareness:
- Neon revival aesthetics
- “Oshi” culture display needs
- Statement accessories clipped to bags
Sometimes the best ideas are simply bold enough to make people smile.
ZenPop Comment: Stationery doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes a little absurdity is exactly what keeps creativity light.
Category Awards
If the Main Awards represent the bold headlines of the year, the Category Awards reveal the deeper movements shaping Japanese stationery culture.
In 2026, we see three major themes emerge:
- Refined minimalism in writing tools
- Smarter organization for modern life
- Playful personality layered onto practical objects
Let’s explore each category in detail.
Writing Instruments
Japanese writing tools continue to evolve not just in smoothness, but in intention. This year’s winners reflect both professional precision and expressive creativity.
Best Ballpoint Pen
Juice+ / Juice Plus (Pilot)
Pilot’s beloved Juice series receives an upgrade with Juice+. Known for its vibrant gel ink and consistent flow, this version improves ink density and clarity while maintaining the smooth writing experience fans expect.
The tip glides evenly without skipping, making it ideal for planners, journaling spreads, and colorful note-taking. It’s expressive but controlled — bold without bleeding.
Juice+ feels like the evolution of an already reliable classic.
ZenPop Comment: Juice+ feels like confidence in color form. Smooth, vibrant, and reliable, the kind of pen you reach for without thinking.
Best Mechanical Pencil
AIMVISION Pro (KAYOU+)
source: KAYOU+
The Aim Vision Pro is built with serious users in mind. Its drafting-inspired design prioritizes stability, control, and precision.
The balance is carefully engineered for long writing sessions, and the structure minimizes wobble while maintaining a comfortable grip. It’s understated in appearance, but performance-driven in execution.
A mechanical pencil for those who truly care about the act of writing.
ZenPop Comment: There’s a quiet discipline to this pencil. It doesn’t decorate your desk, it supports your focus.
Best Multi-Function Pen
Penciero Verita S (2-Color Ballpoint + Mechanical Pencil) (Sailor)
source: Sailor
Multi-function pens have a reputation for being bulky — but the Verita S challenges that assumption. With two ballpoint colors and a mechanical pencil housed in a refined, well-proportioned body, this pen feels elegant rather than heavy. Sailor’s attention to detail shows in the weight balance and overall silhouette.
It’s a tool that transitions seamlessly from office meetings to personal journaling.
ZenPop Comment: Multi-pens often compromise elegance. This one doesn’t. It feels composed and almost refined.
Best Fountain Pen
Profit Casual L Gold Trim (Sailor)
source: Sailor
The Profit Casual L Gold Trim balances accessibility with sophistication. The gold accents elevate its appearance, while Sailor’s dependable nib performance makes it approachable even for fountain pen beginners. It’s a reminder that fountain pens don’t need to be intimidating. They can be practical, refined, and welcoming all at once.
ZenPop Comment: A fountain pen that welcomes beginners is always a joy. Writing should feel inviting, not intimidating.
Best Color Pen
Lameco Glitter Marker (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
Instead of combining pigment and shimmer, Lameco focuses entirely on glitter. The result is a luminous marker that adds sparkle without overwhelming text or layouts. It’s perfect for subtle highlighting, decorative headers, and journaling accents. In a year that embraces quiet minimalism, this pen proves there’s still space for a little shine.
ZenPop Comment: Minimalism doesn’t mean color disappears. Sometimes it just means the sparkle is intentional.
Erasers & Correction
Small tools often bring the biggest improvements.
Best Eraser
Kado Loop (Seed)
source: SEED
“Kado” means “edge” in Japanese — and that’s exactly what this eraser restores. After repeated use, eraser corners round off, making precise erasing difficult. KADO Loope lets you bring the sharp edges back. Simply warm the eraser and press it onto the transparent Kado-Mode Sheet to reshape the softened surface and recreate clean corners.
Instead of replacing your eraser, you reset it. A simple, clever solution that turns wear into renewal and keeps every use precise.
ZenPop Comment: Resetting the edge instead of replacing the eraser feels poetic somehow. A reminder that good tools can be renewed, not discarded.
Storage & Organization
This year’s winners show that organization is no longer just about storing — it’s about visibility, speed, and lifestyle compatibility.
Best Pen Case
Cicada Shell Pen Case (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
A pen case shaped like a cicada shell might sound whimsical — and it is — but it also reflects Japan’s tradition of blending novelty with usability.
The structure holds writing tools securely while serving as a conversation piece. It’s storage with personality, perfectly aligned with pop culture humor and playful desk aesthetics.
ZenPop Comment: Functional storage, but make it whimsical. It’s the kind of piece that makes your desk feel less ordinary.
Best Desk Storage
Digi-tox “The Routine” Smartphone Time Lock Case (Sonic)
source: Sonic
A very 2026 kind of innovation, in an era of constant digital distraction, this time-lock case offers something radical: enforced focus.
Designed to physically lock away your smartphone for a set period, it addresses a modern problem through a simple, tangible solution. It’s not flashy — but it speaks directly to the growing desire for intentional time management.
ZenPop Comment: In a world of constant notifications, physical boundaries feel almost revolutionary. Focus, by design.
Best Pouch & Bag
in Action Pen Pouch (LACONIC)
source: LACONIC
The In-Action Pen Pouch reflects Laconic’s signature balance of minimalism and utility. Designed with active daily use in mind, the pouch emphasizes structure and accessibility rather than decorative excess. Its streamlined form keeps tools secure while allowing quick retrieval, making it suitable for both students and professionals. Clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and practical compartments elevate it beyond a simple pouch — it feels intentional.
Minimal, but not plain. Functional, but not cold.
ZenPop Comment: Minimal, structured, intentional, very 2026 energy. Utility doesn’t need decoration to feel complete.
Best File Organizer
Campus One-Second Open Binder (Kokuyo)
source: KOKUYO
True to its name, this binder opens instantly. Kokuyo refines the ring mechanism to allow pages to be accessed in a second, reducing friction in daily study or office use. It’s designed for students juggling multiple subjects and professionals flipping between documents. Efficiency is quietly becoming a defining feature of modern stationery.
ZenPop Comment: Sometimes innovation is simply removing friction. One second really does change the rhythm of study.
Paper, Notes & Journaling
Paper remains the emotional core of stationery culture in Japan. This year’s winners celebrate both comfort and structure.
Best Sticky Notes
Campus Roll Sticky Notes (Kokuyo)
source: KOKUYO
Instead of individual pads, this roll-style sticky note allows you to write and tear exactly the length you need. It fits into margins and gaps naturally, making it ideal for planners and textbooks. Compact, flexible, and intuitive — it reflects how modern users customize their note-taking systems.
ZenPop Comment: The freedom to tear exactly what you need feels surprisingly satisfying. Customization without complication.
Best Letter
Mogumogu Letter (Midori)
source: KOKUYO
Playful and charming, Mogumogu Letter adds character to traditional correspondence. It combines thoughtful design with high-quality paper, making handwritten communication feel lighthearted but still meaningful. A reminder that letters can still surprise and delight.
ZenPop Comment: Handwritten letters don’t have to be formal. They can be playful and still meaningful.
Best Card
Miyazawa Kenji “Kirapika” Postcard (Seal-do)
source: SEAL-DO
Inspired by literary and artistic themes, this postcard uses shimmering details to create a luminous effect. When displayed near light, the foil accents shift and sparkle. It’s a small piece of art disguised as correspondence.
ZenPop Comment: Foil that catches the light always feels like a small celebration. A postcard that quietly glows.
Best Memo Pad
Kodomo Tetsudo Boxed Memo Cards (Kumpel)
source: Kumpel
A blend of play and function. Packaged like a tiny collectible set, these memo cards combine nostalgia and practicality. They’re compact, charming, and perfect for quick notes or small messages.
ZenPop Comment: There’s something nostalgic about boxed memo cards. Tiny notes, tiny stories.
Best Notebook
Cafe Note for Tea Time (Daigo)
source: Daigo
Designed to accompany moments of rest, this notebook encourages reflection during tea or coffee breaks. Its layout and theme transform simple note-taking into a ritual — reminding us that writing doesn’t always need urgency. Sometimes it just needs atmosphere.
ZenPop Comment: We love stationery that creates atmosphere. This one feels like it pairs best with a warm drink and slow thoughts.
Best Planner
Koyomi Seikatsu Planner (Shin Nihon Calendar)
source: Shin Nigon Calendar
Rooted in Japanese seasonal awareness, this planner connects scheduling with nature and cultural rhythm. It balances structured planning with lifestyle reflection, encouraging users to notice not just appointments — but seasons, moods, and small changes.
ZenPop Comment: Planning alongside the seasons feels uniquely Japanese. Structure, but with softness.
Arts & Crafts
Best Stamp
Yurulog Daily Record Stamp (Midori)
Yurulog stamps are designed to gently structure daily logs without overwhelming the page. Perfect for habit tracking and planner decoration, they add clarity while maintaining softness — a signature Midori balance.
ZenPop Comment: Gentle structure for everyday tracking. Organized, but still cozy.
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Best Masking Tape
mt “Write & Draw” Perforated Tape – Thank You (Kamoi mt)
source: mt
This masking tape includes perforations and writable surfaces, allowing users to tear cleanly and add personalized messages. Functional tape becomes communication tool, another example of small innovation with daily impact.
ZenPop Comment: When tape becomes a communication tool, you know the category has evolved.
You may also be interested in the BANDE Writable Roll Sticker - Memo Style
Best Sticker
Glow-in-the-Dark Icon Stickers (Sakura Craypas)
source: Sakura Craypas
Stickers that shine literally. These icon stickers absorb light and glow softly in darker environments, adding an unexpected interactive quality to decoration. Whether used in planners, notebooks, or personal items, they introduce a subtle surprise element that shifts depending on the time of day.
It’s a playful twist on a classic stationery category, blending novelty with everyday usability.
ZenPop Comment: Daytime decoration, nighttime surprise. Small details that shift with light feel quietly magical.
Best Clips
Campus Portable Book Clip (Kokuyo)
source: KOKUYO
Designed to be carried like a pen, this slim book clip challenges the bulky image of traditional page holders. It slides easily into pencil cases and attaches securely to books without damaging pages. Ideal for students, language learners, and heavy readers, it solves a small but common frustration — keeping pages open without fuss.
Another example of Kokuyo refining something simple into something smarter.
ZenPop Comment: Slim, practical, easy to carry. A tiny tool that solves a very real annoyance.
Tools & Accessories
Practical upgrades continue to define this category.
Best Scissors
Magnetic Multi-Function Scissors ZACCC (Raymay Fujii)
source: Raymay Fujii
Compact yet powerful, these scissors attach magnetically to surfaces for easy access. Designed with modern desks in mind, they combine convenience with multi-function capability. A tool that earns its place instead of hiding in drawers.
ZenPop Comment: Tools that stay visible get used more. Magnets are underrated.
Best Cutter
Pico Friends Cardboard Cutter (Plus)
source: Plus
Designed specifically for opening packages safely, this cutter reflects today’s e-commerce lifestyle. Small, approachable, and friendly in design — but sharp where it matters.
ZenPop Comment: Functional doesn’t have to feel harsh.
Special Awards
Special Awards are selected by supporting retailers and industry partners. While each sponsor has its own perspective, these awards often highlight hidden gems — tools that may not dominate headlines but deserve attention.
Ishimaru Bunkyodo Award
Cassette Tape Measure (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
A measuring tape disguised as a nostalgic cassette tape. This design taps into retro culture while delivering full functionality. Compact and easy to carry, it blends novelty and practicality in equal measure. A charming throwback with modern usability.
ZenPop Comment: Nostalgia works best when it’s usable. This one earns its retro charm.
Office Vendor Award
Punyuspiral (Kutsuwa)
The Punyuspiral reimagines spiral binding with a soft, flexible structure that reduces bulk and improves comfort. It’s subtle innovation — the kind that enhances daily writing without shouting about it.
ZenPop Comment: Comfort improvements are rarely flashy — but deeply appreciated.
This item is included in our ZenPop Field Trip Stationery Box.
Kumazawa Shoten Award
Cat Art Collection Book Cover “Fish” (ROKKAKU)
source: ROKKAKU
A special collaboration between foil-stamping brand ROKKAKU and 365Cat.Art, this book cover is a true delight for cat lovers. Filled with charming feline illustrations, it transforms an ordinary paperback into something playful and expressive.
The material itself is thoughtfully chosen: made primarily from sustainably sourced forest pulp, it offers both flexibility and strength while remaining recyclable as paper. It’s a design that considers beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility all at once.
ZenPop Comment: Book covers are such an underrated form of self-expression. Quiet protection, with personality.
Coach & Four Award
Transparent Sticker Binder (Q-Lia)
source: Q-Lia
A dedicated home for sticker collectors. The Transparent Sticker Binder is designed specifically for organizing and displaying sticker sheets without hiding their beauty. Its clear format allows users to flip through collections easily while keeping everything protected and visible.
In recent years, sticker collecting has grown beyond simple decoration — it has become a hobby in its own right. This binder supports that culture by offering structure without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Functional storage meets collector pride — a very 2026 kind of stationery tool.
ZenPop Comment: Sticker collecting deserves proper display. Organization, but make it proud.
Seibunkan Shoten Award
Best Ruler – Makeine Collaboration (UHOLABO)
source: UHOLABO
A collaboration ruler that balances precision with visual appeal. Designed for both measurement accuracy and character-driven design, it reflects the increasing popularity of collaborative stationery releases.
ZenPop Comment: Ergonomics is the new luxury. Comfortable writing is long-term care.
TSUTAYA Award
“POUZOO” Pen Grip (King Jim)
source: KOKUYO
An ergonomic pen grip designed to improve comfort and reduce hand strain during long writing sessions. Its thoughtfully sculpted shape supports a more natural posture, making everyday writing feel easier and more sustainable.
A quiet but meaningful tool for daily habits, and even more special knowing that part of the proceeds from this item are donated to support JAZA, contributing to the care of zoos and aquariums in Japan.
ZenPop Comment: Ergonomics is the new luxury. Comfortable writing is long-term care.
Nagasawa Bungu Center Award
Adult Motivation Pen (Kokuyo)
source: KOKUYO
Designed to encourage productivity, this pen gamifies motivation through subtle tracking and progress cues. It reflects a growing demand for tools that support not just writing — but mindset.
ZenPop Comment: We love tools that support mindset. Productivity can be gentle too.
Novelty Research Institute Award
Miniature Magnet (Midori)
source: Midori
Tiny in size but high in charm. These miniature magnets blend collectibility with utility, adding personality to desks and whiteboards. Small objects, thoughtfully designed, remain a core strength of Japanese stationery.
ZenPop Comment: Tiny objects, big charm. Japan does this especially well.
Hands Award
UFO Bookmark (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
Continuing the UFO-themed series, this bookmark adds humor to reading. Its playful concept and bold silhouette make it more than a placeholder — it becomes part of the reading experience itself.
ZenPop Comment: Reading doesn’t have to be solemn. Sometimes it can hover.
Maruzen & Junkudo Award
Oishii Diary (Midori)
source: Midori
A food-themed journal designed to record meals, flavors, and culinary memories. It turns everyday dining into documented experience — encouraging mindfulness through writing.
ZenPop Comment: Food memories deserve documentation. Writing makes them linger a little longer.
Yurindo Award
Wireless Rechargeable Silent 5-Button BlueLED Mouse (Nakabayashi)
source: Nakabayashi
Blurring the line between stationery and desk tech, this mouse emphasizes quiet operation and smooth handling. As hybrid work environments grow, desk accessories are increasingly evaluated alongside traditional stationery tools.
ZenPop Comment: Stationery and desk tech are slowly blending. Quiet focus remains the theme.
LOFT Award
Desk Cleaner “Fukimaru” (Sun-Star)
source: SUNSTAR
A compact desktop cleaner that keeps workspaces tidy with minimal effort. Cute in form but practical in function, it supports the clean-desk movement that continues to influence stationery trends.
ZenPop Comment: Clean desk, calm mind. Even tidying can feel cute.
Yodobashi Camera Award
Campus Ruler with Memorization Sheet (Kokuyo)
source: KOKUYO
A ruler that doubles as a study aid. Designed to cover text for memorization practice, it supports students preparing for exams while maintaining the clean Campus aesthetic. A perfect example of multifunctionality meeting education culture.
ZenPop Comment: Multifunctionality is quietly winning. Study tools are becoming smarter, not louder.
You may also be interested in the [Limited Edition] ZEBRA Checkpen α Sarasa Study Set.
![[Limited Edition] ZEBRA Checkpen α Sarasa Study Set](https://store.zenpop.jp/cdn/shop/files/EC2506-4_7_d5953d75-d70a-445c-905d-c187ba829964.jpg?pad_color=fff&v=1753950195&width=720)
What the 2026 Category Awards Tell Us
This year reveals three clear trends:
- Refined Minimalism – Tools like the Solid Light show that simplicity still wins.
- Visibility & Organization – From open fan files to transparent binders, clarity matters.
- Playful Escapism – UFO pouches and cicada shell pen cases prove humor still has a place.
Japanese stationery continues to balance precision and personality — seriousness and whimsy.
If you’re curious to explore the award-winning tools that define these trends, we’ve gathered available award winners and featured items into one dedicated collection in our store. It’s an easy way to see which pieces align with your own writing style.
Can’t Get Enough Stationery?
Sometimes one pen is never enough — and one discovery leads to another. If you find yourself wanting to explore a little deeper, here are three gentle ways to continue the journey.
ZenPop Subscription Box
Each month, ZenPop curates 9 Japanese-only stationery items, thoughtfully selected around a theme. Many award-winning tools feel familiar to our community — often appearing in our boxes before the spotlight finds them.
If you enjoy discovering tools slowly, intentionally, and with a sense of surprise, our monthly box might be your next small ritual.
Explore the ZenPop Monthly Box
ZenPop Online Store
Prefer choosing at your own pace? Our store offers a growing selection of carefully chosen Japanese stationery — from everyday essentials to seasonal favorites.
Whether you’re searching for a specific award winner or something quietly unique, there’s always something waiting to be noticed.
