Learning to Love 'Sumi' Ink Sticks
Ink sticks, or 'sumi,' were a practical way of conserving and transporting ink. They're the classic tool for writing Japanese calligraphy—and using them has an almost Zen-like quality.
Where Studio Ghibli's Paint Comes From
Founded in 1950, this 17-person paint company has colored the works of anime geniuses from Osamu Tezuka to Hayao Miyazaki.
Dress Up Your Dreary Office
Tired of staring at dreary, drab walls and your boring, messy desk? Let these items transform your cubicle into a lawn or a library!
Transforming Washi to Meet Modern Needs
Would you wear a wedding dress made of paper?
Don't Throw Shade on Your Shading Skills!
Have you struggled with getting just the right hue of blue? These pens can help you out!
Looking for a Next-Level Sharpener?
Made in Osaka, these next-level pencil and makeup sharpeners boast of being 'light as an apple peel, sharp as a samurai sword.' Try them out to be sure!
This Pencil Certainly Has a Green Thumb!
Once its life as a pencil is over, this innovative piece of stationery will color your garden by blooming into one of a variety of edible plants.
3-D Printing Café in Gifu
Try your hand at 3-D scanning and 3-D printing in a café that celebrates Gifu's woodworking traditions.
Stuck on Gift Ideas? Let Us Help You Out!
Need some 'omiyage' to give to your friends and family but don't know what to get? Not to worry, we've got some recommendations from Japanese net users!
6 Fantastic Fuji-Inspired Papers & Textiles
Mount Fuji is the ultimate symbol of Japan—so who wouldn't want to own a few bits of awesome and useful Fuji stationery? Worry not, we've got the goods!
How to Use Manga Pens
Learn how to get started with the most essential manga tools right here!
Dustless Chalk & Erasable Window Crayons
Make playtime a little cleaner with dustless chalk made from scallop shells, and crayons that can draw on windows and then wash off like the art was never there!
4 Cool & Classic Souvenirs from Japan
‘Cool Japan’ is a government-sponsored campaign to promote Japan internationally through local products. And we've got our own ideas for some 'cool' and classic souvenirs!
¥100 Shop Stationery
From basic writing tools to adorable character goods, ¥100 shops are the choice for getting papered in style—without breaking the bank!
The Oldest 'Washi' Production Center in Japan
Explore the process of making traditional Japanese paper in Echizen City, known as the oldest producer of 'washi' in all of Japan.
Luxurious Stationery from Itoya
Itoya is an historic brand that that offers luxurious stationery in one of Japan's most fashionable districts.
Life-Enhancing Stationery (& More) from Muji!
For many, Muji stationery sets the bar. Compact and cool, it's perfect for gifts and personal use. And if you're not sure what to set your sights on, here are our nine best recommendations!
4 Ingenious Office Supplies from Japan
Make quick work of your office tasks with these modern and ergonomic tools—great for scrapbooking fans!
7+ Kinds of Calligraphy Brushes
The kind of calligraphy brush you need depends on the kind of lines you want to draw. Here are seven-plus options from a historic shop in Toyohashi that you can order from anywhere!
How to Replace the Paper on 'Shoji' Doors
'Shoji' sliding doors are emblematic of traditional Japanese houses. But it's frustratingly easy to put a hole in the paper. When you're tired of patching, how do you just replace the whole thing?
