What to Buy in Japan: 15 Best Japanese Office Essentials

Ah those lovely Japanese stationery products and office supplies.

Hey, we’re not joking … IYKYK!

Walk into any stationery shop in Japan and you'll understand why people all over the world rave about Japanese office supplies. The pens glide. The notebooks don’t bleed. The highlighters make reading more enjoyable & efficient. Heck, even the staplers are clever!

Japan is a goldmine of thoughtful, high-quality tools. So if you're shopping for yourself or looking for practical souvenirs, Japanese writing supplies and stationery strike a balance of form, function and fun.

In This Article (TL;DR)

Japanese office supplies are a world apart from what you might be used to. 

• They’re better designed, more thoughtfully made & often (especially when it comes to those genius Japanese office tools & gadgets) more fun to use

• Look for top-tier pens like the Uni Jetstream, clever tools like the Harinacs stapler, and notebooks like Kokuyo Campus or Life Noble Note

• Ideal souvenirs that you’ll actually use long after your trip ends (and want to buy at home again & again)

Why Are Japanese Office Supplies Superior?

Japan takes stationery seriously. Pens, pencils, markers and highlighters, too.

From students to corporate professionals, it seems like pretty much every Japanese person grows up with a solid appreciation for good tools. This has pushed manufacturers to innovate products year after year, often in ways that fly under the radar until you use those products (and wonder how you ever lived without them!).

And if we’re scratching the surface, let’s also talk about Japan’s cultural emphasis on precision, efficiency and mindfulness. These extend to the tools used in everyday life. 

“This is a pen?” Well, yes. But in Japan, a pen isn’t just a pen. It’s also a piece of design engineering that’s meant to make your writing smoother, cleaner and more enjoyable.

Plus, again culturally speaking, Japanese people appreciate the value and effort that goes into designing and manufacturing a product. So much so, in fact, that when the item reaches the end of its lifecycle, a person in Japan will commonly thank the item for its service and dispose of it properly. That even goes for pens, notebooks, markers and more. 

Japan’s best stationery, writing tools and office supplies are:

• Well-made and durable

• Thoughtfully designed

• Affordable

• Compact and portable

• Often downright delightful

So, what exactly should you look for? Read on to find out,

What Are the Must-Buy Japanese Office Supplies?

We’ve grouped the best buys into five categories. Each one includes three standout products you can pick up in Japan or order online right here from Japanese Taste.

Japanese Pens Worth Buying

Japan is known worldwide for its pens. Signing documents? Taking notes? Writing a letter to a friend (yup, that’s still a thing in Japan)? Here are three that deserve a spot in your pencil case.

1. Delight Labo Double Action Japanese Pen & Pen Stand Set

This two-in-one pen doubles as its own stylish stand. Designed to rest vertically, the pen clicks in and out of its magnetic base with ease. It’s perfect for people who want a desk that looks clean but is always ready for action. The sleek metal finish also makes it a conversation piece in any workspace, be it home or office.

2. Uni Jetstream Pen

Admired for its ultra-smooth hybrid ink, the Jetstream pen from Uni (the pen company, not the sea urchin) offers the feel of a gel pen with the quick-drying ability of a ballpoint. The ink flows effortlessly with minimal pressure, reducing fatigue while you’re at those long writing sessions. It’s available in a range of sizes and ink colors, and it’s a favorite among students, office workers and more. Left-handed users especially appreciate how smudge-resistant this pen is.

3. Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pens

Bold and smudge-resistant, these pens are favorites among students, bullet journalers and anyone who loves color. The pigment-based gel ink is water-resistant and designed to last. Each pen features a sturdy binder clip, allowing you to attach it easily to notebooks or folders. With dozens of colors and smooth writing performance, honestly we’ve gotta say that Zebra Sarasa are right up there with the most satisfying pens to use daily.

Best Japanese Notebooks and Paper

Paper in Japan matters more than you might think. Japanese notebooks are famous for their smooth feel and high resistance to ink bleeding or feathering.

4. Tsubame Notebooks

These understated classics are a favorite among professionals. Known for their vintage-style cover and ultra-refined lined paper, Tsubame notebooks offer a writing experience that’s both tactile and smooth. The pages are acid-free and archival quality, making them ideal for keeping long-term notes or journals. Tsubame notebooks are also glue-bound for a sleek finish, with sturdy construction that holds up well over time.

5. Kokuyo Campus Notebooks

Oh, the Kokyuo Campus classic! An everyday staple used by students across Japan. Affordable, lightweight and surprisingly durable for the price, that Kokuyo paper is smooth and bleed-resistant, compatible with both ballpoint and fountain pens. Each Kokuyo Campus notebook has pre-printed lines and subtle margin indicators that help with organizing notes. Its slim design makes them easy to carry, and the Kokyuo Campus classics come in multipacks that are perfect for school, work or any noteworthy situation you might happen to find yourself in.

6. Life Noble Note

Want to splurge a little? This notebook offers premium paper wrapped in a retro design. The Life Noble Note paper is smooth yet absorbent, ideal for fountain pen users who want a luxurious writing experience. The binding is thread-sewn for durability and lies flat when opened. Life notebooks are often used for journaling, calligraphy or archival record-keeping. The elegant aesthetic also makes them a thoughtful gift.

Japanese Highlighters and Markers To Try

Highlighting and hand lettering are popular in Japan, and there’s a wide range of tools that elevate this everyday task.

7. Zebra Mildliner

A cult favorite around the world, these dual-tip highlighters come in soothing pastel shades. Zebra Midliners don’t overwhelm the page. And they look great in planners or textbooks. One end features a chisel tip for broader highlights while the other is a fine tip for underlining or annotation. With muted colors like lavender and dusty blue, Midliners make notes look more organized and less chaotic than traditional neon markers.

8. Kokuyo Beetle Tip Highlighters

Given this moniker for their beetle-shaped tip, these innovative highlighters from industry leader Kokuyo let you switch between thick and thin lines with ease. The three-way tip design is perfect for drawing emphasis in a variety of styles, from underlining to boxing in text. The cap clicks on securely and the ergonomic shape makes it comfortable for long study sessions. Kokuyo Beetle Tip highlighters add both versatility and fun to your note-taking. It also has a vivid color and soft color.

9. Pentel Fude Touch Brush Pen

Practicing modern calligraphy? Adding flair to your notes? No matter what you’re up to, this soft-tipped brush pen from Pentel is a go-to choice. The flexible tip allows for dynamic strokes, making it just right (and write) for expressive lettering or fine-tuned drawing. The ink pops but also dries quickly, making it ideal for planners, illustrations or greeting cards. And with the Pentel Fude Touch brush pen, you’ll get just enough bounce to control your lines.

Best Japanese Erasers and Correction Tools

Even erasers are a serious matter in Japan. These tools help you fix mistakes without tearing your paper or leaving smudges.

10. Tombow Mono Eraser

The slim, white Mono eraser is the gold standard in Japanese stationery. Tombow’s bad boy erases cleanly, leaves little dust and fits into any (and every) pencil case. Mono’s firm texture gives precise control without damaging the paper underneath. Bonus: many versions include a protective sleeve that prevents the eraser from breaking. Available in stick, block and even retractable formats, the Mono eraser is a staple in Japan’s classrooms and offices alike. Doesn’t it belong in your stationery & office supply arsenal, too?!

11. Seed Radar Eraser

A soft, responsive eraser that glides over paper and removes graphite without much pressure, Seed Radar leaves minimal residue. It’s known for its gentle touch and effectiveness on both regular and high-quality papers. The rectangular shape also allows for both broad and fine erasing, giving users more precision. Are you, by chance, particular about clean, neat corrections? Well then, the Seed Radar eraser is a must-try.

12. Plus Whisper Correction Tape

This sleek, pocket-sized correction tape is smooth and reliable. No drying time needed! Plus Whisper dispenses evenly with a single pass and doesn’t peel when written over. The slim design fits comfortably in your hand, and many models include a built-in rewind mechanism in case the tape twists. It’s a solid alternative to correction fluid – and way more convenient, wouldn’t you say?

Japanese Office Gadgets That Are Actually Useful

From clever staplers to satisfying tape dispensers, these office gadgets and tools reflect Japanese design at its best: efficient, compact & surprisingly fun to use.

13. Kokuyo Harinacs Staple-Free Stapler

Metal staples? You don’t want metal staples! Nope, instead give a go with the Harinacs staple-free stapler from our friends at Kokuyo. This eco-friendly stapler punches and folds paper that’s bound to stay bound. Great for kids and travelers (Japan trip coming up?!). It’s ideal for securely attaching up to five sheets without adding bulk. No more worrying about running out of staples or dealing with jammed mechanisms. It’s also safer for young users and ideal for documents you plan to scan or shred later. It also has a large version.

14. Kokuyo Karu-Cut Tape Dispenser

Small but mighty, this washi tape cutter allows for clean, consistent cuts every time. Versatile for labeling, crafting or wrapping. Kokuyo’s Karu-Cut tape dispenser features micro-serrated blades that leave a decorative edge and prevent tape from curling. Unlike typical dispensers, it’s portable and attaches directly to the roll. Use it for art projects, gift packaging… even organizing cables.

15. Raymay Swing Cut Letter Opener

Here’s a simple yet smart upgrade for opening envelopes quickly and safely. Raymay’s Swing Cut letter opener features a curved blade glides through paper like butter. It’s compact enough to fit in a drawer but effective enough to make you never want to go back to tearing things open by hand. The grip is ergonomically designed for control and ease, making it (dare we say) a joy to use.

Where To Buy Japanese Office Supplies

If you're in Japan and are on the hunt for stationery and office supplies (as one does), head to:

• Loft – Bright, modern and packed with creative office goods

• Hands – A mix between a department store and a DIY paradise

• Itoya – A legendary stationery shop in Ginza with an entire building dedicated to paper and pens

• Daiso – Don’t underestimate Daiso, Japan’s veritable 100-yen shop; it’s full of surprisingly good stationery (and so much more) for just a buck (or even less, what with the exchange rates these days)

If you're not in Japan, don’t worry. You can find most of these tools online at Japanese Taste, with curated collections that ship internationally.

Japanese Office Supplies Make Great Souvenirs

Japanese office supplies make ideal souvenirs. Practical, beautifully designed, and a pleasure to use. Every time you jot a note, open an envelope, or color-code a planner, you’ll be reminded of Japan. Compact and lightweight, they’re easy to pack and make perfect thoughtful gifts for students, teachers, artists, or anyone with a desk!