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Japanese Stationery Reviews

14 hands-on reviews of Japanese pens, pencils, notebooks and planners.

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Every review below covers what the product is like to use, who it suits, and what it costs. If you are still deciding between two products, see our side-by-side comparisons, or start with the beginner's guide.

Gel pens reviews

Pilot Juice Up Review

Needle-point tips in 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm with pigment ink across 36 colors.

Pilot G2 Gel Pen Review

The classic budget gel pen, tested in all four tip sizes.

Uni-ball Signo Review

Signo DX, 307 and UM-151 compared for ink quality and tip durability.

Zebra Sarasa Clip Review

Standard Sarasa, Sarasa Nano and Vintage Colors for journaling and planning.

Pentel EnerGel Review

A smooth, fast-drying gel pen that suits left-handed writers.

Fountain pens reviews

Platinum Preppy Review

A $5 fountain pen tested in EF, F and M nibs.

Pilot Metropolitan Review

Nib performance, build and ink flow of a popular beginner fountain pen.

Sailor Pro Gear Slim Review

A hands-on look at the 14k gold nib and whether it is worth the price.

Brush pens reviews

Tombow Dual Brush Pen Review

Blending, tips and color range for lettering and art.

Pencils and erasers reviews

Uni Kuru Toga Review

The rotating-lead mechanism tested for writing feel and value.

Tombow MONO Eraser Review

The classic, stick and zero models compared.

Notebooks and planners reviews

Midori MD Notebook Review

Minimalist notebook tested for paper quality and fountain pen use.

Kokuyo Campus Notebook Review

Japan's most popular school notebook, tested for paper and durability.

Hobonichi Techo Original (A6) Review

The Tomoe River paper daily planner with a cult following.

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