In the past, I couldn’t resist shopping endlessly whenever I went to Tokyo; nowadays, I shop a lot less but I still can’t resist the wonderful Japanese stationery. My favourite stationery shop in the world is Ito-ya in Ginza, where my friend and I could spend more than 3 hours wandering up and down the store.

I have been collecting Japanese stationery since I was a kid, from erasers to writing paper, pencils, bookmarks, stickers and pencil cases; now that I am a lot older, my collection is still growing, I guess some obsessions just never change!

 

 

Calendars

Japanese calendars are unique and creative, and they are extremely popular in Japan. On the top floor of Ito-ya, there are hundreds of calendars on sale for all ages and interests. Personally, I really like the moon calendar but the calendar in the shape of a ruler is also great fun.

Christmas/ greeting cards

These X’mas cards are the cutest! They feature groups of Santa Claus in different settings but all within Japan. I love them so much that I find it hard to give them away!

These post cards are simple yet wonderful…

Note pad set

Instead of writing letters, this note pad set is ideal if you just want to write short messages to friends and family… I love the bold graphics…

 

Notebooks

Simplicity is the best!

Plastic sleeves

In Japan, plastic sleeves are rarely transparent, they are usually printed with graphics. This wonderful Art Nouveau style A4 plastic sleeve was bought from the Printing museum while the smaller sleeve with cool motifs and is particular handy to carry when traveling.

Memo pads

Another cool retro design bought from the Printing Museum…and the small memo clock is from Muji.

Tape hook

This paper hook is designed by Torafu Architects for Kaminokousakujo (one of our Japanese suppliers). It is made of paper and made to look like tape but it can also hold keys, glasses and jewellery. Cool.

Crayons

Love these colourful crayons!! Not sure what to do with them yet but I am sure they will come in handy one day!

 

 

Japanese paper

For paper lovers, Japanese paper is probably second to none. Just take a look at these…