5 Popular Japanese Stationery In 2025: Top Picks & Where to Buy

As someone who's half-otaku and full stationery addict, Japan's annual stationery awards are basically my Super Bowl. Every year, they drop these insanely perfect writing tools that make my bullet journal look like a masterpiece (even when it's just my grocery lists). The 2025 Japanese Stationery Awards just hit, and - surprise - they've outdone themselves again with that magical mix of "why didn't I think of that?!" innovation and "I need this yesterday" design.

Seriously, how do they keep making erasers that erase like magic pens that write like butter and notebooks that somehow make my terrible handwriting look... intentional? This year's winners are next-level

Here’s an official 2025 Japanese Stationery Awards overview, highlighting four standout winners and how you can get them, even if you're outside Japan.

Grand Prize: PILOT KIRE-NA Dual-Tip Highlighter

I need to rant about this PILOT KIRE-NA highlighter that just won Japan's stationery Grand Prize - because after using it for a week, I completely understand why it took home the gold.

As someone who highlights like my life depends on it (college textbooks, work documents, even my cookbooks...), I've been burned by so many highlighters. You know the drill - they smear your notes, skip on curved pages, or dry out after two weeks. But this? This is different.

The magic is in that special nylon tip. It's like the highlighter equivalent of a luxury car's steering - smooth, responsive, and zero resistance. I tested it on my anatomy textbook (you know, those weirdly thin Bible-like pages), and it glided over curves like it was made for them. No more jagged lines or missed spots!

And the ink? It dries INSTANTLY. I'm talking highlight-and-write-over-it-immediately levels of quick. As a lefty who's ruined countless notes with smears, this feels like witchcraft.

The best part? After a month of daily abuse (I'm not gentle with my stationery), the tip still looks brand new. No fraying, no weird clumping - just perfect pastel lines every time.

If you highlight anything more important than takeout menus, do yourself a favour and grab one. It's one of those rare stationery items that makes studying (or obsessive note-taking) just a little bit more enjoyable.

Pro Tip: The soft colours are gorgeous, but the lime green is a chef's kiss for making text pop without looking like a construction zone.

Best Creative Product: KING JIM HITOTOKI Crystal Stamp

I've got a graveyard of abandoned stamps in my craft drawer. But the KING JIM HITOTOKI Crystal Stamp? This thing is different. When I first saw its ice-cube-clear design, I thought it was just another pretty face in the stationery world. Boy, was I wrong.

What makes this stamp special is how stupidly easy it is to use. That crystal-clear body isn't just for looks – you can see EXACTLY where you're stamping, which means no more crooked impressions or "oops" moments. As someone whose bullet journal often looks like a toddler attacked it, this was a game-changer.

The first time I used it, I actually gasped. The impression comes out crisp and perfect every single time. And can we talk about how satisfying it is to press that jelly-like stamp pad? It's like popping bubble wrap, but productive.

Whether you're decorating planners, gift tags, or just adding flair to your notes, this stamp makes you look like a crafting pro – even when you're really just a hot mess with pretty supplies.

Hot take: It's worth the hype. And yes, I now own three colours. No regrets.

pilot kire na dual tip highlighters

Best Fountain Pen: SAILOR TUZU Adjust

As someone who writes until my hand cramps, I'm obsessed with how SAILOR's TUZU fountain pen moulds to my grip. Unlike rigid nibs that force you to write a certain way, this clever pen lets you adjust the nib angle to match your natural hold - lefties rejoice!

The magic? An innovative nib that maintains perfect ink flow no matter how you tilt it. I've written marathon journal sessions (8+ pages!) without fatigue or skipping. Students taking lecture notes and writers drafting novels - this is your new best friend.

Pro tip: The medium nib glides like butter on smooth paper. Worth every yen for handwriting nerds!

Best Functional Design: UNI JETSTREAM Single Ballpoint Pen

As someone who takes notes all day, I'm obsessed with how it glides like it's floating on air. That "light touch ink" isn't marketing fluff - it writes smoother than my $50 fountain pens, no joke.

The genius? It weighs less than a paperclip. I can write through 3-hour lectures without that annoying hand cramp. Plus, the sleek design looks professional AF in meetings.

Real talk: Once you try it, regular pens feel like writing with crayons.

Where to Purchase 2025 Japanese Stationery Awards Winners

Wondering where to purchase 2025 Japanese Stationery Awards winners? Whether you're in Europe, Southeast Asia, or North America, these products are more accessible than ever thanks to several trusted channels:

In Japan

You’ll find these award-winning items in local stores like Loft, Tokyu Hands, and Itoya, where you can test the products in person.

Online & International Shipping

Eslite Online: Offers a curated selection of award-winning Japanese stationery with international shipping options.
Amazon Japan: Some sellers offer direct international delivery; others work well with freight forwarding services.
Proxy Buying Platforms: Services like Buyee, ZenMarket, and White Rabbit Express allow you to shop Japanese sites and ship worldwide with ease.