When my daughters were in elementary school, I bought them many cute stationery products like character erasers, pencils, pencil cases, pencil caps, and notebooks. I remember being surprised that there were so many cute products to choose from. I knew right away that they would be a hit with kids in U.S., so I often gave these cute stationery products to friends and family when we visited.

Japan is known around the world as the Kingdom of Cuteness, and perhaps you will not see that cuteness expressed anywhere better than in its stationery products. But it is not just for its cuteness that Japanese stationery is lauded both at home and abroad. Products made for a more mature audience are seen as not only chic and fashionable, but also highly practical and functional. One English language website says that Japanese stationery “stands apart in a league of its own” and says they are on the “cutting edge” of school and office supplies. In particular, writing utensils are widely praised. The Tombow 8900 pencil, which has been popular for over 70 years, has drawn much online praise, as do the breathtaking variety of mechanical pencils, ballpoint pens, gel pens, and highlighters. A couple of years ago, I interviewed a high school student who was a self-professed mechanical pencil junkie. He talked with excitement about his favorite pencils and why he loved them so much. I am sure that most people have a favorite brand of pencil or pen that suits them best. It’s a great feeling when you finally find one that writes really smoothly!

The love and excitement around the world for Japanese stationery products and office supplies shows that, although we live in an increasingly digital society, people still value the simple act of writing something beautifully with their own hand.