Compiled from 4 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5 is the blank, thread-sewn MD Notebook made with MD Paper Cotton, which contains 20% cotton pulp. Midori lists it at 210 × 148 × 10 mm and about 240 g, with 176 pages of soft white 75 g/m² paper, a glassine jacket and index stickers. It is made in Japan.
On this page11 sections
The Cotton A5 closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).
MD Paper Cotton, 75 g/m² (20% cotton pulp), soft white; thread-sewn with cheesecloth spine; glassine jacket
Price range
$$$5–20 per notebook
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Notes on these facts
Made by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT. Made in Japan: Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives Country of Origin: Made in Japan for the MD Notebook Cotton A5. Source. Price: example listing.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
Midori's Japanese store lists the A5 at 210 × 148 × 10 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.4 in), about 240 g and 176 pages.
MD Paper Cotton contains 20% cotton pulp and weighs 75 g/m², against 80 g/m² for the cream MD Paper in the standard MD Notebook.
It comes blank only, in A5 and in a 146 × 146 mm A5 Square.
Midori's Japanese list price is ¥1,650 (about US$10) with tax; US prices put it in our $$ band ($5–20).
Midori lists it as made in Japan.
What is the Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5?
It is Midori’s MD Notebook made with MD Paper Cotton, a soft white paper with 20% cotton pulp, in a blank, thread-sewn A5 book. The build matches the standard Midori MD Notebook A5: a plain cover held with cheesecloth at the spine, a glassine jacket and index stickers.
Midori describes the paper as soft and airy, with a gentle texture that adds depth to handwriting. The soft white, it says, makes ink and colored pens stand out.
Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5 specs
Spec
Value
Size
A5, 210 × 148 × 10 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.4 in)
Weight
About 240 g (8.5 oz)
Pages
176, blank
Paper
MD Paper Cotton, 75 g/m², 20% cotton pulp, soft white
Binding
Thread-sewn, opens flat to 180°
Cover
Plain paper cover with cheesecloth spine; glassine jacket
Extras
Bookmark string, index stickers (label and bookplate types)
Item number
15392006
List price (Japan)
¥1,650 (about US$10), with tax
Made in
Japan
Every figure comes from Midori’s Japanese MD PRODUCT store.
The two sizes of the Cotton notebook; both hold 176 pages.
How is the Cotton notebook different from the standard MD Notebook?
The Cotton notebook uses lighter, whiter paper with cotton in it, and comes only blank.
MD Notebook Cotton A5
MD Notebook A5
Paper
MD Paper Cotton, 20% cotton
MD Paper
Color
Soft white
Cream
Weight of paper
75 g/m²
80 g/m²
Weight of book
About 240 g
About 258 g
Rulings
Blank only
Blank, lined, grid, dot grid, frame
List price (Japan)
¥1,650 (about US$10)
¥1,210 (about US$7.70)
Choose the Cotton for blank-page sketching and writing where the paper’s feel and a whiter page matter; choose the standard book if you want lines or a grid, or the warmer cream tone.
Which size should you choose: A5 or A5 Square?
Choose the A5 for writing and the A5 Square for drawing or wide layouts. The A5 is a standard 210 × 148 mm portrait book that fits A5 covers and most bags.
The A5 Square measures 146 × 146 × 10 mm and weighs about 165 g, per Midori. Midori notes that it unfolds horizontally when opened, into a wide landscape spread of about 292 × 146 mm, which suits panoramas, mind maps or a two-page sketch. Both sizes have the same 176 blank pages, and Midori sells special-size covers, including leather, paper and clear ones, for both.
How do you use the glassine jacket and stickers?
Use the notebook as it comes, or take the glassine jacket off and keep it clean for later. Midori says the jacket recalls old paperback books and also protects the plain cover from dirt.
The index stickers match the plain cover and come in two types, label and bookplate, per Midori. They let you number and title a shelf of notebooks once you have filled a few.
Is MD Paper Cotton good for fountain pens?
Midori says MD Paper Cotton keeps MD Paper’s resistance to bleeding and bleed-through while absorbing ink softly.
Midori also sells MD Paper Cotton in pads, letter paper and envelopes. The Midori MD Paper Pad guide covers the pads, and our Midori MD Letter Pad guide covers the standard letter paper. If you like plain cotton-rich paper, the A5 Square Cotton notebook gives a wide landscape spread for drawing.
Where is the Midori MD Notebook Cotton made?
Midori’s Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists the MD Notebook Cotton as made in Japan. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo; Midori has made MD Paper since the 1960s. Our Midori history tells how the paper and the company grew.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MD Paper and MD Paper Cotton?
MD Paper Cotton contains 20% cotton pulp, is soft white rather than cream and weighs 75 g/m² instead of 80 g/m², per Midori. Midori describes it as softer and airier to write on.
Is the MD Notebook Cotton lined?
No. Midori sells the Cotton notebook blank only, in A5 and A5 Square.
How many pages are in the MD Notebook Cotton?
176 pages, the same as the standard MD Notebook A5, per Midori's Japanese store.
Is cotton paper good for fountain pens?
Midori says MD Paper Cotton keeps MD Paper's resistance to bleeding while softly absorbing ink, and that its white tone brings out ink colors. We haven't tested it ourselves.
Does the MD Notebook Cotton lie flat?
Yes. Midori says it opens a full 180 degrees and is bound with durable thread.
What size is the MD Notebook Cotton A5 Square?
146 × 146 × 10 mm and about 165 g, per Midori, with the same 176 blank pages; it opens to a wide landscape spread.
Is the Midori MD Notebook Cotton made in the USA?
No, in Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists it as made in Japan.
