--- title: "Japan vs US Stationery Prices: 60-Item Index (Oct 2026)" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/us-vs-japan-stationery-prices/" description: "Our original price index of 60 Japanese pens, inks, notebooks and planners: US prices against Japanese list prices, by category and store, with a free CSV." category: "Accessories" published: 2026-10-22 updated: 2026-10-24 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 22 products: - name: "Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15)" brand: "Zebra" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel (76% recycled plastic by Eco Mark calculation in standard colors), rubber grip, movable binder clip" released: "2003" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation" model: "JJH15 (0.3), JJS15 (0.4), JJ15 (0.5), JJB15 (0.7), JJE15 (1.0)" mpn: "JJ15-BK" gtin: "4901681143115" url: "https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/sarasa-clip/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/" - name: "uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm)" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel, rubber grip, movable open wire clip" released: "2020-02-26" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "UMN-S" mpn: "70362" gtin: "030246703625" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/uniball_one/one.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-one/" - name: "Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen (Extra Fine; FriXion Synergy Knock LFSK-14 / LFSK-15 in Japan)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Resin barrel and clip-knock, rubber eraser; Synergy Tip; FriXion thermo-sensitive gel ink (Pilot Japan)" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FriXion Synergy Clicker (Japan: LFSK-15 0.5 mm, LFSK-14 0.4 mm)" mpn: "17348" gtin: "072838173485" url: "https://powertothepen.com/pens/frixion-synergy-clicker/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-synergy-clicker/" - name: "Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin barrel and cap (Pilot); metal pipe tip" released: "1994" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan)" model: "LH-20C4 (0.4 mm)" mpn: "LH-20C4-B" gtin: "4902505126321" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000892" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/" - name: "Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller (K105)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Plastic barrel and cap with molded grip, gel ink refill (KF5) (Pentel Japan, The Pen Addict)" released: "1989" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "K105" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/ballpointpen/hybrid/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hybrid-gel-roller/" - name: "uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, black" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Clear plastic barrel, rubber grip, plastic cap and clip; water-based pigment gel ink" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "UM-151" mpn: "UM151.24" gtin: "4902778556108" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/signo/signo/um_151.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-dx-um-151/" - name: "Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), black" brand: "Zebra" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Plastic body, frosted clear clip and knock, metal front tip; water-based gel ink" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "JJH72 (0.3 mm), JJX72 (0.38 mm)" url: "https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/sarasaclip/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-nano/" - name: "Pilot Juice retractable gel pen (Japan LJU-10EF 0.5 mm; also 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Recycled resin body and sleeve, rubber" released: "2012-11" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan)" model: "LJU-10EF (0.5 mm)" mpn: "LJU-10EF-B" gtin: "4902505450679" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000989" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-juice/" - name: "Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan or Mexico" material: "54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip" released: "2001" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "BLN73, BLN75, BL77, BLN77, BL80" gtin: "072512200544" url: "https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-gel-pen" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/" - name: "MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm)" brand: "MUJI" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Polypropylene, ABS resin and steel (per MUJI USA)" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd." model: "Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, cap type, 0.38 mm" sku: "4550002794262" gtin: "4550002794262" url: "https://www.muji.us/products/gel-ink-cap-type-pen-0-38mm" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-gel-ink-pen/" - name: "uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black body" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic hexagonal body, metal front grip with fine grooves, wire clip (Mitsubishi Pencil)" released: "2019-12-20" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "Jetstream Edge" mpn: "SXN-1003-28" gtin: "4902778258774" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream_edge/edge/sxn_1003_28.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-edge/" - name: "uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip (per Wafuu and bungu.store)" released: "2008-11" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "MSXE5-1000" mpn: "MSXE5-1000-05" gtin: "4902778120699" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream2/4_1/msxe5_1000.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/" - name: "uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractable" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel with recycled material, long rubber grip, metal clip" released: "2025-02-03" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "UBN-ZSC (UBN-ZSC-38, UBN-ZSC-05, UBN-ZSC-07)" mpn: "UBNZSC07.53" gtin: "4902778351314" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/roller/zento/ubnzsc/ubnzsc.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-standard/" - name: "Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm; BC-APN)" brand: "Tombow" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Elastomer-covered plastic body (clear version acrylic), steel wire clip" released: "2008" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA" model: "BC-APN12" mpn: "56065" gtin: "085014560658" url: "https://www.tombow.com/products/airpress/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-airpress/" - name: "uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen (0.5 mm micro / 0.8 mm bold)" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel and cap, stainless steel point with tungsten carbide ball" released: "2003" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "UB-200 (0.5 mm black UB-200-05 in Japan)" mpn: "69000" gtin: "4902778749975" url: "https://www.unibrands.co/products/vision-elite-rollerball-pens" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-vision-elite/" - name: "Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen (Black, rhodium trim)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap, rhodium-plated trim, rhodium-plated 14k gold nib" released: "1978-03" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "Falcon (Elabo in Japan)" sku: "PN60740" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000193" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-falcon/" - name: "Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) Fountain Pen, 14k nib (EF / F / M)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Resin barrel, double-anodized aluminum cap, 14k gold nib" released: "2013-06-25" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FES-1MM-B" mpn: "FES-1MM-B-F" sku: "PN60837" gtin: "072838608376" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000203" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-e95s/" - name: "Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen (Clear)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap, rhodium-plated 14k gold nib" released: "2010" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FKVH-15SRS (Custom Heritage 92)" mpn: "FKVH15SRS-NCF" gtin: "4902505410765" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000244" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-heritage-92/" - name: "Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Painted brass barrel, stainless-steel head, steel clip (per Pilot Japan, Black Matte); 18k gold nib" released: "1963" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FC-18SR" mpn: "FC-18SR-BMF" gtin: "4902505422386" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000118" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-vanishing-point/" - name: "Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen (FKK-3000R)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FKK-3000R (Custom 743 fountain pen)" mpn: "FKK-3000R-B" gtin: "4902505113192" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000346" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-743/" - name: "Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap, gold-plated or rhodium-plated trim, 14k gold nib" released: "1992" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FKKN-12SR (Custom 74 fountain pen)" mpn: "FKKN-12SR-BF" gtin: "4902505572791" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000223" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/" - name: "Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Amber)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Translucent resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib" released: "2000" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "FKK-3MRP (Custom 823)" mpn: "FKK-3MRP-BNF" gtin: "4902505238864" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000361" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-823/" - name: "Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nib" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "PMMA resin body, front barrel, knock bar and taper; chrome-plated brass inner thread; chrome-plated spring-steel clip; stainless steel nib (Platinum)" released: "2020-03-20" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "PKN-7000 #50 Abyss Blue, F" sku: "1738502" gtin: "4977114113727" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/7848/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-curidas/" - name: "Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap (Pilot); steel nib (Pilot calls the nib material a special alloy)" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "P-FPR-1 (Japan); Prera" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100004707" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-prera/" - name: "Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nib" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Anodized aluminum body and cap, stainless steel nib ST-27 with a special alloy point (Platinum)" released: "2010" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "Plaisir" mpn: "PGB-1000" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/2225/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-plaisir/" - name: "Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap (recycled PC; recycled AS section, per Pilot Japan), steel nib" released: "2013-10" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan)" model: "FKA-1SR" mpn: "FKA-1SR-GYF" gtin: "4902505470608" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000304" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/" - name: "Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the US" brand: "Sailor" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "PMMA resin cap, barrel and section; stainless-steel nib and metal parts with gold-colored IP finish" released: "2025-10-04" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022" model: "11-0820" mpn: "11-0820-420" gtin: "4901680607847" url: "https://sailor.co.jp/product/11-0820/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-profit-casual-l/" - name: "Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib" released: "2011" price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "PNB-15000 (3776 Century, gold trim)" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/1464/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/" - name: "Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M)" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Polycarbonate (PC resin) body, stainless steel nib (ST-27), per Platinum Japan" released: "2007" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "PSQ-300 (03 and 05); PSQ-400 (02)" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/2209/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/" - name: "Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500)" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Water-based pigment (carbon black) ink, alkaline, in a glass bottle" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "INKC-1500 #1 Black (60 ml)" mpn: "INKC-1500" gtin: "4977114407857" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/ink/6848/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-carbon-black-ink/" - name: "Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle" brand: "Sailor" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Ultra-fine pigment (nano) ink in a glass bottle" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022" model: "13-2002-220 (Kiwa-guro, 50 ml bottle)" mpn: "13-2002-220" gtin: "4901680184508" url: "https://sailor.co.jp/product/13-2002/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-kiwa-guro/" - name: "Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle" released: "2007" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "INK-50-KO (Kon-peki, 50 ml); Pilot USA item 69212" mpn: "INK-50-KO" sku: "69212 (Pilot USA; UPC 072838692122)" gtin: "4902505367281" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100002559" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/" - name: "Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle" brand: "Sailor" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022" model: "13-1008-207 (Shikiori Yama-dori, 20 ml bottle)" mpn: "13-1008-207" gtin: "4901680184676" url: "https://sailor.co.jp/product/13-1008/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori/" - name: "Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Resin body, metal cap" released: "1971" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "P1035" mpn: "P1035A" gtin: "072512004753" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/mannencil_kerry/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-kerry/" - name: "Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Aluminum barrel, brass and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip, iron clip" released: "2002" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "PG1015" gtin: "072512198063" url: "https://pentel.com/products/graph-gear-1000-mechanical-drafting-pencil" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/" - name: "Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "ABS plastic barrel, aluminum and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip and clutch, iron clip" released: "1986" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "Graph 1000 for Pro" mpn: "PG1005" gtin: "4902506314031" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/graph1000/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/" - name: "Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "ABS plastic barrel, one-piece brass tip and grip with silicone rubber blocks" released: "1987" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "Smash" mpn: "Q1005-1" gtin: "4902506314413" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/smash/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-smash/" - name: "Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, PP3005-A)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Body of a special resin mixed with metal (Pentel Japan); metal pipe and clip" released: "2017-02" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "Orenz Nero" mpn: "PP3005-A" gtin: "4902506380432" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/orenznero/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz-nero/" - name: "Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm)" brand: "Zebra" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic (resin) body, metal tip" released: "2014" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation" model: "P-MA85 (0.5 mm); P-MAS85 (0.3 mm), P-MAB85 (0.7 mm)" url: "https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/del_guard/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/" - name: "Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm)" brand: "uni" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "PC resin (plastic) body, per The Journal Shop" released: "2008-03" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "M5-450 (0.5 mm); M3-450 (0.3 mm)" mpn: "M54501P.24" gtin: "4902778028179" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/" - name: "Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm)" brand: "Tombow" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Acrylic resin barrel, brass tip, polycarbonate clip, olefin styrene elastomer eraser (Clear Colours version, per The Journal Shop)" released: "2014" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "MONO Graph" mpn: "DPA-132" url: "https://www.tombow.com/products/mono_graph/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-graph/" - name: "Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Recycled PC and PP plastics, brass, iron and stainless steel (per Pentel Japan)" released: "2014" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "PP505" mpn: "PP505A" gtin: "884851020505" url: "https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-orenz-1-click-mechanical-pencil" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/" - name: "uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (M5-5000, Abyss Blue)" brand: "uni" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" released: "2023-03" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "KURU TOGA DIVE" mpn: "M5-5000 1P" gtin: "4902778301470" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard/m5_5000.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga-dive/" - name: "KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted)" brand: "KOKUYO" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Woodfree forest-certified paper (上質紙, 森林認証紙), laminated spine cloth" released: "1975" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "KOKUYO Co., Ltd." model: "NO-3BN" gtin: "4901480070216" url: "https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/11031/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/" - name: "Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm grid" brand: "Hobonichi" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Tomoe River paper (planner grade), 3.7 mm grid" released: "2019" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "Hobonichi Graph Notebook (A6 / A5)" sku: "B0B6TPN878 (Amazon US ASIN, A6)" url: "https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_graphnote/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-graph-notebook/" - name: "Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame)" brand: "Midori" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Cream MD Paper, 80 g/m² (text, cover and endpapers); glassine jacket" released: "2008" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT" model: "15385006 (A5, lined)" mpn: "15385006" url: "https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-a5" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/" - name: "Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages (15392006)" brand: "Midori" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "MD Paper Cotton, 75 g/m² (20% cotton pulp), soft white; thread-sewn with cheesecloth spine; glassine jacket" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT" model: "15392006 (A5, blank)" mpn: "15392006" gtin: "4902805153928" url: "https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-cotton-a5" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-cotton-a5/" - name: "Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid)" brand: "Apica" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "A.Silky 865 Premium paper (86.5 g/m², per retailers), fancy-paper card cover, thread-sewn binding" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Nippon Note Co., Ltd. (日本ノート株式会社), a PLUS Corporation subsidiary since January 2019" model: "CDS90" mpn: "CDS90W" gtin: "4970090340095" url: "https://www.nippon-note.co.jp/products/detail/1121" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/apica-premium-cd-notebook/" - name: "DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pages" brand: "DELFONICS" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Card cover, 5 mm grid woodfree paper, metal spiral, PP pockets" released: "2001" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "DELFONICS" model: "NRP03 (L)" url: "https://shop.delfonics.com/c/notebooks/NRP03" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/delfonics-rollbahn-pocket-memo/" - name: "Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets" brand: "Maruman" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "White acid-free 80 g/m² paper; polypropylene (PP) covers; twin-ring wire" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Maruman Co., Ltd." model: "N195A" gtin: "4979093195022" url: "https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/n195a.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/" - name: "MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5" brand: "MUJI" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Indonesia" material: "Paper from planted (plantation) trees; cloth spine" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd." model: "Planted Tree Paper Notebook B5, 6 mm, 36 sheets, 5-pack (84897320)" gtin: "4550584897320" url: "https://www.muji.us/products/planted-tree-paper-notebook-6-mm-5-pack-nac10a5s" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-planted-tree-paper-notebook/" - name: "STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages" brand: "STALOGY" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "52 g/m² white paper (per retailers); paper cover with cloth (Amazon Japan)" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Nitoms, Inc. (ニトムズ)" model: "S4101 (A5, black)" mpn: "S4101" url: "https://stalogy.com/products/018/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/" - name: "Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start)" brand: "Hobonichi" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Tomoe River paper (Tomoe River S since the 2024 edition), thread-sewn binding" released: "2001-10-05" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" url: "https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/ob27_jan_en/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/" - name: "Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers)" brand: "Hobonichi" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn; soft PVC cover (White Line: Black)" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "Weeks 2027, White Line: Black (wb27_whitelinebk)" url: "https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/wb27_whitelinebk/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/" - name: "Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start" brand: "Hobonichi" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn binding" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "Cousin Book 2027, English, January start (cb27_jan_en)" url: "https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/cb27_jan_en/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/" - name: "Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start)" brand: "Hobonichi" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "PVC cover; Tomoe River paper, thread-sewn" released: "2017" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "5-Year Techo A6, 2027–2031, January start (fb27_s_jan)" url: "https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/fb27_s_jan/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-5-year-techo/" - name: "Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 (also A5 Square and A5)" brand: "Midori" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "MD Paper, 80 g/m² (cream); PVC cover; thread-stitched binding" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT" model: "22491006 (A6)" mpn: "22491006" gtin: "4902805224918" url: "https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-diary-1day1page" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-diary-2027/" - name: "Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR)" brand: "Tombow" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic barrel (at least 40% recycled) with metal guide pipe; synthetic rubber eraser, non-PVC, phthalate-free (Tombow)" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "57305 (US, silver barrel); EH-KUR (Tombow code)" mpn: "57305" url: "https://www.tombow.com/products/mono_zero/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/" - name: "Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser (EN-DC; US 57334)" brand: "Tombow" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "PVC tack polymer, phthalate- and latex-free; sleeve at least 50% recycled paper (Tombow Japan, Tombow Europe)" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "MONO Dust Catch" mpn: "EN-DC" gtin: "4901991652963" url: "https://www.tombow.com/products/mono_dust_catch/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-dust-catch-eraser/" - name: "Seed Kadoloop eraser (EP-LP1)" brand: "Seed" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plastic eraser with paper sleeve; Kadomodo shaping sheet included" released: "2025-05-03" price_band: "$ (under $5 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Seed Co., Ltd. (Toyonaka, Osaka)" model: "EP-LP1" url: "https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001009082794/" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/seed-kadoloop-eraser/" --- # Japan vs US Stationery Prices: 60-Item Index (Oct 2026) > In our October 2026 index of 60 Japanese stationery items, the median US price was 1.4 times the maker's tax-included Japanese list price, from 0.7 times (Pilot Falcon) to 3.2 times (MUJI's gel pen). Notebooks and erasers had the widest gaps; several Pilot gold-nib fountain pens cost less in the US than in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/us-vs-japan-stationery-prices/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-22 - Updated: 2026-10-24 ![Ten of the 60 Japanese stationery items in the price index, drawn to scale, each labelled with its US price as a multiple of the Japanese price](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/us-vs-japan-stationery-prices-16x9.png) *Ten of the 60 items at 1 mm = 0.75 px, each with its US-to-Japan price multiple (prices checked October 24, 2026).* Original drawing (SVG): . Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel (76% recycled plastic by Eco Mark calculation in standard colors), rubber grip, movable binder clip | 2003 | $: under $5 per item | | uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, rubber grip, movable open wire clip | 2020-02-26 | $: under $5 per item | | Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen (Extra Fine; FriXion Synergy Knock LFSK-14 / LFSK-15 in Japan) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Not stated | Resin barrel and clip-knock, rubber eraser; Synergy Tip; FriXion thermo-sensitive gel ink (Pilot Japan) | – | $: under $5 per item | | Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin barrel and cap (Pilot); metal pipe tip | 1994 | $: under $5 per item | | Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller (K105) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Not stated | Plastic barrel and cap with molded grip, gel ink refill (KF5) (Pentel Japan, The Pen Addict) | 1989 | $: under $5 per item | | uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, black | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Not stated | Clear plastic barrel, rubber grip, plastic cap and clip; water-based pigment gel ink | – | $: under $5 per item | | Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), black | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Plastic body, frosted clear clip and knock, metal front tip; water-based gel ink | – | $: under $5 per item | | Pilot Juice retractable gel pen (Japan LJU-10EF 0.5 mm; also 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Not stated | Recycled resin body and sleeve, rubber | 2012-11 | $: under $5 per item | | Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan or Mexico | 54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip | 2001 | $: under $5 per item | | MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm) | MUJI (by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Polypropylene, ABS resin and steel (per MUJI USA) | – | $: under $5 per item | | uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black body | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic hexagonal body, metal front grip with fine grooves, wire clip (Mitsubishi Pencil) | 2019-12-20 | $$: $5–20 per item | | uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip (per Wafuu and bungu.store) | 2008-11 | $$: $5–20 per item | | uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractable | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel with recycled material, long rubber grip, metal clip | 2025-02-03 | $: under $5 per item | | Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm; BC-APN) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA) | Japan | Japan | Elastomer-covered plastic body (clear version acrylic), steel wire clip | 2008 | $$: $5–20 per item | | uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen (0.5 mm micro / 0.8 mm bold) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel and cap, stainless steel point with tungsten carbide ball | 2003 | $: under $5 per item | | Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen (Black, rhodium trim) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, rhodium-plated trim, rhodium-plated 14k gold nib | 1978-03 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) Fountain Pen, 14k nib (EF / F / M) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Not stated | Resin barrel, double-anodized aluminum cap, 14k gold nib | 2013-06-25 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen (Clear) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, rhodium-plated 14k gold nib | 2010 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Painted brass barrel, stainless-steel head, steel clip (per Pilot Japan, Black Matte); 18k gold nib | 1963 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen (FKK-3000R) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Not stated | Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib | – | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, gold-plated or rhodium-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 1992 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Amber) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Translucent resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 2000 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nib | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | PMMA resin body, front barrel, knock bar and taper; chrome-plated brass inner thread; chrome-plated spring-steel clip; stainless steel nib (Platinum) | 2020-03-20 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap (Pilot); steel nib (Pilot calls the nib material a special alloy) | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nib | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Anodized aluminum body and cap, stainless steel nib ST-27 with a special alloy point (Platinum) | 2010 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap (recycled PC; recycled AS section, per Pilot Japan), steel nib | 2013-10 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the US | Sailor (by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022) | Japan | Not stated | PMMA resin cap, barrel and section; stainless-steel nib and metal parts with gold-colored IP finish | 2025-10-04 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 2011 | $$$$: over $75 per item | | Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Polycarbonate (PC resin) body, stainless steel nib (ST-27), per Platinum Japan | 2007 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Water-based pigment (carbon black) ink, alkaline, in a glass bottle | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | Sailor (by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022) | Japan | Japan | Ultra-fine pigment (nano) ink in a glass bottle | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | 2007 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle | Sailor (by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022) | Japan | Japan | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Resin body, metal cap | 1971 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Aluminum barrel, brass and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip, iron clip | 2002 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | ABS plastic barrel, aluminum and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip and clutch, iron clip | 1986 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | ABS plastic barrel, one-piece brass tip and grip with silicone rubber blocks | 1987 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, PP3005-A) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Not stated | Body of a special resin mixed with metal (Pentel Japan); metal pipe and clip | 2017-02 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic (resin) body, metal tip | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC resin (plastic) body, per The Journal Shop | 2008-03 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Acrylic resin barrel, brass tip, polycarbonate clip, olefin styrene elastomer eraser (Clear Colours version, per The Journal Shop) | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Recycled PC and PP plastics, brass, iron and stainless steel (per Pentel Japan) | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per item | | uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (M5-5000, Abyss Blue) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | – | 2023-03 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Woodfree forest-certified paper (上質紙, 森林認証紙), laminated spine cloth | 1975 | $: under $5 per item | | Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm grid | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Tomoe River paper (planner grade), 3.7 mm grid | 2019 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | Cream MD Paper, 80 g/m² (text, cover and endpapers); glassine jacket | 2008 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages (15392006) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | MD Paper Cotton, 75 g/m² (20% cotton pulp), soft white; thread-sewn with cheesecloth spine; glassine jacket | – | $$: $5–20 per item | | Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid) | Apica (by Nippon Note Co., Ltd. (日本ノート株式会社), a PLUS Corporation subsidiary since January 2019) | Japan | Japan | A.Silky 865 Premium paper (86.5 g/m², per retailers), fancy-paper card cover, thread-sewn binding | – | $$: $5–20 per item | | DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pages | DELFONICS | Japan | Japan | Card cover, 5 mm grid woodfree paper, metal spiral, PP pockets | 2001 | $$: $5–20 per item | | Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets | Maruman (by Maruman Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | White acid-free 80 g/m² paper; polypropylene (PP) covers; twin-ring wire | – | $$: $5–20 per item | | MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5 | MUJI (by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Indonesia | Paper from planted (plantation) trees; cloth spine | – | $: under $5 per item | | STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages | STALOGY (by Nitoms, Inc. (ニトムズ)) | Japan | Japan | 52 g/m² white paper (per retailers); paper cover with cloth (Amazon Japan) | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Tomoe River paper (Tomoe River S since the 2024 edition), thread-sewn binding | 2001-10-05 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn; soft PVC cover (White Line: Black) | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | PVC cover; Tomoe River paper, thread-sewn | 2017 | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 (also A5 Square and A5) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | MD Paper, 80 g/m² (cream); PVC cover; thread-stitched binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | | Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel (at least 40% recycled) with metal guide pipe; synthetic rubber eraser, non-PVC, phthalate-free (Tombow) | – | $$: $5–20 per item | | Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser (EN-DC; US 57334) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PVC tack polymer, phthalate- and latex-free; sleeve at least 50% recycled paper (Tombow Japan, Tombow Europe) | – | $: under $5 per item | | Seed Kadoloop eraser (EP-LP1) | Seed (by Seed Co., Ltd. (Toyonaka, Osaka)) | Japan | Japan | Plastic eraser with paper sleeve; Kadomodo shaping sheet included | 2025-05-03 | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets: FairPrice (Singapore) lists Japan for the 0.7 mm pen and the JF-0.5 refills, Carrefour UAE lists Japan for the Sarasa Push Clip, and SM Stationery (Philippines) says made in Japan. Zebra's Japanese and global product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-pen-0-7mm-b-jjb15-fb-navy-blue-ink-10-pc-90118544 - Made in (uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm)): Japan. Per a US business-supply listing for item 70363 (0.7 mm blue, dozen). Japanese retailer Cainz lists the 0.5 mm black pack (JAN 4902778261354) as made in Japan (生産国 日本), and Escribo (Poland) lists Japan for the 0.5 mm pen. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese pages don't state it. A Swiss retailer lists China for one 0.7 mm multi-pack and Japan for a refill set, so origin may vary by pack; check the packaging. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc70363-ub-one-gel-pens-07-mm-pen-point-size-blue-gel-based-ink-12-dozen.html - Made in (Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen (Extra Fine; FriXion Synergy Knock LFSK-14 / LFSK-15 in Japan)): Not stated. Pilot USA's product page, Pilot Japan's web catalog and its February 7, 2024 press release (read October 23, 2026) don't state a country of manufacture, and the Amazon US listings we read give none. - Made in (Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C)): Japan. Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for LH-20C3, LH-20C4 and LH-20C5 (read in full on October 20, 2026) don't state a country of manufacture. Simple Paper, which earlier listed Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-hi-tec-c/ - Made in (Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller (K105)): Not stated. Pentel Japan's Hybrid pages, The Pen Addict's 2010 and 2011 posts and the Amazon US import listing we read on October 23, 2026 don't state a country of manufacture. - Made in (uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, black): Not stated. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture, and the JetPens listing as shown in search results doesn't either. Check the pen or package. - Made in (Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), black): Not stated. Zebra's Japanese product page gives size, weight and refills but not the country of manufacture, and we found no retailer page that states it. - Made in (Pilot Juice retractable gel pen (Japan LJU-10EF 0.5 mm; also 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm)): Not stated. Pilot's Japanese web catalog and press releases for the Juice don't state a country of manufacture, and the US importer listings we read don't either. Check the packaging. - Made in (Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)): Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX (BL77 metal tip and BLN73/75/77 needle tips) as 'Japan / Mexico' without saying which SKU comes from where. Retailer listings match: OfficeSupply.com lists Mexico for one RTX listing. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Check the package of the exact pen you buy. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20 - Made in (MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm)): Japan. MUJI USA's product details for the 0.38 mm cap-type pen give "Country/Region of Origin: Japan", and MUJI Japan's page for the gel ink refill lists 原産国 (country of origin) 日本 (Japan). We read both on October 21, 2026. Source: https://www.muji.us/products/gel-ink-cap-type-pen-0-38mm - Made in (uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black body): Japan. The Amazon US listing for the Jetstream Edge (B082ZXNTRL) states Country of Origin: Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZXNTRL - Made in (uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 4&1. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page and press releases don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-je/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-4-1-multi-function-pen-0-5mm-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil - Made in (uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractable): Japan. Hunter Paper Co's listing for the 0.7 mm ZENTO (barcodes matching Mitsubishi Pencil's UBN-ZSC-07 codes) says "Made in Japan", and OnTime Supplies' spec sheet for the US dozen box (70660) gives Japan as the country of origin. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/uni-ball-zento-0-7mm-gel-pen - Made in (Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm; BC-APN)): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin. Tombow's Japanese product page, press release and Tombow USA's listing don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/tombow-airpress-oil-based-ballpoint-pen - Made in (uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen (0.5 mm micro / 0.8 mm bold)): Japan. Per OnTimeSupplies' spec sheet for item 69021 (0.5 mm blue), which lists Japan as the country of origin, and Unsharpen's spec table (Japan). uni-ball's US and Japanese product pages don't state it in the sources we read. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc69021-vision-elite-roller-ball-pen-stick-extra-fine-05-mm-blue-ink-blue-barrel.html - Made in (Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen (Black, rhodium trim)): Japan. Digitec's Swiss listing for the Pilot Falcon gives Japan as the country of origin; we saw this in a search result because the page blocked our reader on October 21, 2026. Pilot's Japanese catalog and Goulet Pens' listing don't print a country of manufacture. Source: https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/pilot-falcon-m-black-1x-pens-23715538 - Made in (Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) Fountain Pen, 14k nib (EF / F / M)): Not stated. Pilot's Japanese catalog, its press releases and Goulet Pens don't state a country of manufacture. The pen is designed and sold by Pilot in Japan, but we found no spec sheet that lists the country of origin. - Made in (Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen (Clear)): Japan. Goldspot's spec sheet says "Made in: Japan", and Peyton Street Pens describes a 2011 example as made by Pilot (Namiki) in Japan. Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state a country. Source: https://goldspot.com/products/pilot-heritage-92-fountain-pen-in-clear - Made in (Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for FC-18SR-BMF (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. The Japan With Love listing cited earlier no longer loads, and Larry Post's page doesn't state an origin. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-vanishing-point/ - Made in (Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen (FKK-3000R)): Not stated. Pilot's Japanese web catalog and international warranty page for the Custom 743 don't state a country of manufacture, and the US listings we read (Goulet Pens, Goldspot, Endless Pens) don't either. Pilot is a Japanese maker and sells the black model in its Japanese catalog, but we found no primary statement of where this pen is made. - Made in (Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim)): Japan. Per retailer listings: Makkura gives Japan as the origin, and eBay item specifics from sellers in Japan list Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese web catalog and press release don't state it; the 2022 anniversary edition's cap ring is engraved JAPAN. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/fountain-pens-pens/349-pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen.html - Made in (Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Amber)): Japan. Goldspot's Custom 823 spec sheet says "Made in: Japan". Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state a country. Source: https://goldspot.com/products/pilot-custom-823-fountain-pen-in-amber-with-gold-trim-14k-gold-1 - Made in (Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nib): Not stated. Platinum's Japanese product page and launch release (read in full on October 23, 2026) don't state a country of manufacture, and the Amazon US listing we read doesn't either. Platinum is a Tokyo company; check the box. - Made in (Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for the Prera (read in full on October 20, 2026) don't state a country. The Hunter Paper Co. listing cited earlier no longer shows the pen. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-prera-fountain-pen/ - Made in (Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nib): Not stated. Platinum's Japanese and English Plaisir pages don't state the country of manufacture, and the Amazon US listing we read doesn't either. Platinum is a Tokyo company; check the box. - Made in (Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin, and Mynavi News calls the Kakuno a domestic (kokusan) fountain pen. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for FKA-1SR (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. LarryPost, cited earlier, no longer loads. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-kakuno/ - Made in (Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the US): Not stated. Sailor's Japanese product page and Goulet Pens' listing (read October 22, 2026) don't state a country; an Amazon.com import listing calls it made in Japan, which we don't treat as a reliable source. - Made in (Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)): Japan. Unsharpen's review says the band reads "Platinum #3776 Century Made in Japan". Platinum's own English pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/platinum-3776-century-fountain-pen/ - Made in (Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M)): Japan. Per retailer listings: Hunter Paper Co says made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (both read on October 20, 2026). Platinum's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-fine-nib - Made in (Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500)): Japan. Luiban, a Berlin pen shop, lists Japan as the country of origin for the 60 ml INKC-1500, and Phidon Pens in Canada describes it as made in Japan. Platinum's Japanese product page (read on October 21, 2026) doesn't state a country. Source: https://luiban.com/en/PL017-platinum-carbon-ink-60ml - Made in (Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): Japan. Hiroshima Prefecture's profile of Sailor says its site in Kure, Hiroshima makes fountain pens, inks and ballpoints, and the bottle's JAN 4901680184508 carries Japan's 49 GS1 prefix (it shows where the code was registered). Sailor's product page (read in full on October 21, 2026) doesn't print a country of origin. Source: https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/onlyonenoonezigyou/sailor.html - Made in (Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): Japan. Kohezi's listing for the 50 ml Kon-peki gives Made in: Japan and says Pilot has always made its own inks. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for INK-50-KO (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country; its JAN, 4902505367281, carries Japan's 49 prefix, which shows where the code was registered, not where the ink was made. Source: https://kohezi.com/products/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-blue-ink-shades-of-blue - Made in (Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle): Japan. Hiroshima Prefecture's profile of Sailor says its site in Kure, Hiroshima makes fountain pens, inks and ballpoints, and the bottle's JAN 4901680184676 carries Japan's 49 GS1 prefix (it shows where the code was registered). Sailor's product page doesn't print a country of origin. Source: https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/onlyonenoonezigyou/sailor.html - Made in (Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the Sharp Kerry's origin (P1035 and P1037) as Japan. Yoseka Stationery and OnTimeSupplies (for the black P1035A) also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/102 - Made in (Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide (and its 2022 catalog) gives the GraphGear 1000's origin as Japan, and PartsSource lists Japan as the country of origin for the PG1015A. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/57/ - Made in (Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Hunter Paper Co. says the Graph 1000 for Pro (0.5 and 0.7 mm) is made in Japan. Pentel's Japanese product page and its 2025 news release don't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-0-7mm-mechanical-pencil - Made in (Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm)): Japan. Japanese office retailer Askul lists Japan (日本) as the country of origin for the red Smash Q1005-B; we found no origin statement for the black Q1005-1, and Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state one. An eBay.de listing title also says made in Japan. Source: https://www.askul.co.jp/p/ER62634/ - Made in (Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, PP3005-A)): Not stated. Pentel's Japanese product page and news release, Pentel of America's product page and the Amazon US listing don't state a country of manufacture. Pentel is a Japanese company and the pencil is sold in Japan first, but we found no maker statement, so check the pack. - Made in (Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per Noble's government-supply listing for a DelGuard 0.5 mm 3-pack (country of origin Japan). Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://gsacp.noble.com/delguard-mechanical-pencil,-0.5-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-black-barrel,-3/pack/ecomm-product-detail/434792 - Made in (Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets (The Journal Shop: country of origin Japan; Bungu Store: made in Japan). Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-standard-model-0-5mm - Made in (Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm)): Japan. The Journal Shop gives Japan as the country of origin for the MONO Graph, its All Black Edition and the MONO Graph Fine, and says made in Japan for the MONO Graph One. Tombow's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/tombow-mono-graph-mechanical-pencil - Made in (Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the ORENZ 1-Click (PP502 to PP507) as Japan. The Journal Shop and Monk Office's listing for the PP505A also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese pages don't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/104 - Made in (uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (M5-5000, Abyss Blue)): Japan. The Amazon US listing for the Abyss Blue DIVE says "Quality Crafted in Japan." Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product and campaign pages don't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY27S6YK - Made in (KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted)): Japan. KOKUYO's own global online store gives Country of Origin: Japan for the NO-3BN 3-pack and 10-pack and for the NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN dotted books. KOKUYO's Japanese catalog pages don't list origin; other Campus lines and sizes may differ. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-rule-30-sheets-pack-of-3/NO-3BNX3.html - Made in (Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm grid): Not stated. Hobonichi's Japanese and English store pages give size, weight, page count and paper but no country of manufacture, and we found no retailer spec sheet that states one. Check the back of the book. - Made in (Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives 原産国 (country of origin) Made in Japan for the A5, as did the older Midori online store listing for the lined A5 (15294006). The Journal Shop, Galen Leather and Boston General Store agree. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-a5 - Made in (Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages (15392006)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives Country of Origin: Made in Japan for the MD Notebook Cotton A5. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-cotton-a5 - Made in (Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid)): Japan. Papeterie Makkura lists Made in Japan for the blank and grid A5; The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the ruled A5, and Write Gear says all CD Notebooks are made in Japan. Nippon Note's Japanese product pages give codes, JAN, weight and price but no country of manufacture. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/4325-apica-premium-cd-notebook-a5-blank-4970090340095.html - Made in (DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pages): Japan. DELFONICS' Japanese web shop lists 生産国：日本 (country of production: Japan) for the L, M, Mini and A5 pocket memos (read October 22, 2026); the UK retailer Milligram also says designed and made in Japan. Source: https://shop.delfonics.com/c/notebooks/NRP03 - Made in (Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets): Japan. Maruman's Japanese product page for the N195A gives the country of manufacture (生産国) as Japan, and says the paper is Japanese-made (国産); retailer listings (Galen Leather, Goulet Pens, Goldspot) agree. Source: https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/n195a.html - Made in (MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5): Indonesia. MUJI USA gives Country/Region of Origin: Indonesia for the 6 mm five-pack and the B5 bleed-proof five-pack, and MUJI Japan's store gives 原産国・地域 インドネシア (Indonesia) for the B5 6 mm five-pack. Source: https://www.muji.us/products/planted-tree-paper-notebook-6-mm-5-pack-nac10a5s - Made in (STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages): Japan. Amazon Japan's listing for S4101 gives 原産国 (country of origin) 日本 (Japan), and Galen Leather lists Japan for its grid, dot grid and blank A5s. STALOGY's About page says Nitoms, a Japanese Nitto group company, develops, manufactures and sells the line; STALOGY's product pages don't name a country. Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00LFEBTCI - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start)): Not stated. Hobonichi's Japanese store listing for the 2027 English Original gives size, weight, pages and paper but no country of manufacture (it names one only for a free charm, made in China), and we found no retailer spec sheet that states it for the Original Book. Hunter Paper Co. says its Original Avec book is made in Japan by Hobonichi, but that is a different product. Check the back of the book. - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets for the 2027 Weeks (Sortdays and Milligram). Hobonichi's Japanese store page for White Line: Black gives size, weight, pages and materials but no country of manufacture. Source: https://sortdays.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-weeks-planner-white-line-ivory - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start): Japan. Per Boston General Store's 2027 Cousin listing, which files it in its Made in Japan collection. Hobonichi's Japanese store page for the 2027 English Cousin gives size, weight, pages and paper but no country of manufacture (it names one only for a free charm, made in China). Source: https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/hobonichi-techo-book-cousin-a5 - Made in (Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start)): Japan. Per Hunter Paper Co.'s listing (Made in Japan) and The Journal Shop's (Country of Origin: Japan). Hobonichi's own product page doesn't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-5-year-techo-japanese-book-2026-2031-a6-size - Made in (Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 (also A5 Square and A5)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives Country of Origin: Made in Japan for the 2027 1 Day 1 Page diary in all three sizes. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-diary-1day1page - Made in (Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR)): Japan. STL Art Supply says the MONO Zero 2.3 mm eraser is made in Japan, and Officeworks in Australia lists Japan as the country of manufacture for its black round MONO Zero. Tombow's Japanese page doesn't state a country, and we found no reliable origin for the ER-KUR refills. Source: https://shop.stlartsupply.com/en-ca/collections/japanese-stationery/products/mono-zero-2-3-mm-eraser - Made in (Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser (EN-DC; US 57334)): Japan. Galaxus listings for the EN-DC give Japan as the country of origin (seen in search results; the page blocks automated reading). Tombow's own pages don't state a country, so check the sleeve. Source: https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/tombow-mono-dust-catch-correcting-8935043 - Made in (Seed Kadoloop eraser (EP-LP1)): Japan. Yodobashi's spec sheet lists 原産国：日本製 (country of origin: made in Japan); an Amazon.com import listing also says made in Japan. Seed's own site was unreachable from our tools. Source: https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001009082794/ ## Key takeaways - 49 of the 60 items cost more in the US than in Japan on October 24, 2026; the median gap was 1.4 times, and the middle half of items ran from 1.1 to 1.9 times. - Items listed under ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) in Japan had a median gap of 1.6 times; the nine items at ¥10,000 (about US$63) or more had a median of 0.9 times. - Japanese importers on Amazon came closest to Japanese prices, a median of 1.2 times over 37 items, against 1.9 times for the 16 items priced at makers' own US stores. - Fountain pens had the smallest category gap (median 1.0 times across 14 pens); notebooks (1.9 times) and erasers (2.0 times) had the largest. - MUJI's 0.38 mm gel pen (3.2 times) and Seed's Kadoloop eraser (3.0 times) had the widest gaps; the Pilot Falcon (0.7 times) had the narrowest. ## How much more do Japanese pens and stationery cost in the US? **In our October 2026 price index, the median Japanese stationery item cost 1.4 times as much in the US as its maker's Japanese list price, with a range from 0.7 to 3.2 times.** 49 of the 60 items cost more in the US; 11 cost the same or less. We compared each maker's tax-included Japanese list price, at 158 yen to the US dollar, with the lowest per-unit US price we found on October 24, 2026. Every source is in the [downloadable data](#download-the-data). ## Which kinds of stationery have the biggest price gap? **Notebooks and erasers had the widest gaps; fountain pens the narrowest, with several gold-nib Pilots cheaper in the US.** | Category | Items | Median US ÷ Japan | Range | |---|---|---|---| | Fountain pens | 14 | 1.04× | 0.70–1.57× | | Fountain pen ink | 4 | 1.23× | 1.09–2.15× | | Ballpoint and rollerball pens | 5 | 1.26× | 1.16–1.56× | | Gel pens | 10 | 1.46× | 0.99–3.16× | | Planners | 6 | 1.50× | 1.22–2.01× | | Mechanical pencils | 10 | 1.57× | 0.78–2.69× | | Notebooks | 8 | 1.92× | 1.37–3.12× | | Erasers | 3 | 2.00× | 1.85–3.00× | Price level matters more than category: items under ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) had a median of 1.64 times, and the nine at ¥10,000 (about US$63) or more 0.86 times. ![Dot plot of 60 Japanese stationery items' US price divided by Japanese list price, by category, with a 1.0 times reference line; median 1.4 times](https://stationerytimes.com/images/us-vs-japan-stationery-prices-index.svg) *US price ÷ Japan list price for all 60 items. Left of the dashed line, the item cost less in the US.* ## Which US stores come closest to Japanese prices? **Japanese importers selling on Amazon came closest: a median of 1.16 times across the 37 items where Amazon had the lowest price.** The 16 items whose lowest price was the maker's own US store had a median of 1.86 times, and Goulet Pens' seven a median of 1.43 times. For 10 items we priced at both the maker's US store and Amazon, the maker's store was dearer every time (median 2.29 against 1.48 times); on October 24, Pentel of America listed the GraphGear 1000 at US$21.17 and an Amazon seller at US$8.50. For 12 pens and inks at both Goulet and Amazon, the medians were 1.54 and 1.10 times. ## Why are some Japanese pens cheaper in the US? **Mostly because Japanese list prices rose in 2026 while US shelf prices did not keep up.** Pilot's price list of July 1, 2026 raised the Custom Heritage 92 from ¥33,000 (about US$209) to ¥44,000 (about US$278), and Pentel raised the Sharp Kerry on October 1, 2026 from ¥2,000 (about US$13) to ¥2,500 (about US$16) before tax. Japanese shops also often sell below list, so a visitor in Tokyo can pay less than the figures here. Our [Tokyo stationery stores](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-stationery-stores-tokyo/) guide lists where to shop and how the tax-free refund works from November 1, 2026. ## What does each item cost in Japan and the US? **Prices checked October 24, 2026, by category, then ratio.** Japan: maker's list price with 10% tax. US: lowest price per unit, before sales tax. | Item | Japan | US | US ÷ Japan | |---|---|---|---| | [Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) | ¥132 (about US$0.80) | US$0.83 | 0.99× | | [uni-ball One 0.38 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-one/) | ¥165 (about US$1.00) | US$1.10 | 1.05× | | [Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-synergy-clicker/) | ¥275 (about US$1.70) | US$1.86 | 1.07× | | [Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/) | ¥220 (about US$1.40) | US$1.54 | 1.11× | | [Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller K105 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hybrid-gel-roller/) | ¥132 (about US$0.80) | US$1.20 | 1.44× | | [uni-ball Signo DX UM-151 0.38 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-dx-um-151/) | ¥165 (about US$1.00) | US$1.53 | 1.47× | | [Zebra Sarasa Nano 0.3 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-nano/) | ¥220 (about US$1.40) | US$2.24 | 1.61× | | [Pilot Juice 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-juice/) | ¥132 (about US$0.80) | US$1.40 | 1.68× | | [Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) | ¥275 (about US$1.70) | US$3.25 | 1.87× | | [MUJI Gel Ink Pen, cap type, 0.38 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-gel-ink-pen/) | ¥120 (about US$0.80) | US$2.40 | 3.16× | | [uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-edge/) | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | US$8.08 | 1.16× | | [uni Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/) | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | US$8.69 | 1.25× | | [uni-ball ZENTO Standard 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-standard/) | ¥275 (about US$1.70) | US$2.19 | 1.26× | | [Tombow AirPress 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-airpress/) | ¥770 (about US$4.90) | US$6.83 | 1.40× | | [uni-ball Vision Elite 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-vision-elite/) | ¥220 (about US$1.40) | US$2.17 | 1.56× | | [Pilot Falcon (Elabo)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-falcon/) | ¥47,300 (about US$299) | US$210.00 | 0.70× | | [Pilot E95S](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-e95s/) | ¥33,000 (about US$209) | US$155.00 | 0.74× | | [Pilot Custom Heritage 92](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-heritage-92/) | ¥44,000 (about US$278) | US$205.99 | 0.74× | | [Pilot Vanishing Point (Capless)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-vanishing-point/) | ¥33,000 (about US$209) | US$176.00 | 0.84× | | [Pilot Custom 743](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-743/) | ¥60,500 (about US$383) | US$329.98 | 0.86× | | [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/) | ¥38,500 (about US$244) | US$216.00 | 0.89× | | [Pilot Custom 823](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-823/) | ¥66,000 (about US$418) | US$416.00 | 1.00× | | [Platinum Curidas](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-curidas/) | ¥7,700 (about US$49) | US$52.99 | 1.09× | | [Pilot Prera](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-prera/) | ¥4,180 (about US$26) | US$29.78 | 1.13× | | [Platinum Plaisir](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-plaisir/) | ¥1,980 (about US$13) | US$14.54 | 1.16× | | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | US$8.74 | 1.26× | | [Sailor Profit Casual L Basis (1911 Casual L Basis)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-profit-casual-l/) | ¥16,500 (about US$104) | US$140.00 | 1.34× | | [Platinum #3776 Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/) | ¥44,000 (about US$278) | US$398.40 | 1.43× | | [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/) | ¥660 (about US$4.20) | US$6.57 | 1.57× | | [Platinum Carbon Black, 60 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-carbon-black-ink/) | ¥2,750 (about US$17) | US$19.00 | 1.09× | | [Sailor Kiwa-guro, 50 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-kiwa-guro/) | ¥2,530 (about US$16) | US$18.00 | 1.12× | | [Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki, 50 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/) | ¥2,200 (about US$14) | US$18.70 | 1.34× | | [Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori, 20 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori/) | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) | US$18.00 | 2.15× | | [Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-kerry/) | ¥2,750 (about US$17) | US$13.49 | 0.78× | | [Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) | ¥1,650 (about US$10) | US$8.50 | 0.81× | | [Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/) | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) | US$7.75 | 0.93× | | [Pentel Smash 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-smash/) | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) | US$8.85 | 1.06× | | [Pentel Orenz Nero 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz-nero/) | ¥3,850 (about US$24) | US$29.99 | 1.23× | | [Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | US$6.00 | 1.92× | | [uni Kuru Toga Standard 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | US$6.23 | 1.99× | | [Tombow MONO Graph 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-graph/) | ¥440 (about US$2.80) | US$5.58 | 2.00× | | [Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/) | ¥550 (about US$3.50) | US$8.56 | 2.46× | | [uni Kuru Toga Dive 0.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga-dive/) | ¥5,500 (about US$35) | US$93.54 | 2.69× | | [KOKUYO Campus Notebook B5, 30 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/) | ¥231 (about US$1.50) | US$2.00 | 1.37× | | [Hobonichi Graph Notebook A6](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-graph-notebook/) | ¥990 (about US$6.30) | US$9.99 | 1.59× | | [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) | ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) | US$14.40 | 1.88× | | [Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-cotton-a5/) | ¥1,650 (about US$10) | US$19.60 | 1.88× | | [Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/apica-premium-cd-notebook/) | ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) | US$17.20 | 1.95× | | [Delfonics Rollbahn Pocket Memo L](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/delfonics-rollbahn-pocket-memo/) | ¥880 (about US$5.60) | US$13.20 | 2.37× | | [Maruman Mnemosyne N195A A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/) | ¥792 (about US$5.00) | US$12.20 | 2.43× | | [MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook B5, 5-pack](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-planted-tree-paper-notebook/) | ¥299 (about US$1.90) | US$5.90 | 3.12× | | [STALOGY 365 Days Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/) | ¥2,937 (about US$19) | US$22.74 | 1.22× | | [Hobonichi Techo Original 2027, English](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) | ¥2,860 (about US$18) | US$27.00 | 1.49× | | [Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/) | ¥2,860 (about US$18) | US$27.00 | 1.49× | | [Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2027, English](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/) | ¥4,620 (about US$29) | US$44.00 | 1.50× | | [Hobonichi 5-Year Techo A6 (2027–2031)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-5-year-techo/) | ¥4,620 (about US$29) | US$44.00 | 1.50× | | [Midori MD Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-diary-2027/) | ¥2,860 (about US$18) | US$36.40 | 2.01× | | [Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | US$5.80 | 1.85× | | [Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-dust-catch-eraser/) | ¥154 (about US$1.00) | US$1.95 | 2.00× | | [Seed Kadoloop eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/seed-kadoloop-eraser/) | ¥275 (about US$1.70) | US$5.23 | 3.00× | ## Methodology **Each row pairs a maker's Japanese list price with the lowest US price we could find for the same model and size, both read on or before October 24, 2026.** - **Japan:** the maker's list price (希望小売価格 or 参考価格) with 10% consumption tax, re-read on October 24, 2026 for 58 items; two sites were down, so those dates are our guides' earlier reads. - **US:** the maker's US store, Goulet Pens or Amazon.com on October 24, 2026, before sales tax and shipping. We kept the lowest per-unit price for the same model and size in any color; the CSV notes the others. - **Single units:** multi-packs are divided by the count; MUJI's notebook is a 5-pack in both countries. - **Exchange rate:** 158 yen per US dollar (open.er-api.com, October 20, 2026), the site-wide rate. At October 24's 156.8 yen, ratios would be about 0.8% lower. - **Exclusions:** items whose US version differs (Pilot Metropolitan and Cocoon, Precise V5 and V-Corn), sold-out US listings, and items without a dated Japanese list price. JetPens blocked automated visits, so it isn't included. ## Download the data **The full index is free to download as [CSV](/data/japan-us-stationery-price-index-2026-10.csv) or [JSON](/data/japan-us-stationery-price-index-2026-10.json) under CC BY 4.0.** Each row has both prices, sources, dates, exchange rate, ratio and notes. How to cite: Stationery Times, Japan vs US Stationery Price Index, October 2026, https://stationerytimes.com/guides/us-vs-japan-stationery-prices/ ## Frequently asked questions ### Why are Japanese pens cheaper in Japan? Because the Japanese price is the maker's home-market list price, while a US price adds export shipping, an importer or distributor, retailer margins and, since 2025, US duties on small parcels. Everyday pens show it most: in our index, items under ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) cost a median 1.6 times as much in the US. ### Is it cheaper to buy stationery in Japan? Usually, yes. 49 of the 60 items in our October 2026 index cost more in the US, by a median of 1.4 times. The exceptions were mostly Pilot gold-nib fountain pens and older Pentel mechanical pencils, whose Japanese list prices rose in 2026. ### How much does a Pilot pen cost in Japan? Pilot's Japanese list prices, with tax, run from ¥132 (about US$0.80) for a Juice gel pen and ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) for a Kakuno fountain pen to ¥38,500 (about US$244) for a Custom 74 and ¥66,000 (about US$418) for a Custom 823. Japanese shops often sell below list. ### Is it worth buying Japanese pens on Amazon US? Often, yes. Japanese importers on Amazon were the closest US source to Japanese prices in our index, a median of 1.2 times; for 10 items also sold by the maker's own US store, Amazon was cheaper in every case. Check the seller and color before you buy, since warranty support can differ. ### Can tourists buy stationery tax-free in Japan? Yes, at tax-free shops. From November 1, 2026 you pay the tax-included price and get the 10% consumption tax refunded after a customs check at departure, if you spend ¥5,000 (about US$32) or more before tax per shop per day. ### Do I pay duty on stationery shipped from Japan to the US? You may. CBP says duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments is suspended for all countries and all shipping modes, so duties are based on classification and country of origin; genuine gifts keep their own exemption. ### Can I use the price index data? Yes. The CSV and JSON files are free to reuse under CC BY 4.0, including commercially, as long as you credit Stationery Times and link to this page. ## Sources - [Stationery Times: Japan vs US Stationery Price Index, October 2026 (CSV, 60 items, every Japanese and US source URL with the date we read it)](https://stationerytimes.com/data/japan-us-stationery-price-index-2026-10.csv) - [Pilot Japan web catalog (希望小売価格, tax included): Kakuno, Prera, E95S, Capless, Custom 74, Custom Heritage 92, Elabo, Custom 743, Custom 823, Iroshizuku, Hi-Tec-C, Juice, FriXion Synergy Knock (read October 24, 2026)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/) - [Pilot Japan: 価格表 2026年7月1日付 (price list effective July 1, 2026, PDF: Custom Heritage 92 ¥33,000 to ¥44,000; Custom 823 ¥55,000 to ¥66,000)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/information/pricelist_202607.pdf) - [Pentel Japan: 製品価格改定のお知らせ (price revision from October 1, 2026; Sharp Kerry P1035 ¥2,000 to ¥2,500 before tax)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/202600806/) - [Mitsubishi Pencil Japan product pages (参考価格, tax included): uni-ball One, Signo, Jetstream, Vision Elite, ZENTO, Kuru Toga (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/) - [Zebra Japan product pages: Sarasa Clip, Sarasa Nano, DelGuard (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/) - [Platinum Japan product pages: Preppy, Plaisir, Curidas, #3776 Century, Carbon Ink (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/) - [Sailor Japan product pages: Profit Casual L Basis, Kiwa-guro, Shikiori (read October 24, 2026)](https://sailor.co.jp/) - [Hobonichi Japanese store, 2027 lineup (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/) - [Hobonichi English store, 2027 lineup, prices for US delivery (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/) - [MD PRODUCT (Designphil, Japan): MD Notebook A5, Cotton A5, Diary 1 Day 1 Page (read October 24, 2026)](https://md-product.com/) - [MD PRODUCT USA (read October 24, 2026)](https://md-product-usa.com/) - [MUJI Japan: 詰め替えるペン。 (gel pen ¥120, read October 24, 2026)](https://www.muji.com/jp/feature/pen/) - [MUJI USA (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.muji.us/) - [Goulet Pens (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.gouletpens.com/) - [uni (US store, unibrands.co) (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.unibrands.co/) - [Pentel of America store (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.pentel.com/) - [Tombow USA store (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.tombowusa.com/) - [Zebra Pen US store (read October 24, 2026)](https://www.zebrapen.com/) - [ExchangeRate-API (open.er-api.com): US dollar rates; 158 yen on October 20, 2026 (the site-wide rate) and 156.8 yen on October 24, 2026](https://open.er-api.com/v6/latest/USD) - [U.S. Customs and Border Protection: E-Commerce FAQs on the suspension of de minimis (last modified September 2, 2026; read October 22, 2026)](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce/faqs) - [Japan National Tourism Organization: Everything You Need to Know: Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System (read October 22, 2026)](https://www.japan.travel/en/us/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-japans-new-tax-free-shopping-system/)