Est. 2026 · Price: FreeEditor-at-large: The Hedgehog

Stationery Times

Japan vs US Stationery Prices: 60-Item Index (Oct 2026)

By · Updated · 10 min read

Compiled from 22 sources; we haven't tested these products ourselves yet. How we research

Quick answer

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.

On this page10 sections
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
Ten of the 60 items at 1 mm = 0.75 px, each with its US-to-Japan price multiple (prices checked October 24, 2026).

Products compared

  1. Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5 mm retractable gel pen with the tip out, showing its binder clip and clear barrelNo. 1Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen$Read the guide →
  2. uni-ball One 0.7 mm gel pen with its white barrel and black wire clip, drawn to scaleNo. 2uni-ball One retractable gel pen$Read the guide →
  3. Pilot FriXion Synergy Knock 0.5 drawn to scale at 142.2 mm, with a close-up of its fine Synergy TipNo. 3Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen$Read the guide →
  4. Capped Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.4 mm gel pen with black ink drawn to scale, with a close-up of the needle tipNo. 4Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen$Read the guide →
  5. Pentel Hybrid K105 gel pen drawn to scale at about 150 mm, with a close-up of its 0.5 mm tipNo. 5Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller$Read the guide →
  6. Capped uni-ball Signo DX UM-151 gel pen drawn to scale at 138 mm, clear barrel and black cap, with an inset of the 0.38 mm tipNo. 6uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, black$Read the guide →
  7. Black Zebra Sarasa Nano 0.3 mm gel pen drawn to scale at 143.8 mm, with an inset of the cushioned tipNo. 7Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), black$Read the guide →
  8. Pilot Juice 0.5 mm retractable gel pen in Classic Blue drawn to scale, with its tip insetNo. 8Pilot Juice retractable gel pen$Read the guide →
  9. Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7 mm retractable gel pen with the tip out, showing its grip and metal coneNo. 9Pentel EnerGel RTX$Read the guide →
  10. Capped MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen in Black 0.38 mm with its frosted barrel, drawn to scaleNo. 10MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type$Read the guide →
  11. Black uni Jetstream Edge ballpoint drawn to scale at 142 mm, with an inset of its 0.28 mm needle pointNo. 11uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black body$$Read the guide →
  12. Navy uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pen with the blue ballpoint out, drawn to scale, with an end view of its slidersNo. 12uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen$$Read the guide →
  13. uni-ball ZENTO Standard 0.7 mm in Linen, retractable, drawn to scale at 139 mm with its long rubber grip and metal clip, with an inset of the 0.7 mm tipNo. 13uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractable$Read the guide →
  14. Tombow AirPress in Full Black drawn to scale, with an inset of a click pushing air into the refillNo. 14Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen$$Read the guide →
  15. Capped black uni-ball Vision Elite 0.5 mm rollerball drawn to scale, with an inset of the micro tipNo. 15uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen$Read the guide →
  16. Black Pilot Falcon with rhodium trim and the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the soft beak nibNo. 16Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  17. Capped Pilot E95S in Black with gold trim drawn to scale, with an inset of the inlaid 14k nibNo. 17Pilot E95S$$$$Read the guide →
  18. Clear Pilot Custom Heritage 92 with blue ink and the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the nibNo. 18Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  19. Black Pilot Vanishing Point with rhodium trim and the nib clicked out, drawn to scale, with the 18k nib insetNo. 19Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  20. Green Verdigris Pilot Custom 743 with gold trim, capped, drawn to scale at 149 mm, with an inset of the 14k gold No. 15 nibNo. 20Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  21. Black Pilot Custom 74 with gold trim and the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the 14k nibNo. 21Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  22. Amber Pilot Custom 823 with the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the 14k No. 15 nibNo. 22Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  23. Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen in Abyss Blue drawn to scale at 153 mm, with a close-up of the steel nibNo. 23Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nib$$$Read the guide →
  24. Clear Pilot Prera with Light Blue ends and the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the steel nibNo. 24Pilot Prera Fountain Pen$$$Read the guide →
  25. Black Platinum Plaisir fountain pen drawn capped to scale at 142.5 mm, with a cutaway inset of the Slip & Seal capNo. 25Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nib$$Read the guide →
  26. Gray Pilot Kakuno with the cap posted, drawn to scale, with an inset of the smiley-face steel nibNo. 26Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen$$Read the guide →
  27. Capped Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen in Clear Black drawn to scale at 141 mm, with an inset of the gold-IP steel nibNo. 27Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the US$$$$Read the guide →
  28. Capped Platinum #3776 Century in Chartres Blue drawn to scale, with a cutaway of the Slip & Seal inner capNo. 28Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen$$$$Read the guide →
  29. Platinum Preppy with black ink and the cap posted, drawn to scale, with a close-up of the steel nibNo. 29Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen$$Read the guide →
  30. 60 ml Platinum Carbon Black bottle beside a swab card with black writing under a blue wash, drawn to scaleNo. 30Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle$$$Read the guide →
  31. 50 ml Sailor Kiwa-guro bottle with black ink beside a swab card, with a written line sharp under a water dropNo. 31Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle$$$Read the guide →
  32. 50 ml Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki bottle with cerulean ink beside a blue swab card, drawn in proportionNo. 32Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle$$$Read the guide →
  33. 20 ml Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori bottle with dark teal ink beside a swab card showing red sheen, drawn to scaleNo. 33Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle$$Read the guide →
  34. Black Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with its cap on, drawn to scale, with the cap button insetNo. 34Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm$$Read the guide →
  35. Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with its retracting 4 mm sleeve insetNo. 35Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil$$Read the guide →
  36. Black Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.5 mm drafting pencil drawn to scale, with its rubber grip pads insetNo. 36Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil$$Read the guide →
  37. Black Pentel Smash 0.5 mm mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with its rubber grip blocks insetNo. 37Pentel Smash mechanical pencil$$Read the guide →
  38. Matte black Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 143 mm, with an inset of its lead-guarding pipeNo. 38Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil$$$Read the guide →
  39. Black Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with its two lead-guarding springs insetNo. 39Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard$$Read the guide →
  40. Black uni Kuru Toga mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with the lead's rotation per stroke insetNo. 40Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil$$Read the guide →
  41. Black Tombow MONO Graph 0.5 mm shaker mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with its twist-out eraser insetNo. 41Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil$$Read the guide →
  42. Black Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm mechanical pencil drawn to scale, with its sliding sleeve insetNo. 42Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil$$Read the guide →
  43. Abyss Blue uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, capped, drawn to scale at 146.8 mmNo. 43uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm$$$Read the guide →
  44. KOKUYO Campus Semi-B5 notebook in a blue cover, closed and opened flat on 6 mm dotted rulingNo. 44KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets$Read the guide →
  45. Hobonichi Graph Notebook in A5 and A6 lying open flat on grid pages, drawn to scaleNo. 45Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm grid$$Read the guide →
  46. Midori MD Notebook A5 with its cream cover and cloth spine, closed and opened flat on 7 mm lined pagesNo. 46Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages$$Read the guide →
  47. Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5 with its glassine jacket, closed and opened flat on blank soft-white pagesNo. 47Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages$$Read the guide →
  48. Black Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, closed and opened flat on its index page, drawn to scaleNo. 48Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets$$Read the guide →
  49. DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L in blue with its elastic, closed and opened flat on cream 5 mm grid pages, drawn to scaleNo. 49DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pages$$Read the guide →
  50. Black Maruman Mnemosyne N195A A5 twin-ring notebook, closed and opened flat on 7 mm ruled pagesNo. 50Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets$$Read the guide →
  51. MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook five-pack fanned out with coloured cloth spines, and one page open with 6 mm rulesNo. 51MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5$Read the guide →
  52. STALOGY 365Days A5 notebook in a black soft cover, closed and opened flat on faintly marked grid pagesNo. 52STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages$$$Read the guide →
  53. Hobonichi Techo Original A6, closed and opened flat on two daily pages with a 3.7 mm gridNo. 53Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027$$$Read the guide →
  54. Hobonichi Weeks 2027 in black with a white stripe, closed and open on a week facing a grid pageNo. 54Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start$$$Read the guide →
  55. Hobonichi Cousin 2027 A5, closed and open flat on two daily pages, drawn to scaleNo. 55Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start$$$Read the guide →
  56. Hobonichi 5-Year Techo A6 in brown, closed and open flat on one date spread, drawn to scaleNo. 56Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031$$$Read the guide →
  57. Midori MD Diary 2027 A6 in its clear cover, closed and opened on a daily spread with a time columnNo. 57Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6$$$Read the guide →
  58. Silver Tombow MONO Zero round eraser beside handwriting with one letter erased, with its 2.3 mm tip insetNo. 58Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip$$Read the guide →
  59. Black Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser drawn to scale at 55 mm, with a strand of crumbs clinging to itNo. 59Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser$Read the guide →
  60. Seed Kadoloop eraser to scale at 55 mm: worn round, a mug of hot water, then with a sharp corner againNo. 60Seed Kadoloop eraser$Read the guide →
ProductBrand originMade inPrice range
Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15)ZebraJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm)uni-ballJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen (Extra Fine; FriXion Synergy Knock LFSK-14 / LFSK-15 in Japan)PilotJapanNot stated*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller (K105)PentelJapanNot stated*Price range: $under $5 per item
uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, blackuni-ballJapanNot stated*Price range: $under $5 per item
Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), blackZebraJapanNot stated*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pilot Juice retractable gel pen (Japan LJU-10EF 0.5 mm; also 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm)PilotJapanNot stated*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)PentelJapanJapan or Mexico*Price range: $under $5 per item
MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm)MUJIJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black bodyuni-ballJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)uni-ballJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractableuni-ballJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm; BC-APN)TombowJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen (0.5 mm micro / 0.8 mm bold)uni-ballJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen (Black, rhodium trim)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) Fountain Pen, 14k nib (EF / F / M)PilotJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen (Clear)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen (FKK-3000R)PilotJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Amber)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nibPlatinumJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue)PilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nibPlatinumJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pilot Kakuno Fountain PenPilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the USSailorJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)PlatinumJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$over $75 per item
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M)PlatinumJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500)PlatinumJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottleSailorJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottlePilotJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottleSailorJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black)PentelJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm)PentelJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm)PentelJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm)PentelJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, PP3005-A)PentelJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm)ZebraJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm)uniJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm)TombowJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan)PentelJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (M5-5000, Abyss Blue)uniJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted)KOKUYOJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm gridHobonichiJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame)MidoriJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages (15392006)MidoriJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid)ApicaJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pagesDELFONICSJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheetsMarumanJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5MUJIJapanIndonesia*Price range: $under $5 per item
STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pagesSTALOGYJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start)HobonichiJapanNot stated*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers)HobonichiJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January startHobonichiJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start)HobonichiJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 (also A5 Square and A5)MidoriJapanJapan*Price range: $$$$20–75 per item
Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR)TombowJapanJapan*Price range: $$$5–20 per item
Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser (EN-DC; US 57334)TombowJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Seed Kadoloop eraser (EP-LP1)SeedJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per item
Notes on these facts
  • Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15): Made by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation. Made in 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.
  • 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): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Japan release date per Mitsubishi Pencil's January 21, 2020 press release (Yoseka Stationery agrees); we didn't find a US launch date.
  • Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker erasable gel pen (Extra Fine; FriXion Synergy Knock LFSK-14 / LFSK-15 in Japan): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Country of manufacture 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.
  • Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan). Made in 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. Released: Year of the Japanese launch, per Pilot's Japanese site, Unsharpen and Yoseka Stationery.
  • Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller (K105): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Country of manufacture 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. Released: Pentel's Japanese design archive gives 1989 as the Hybrid's launch year. US retailers stopped carrying the Hybrid Gel Roller around 2010; The Pen Addict called it discontinued on May 23, 2011. Pentel Japan still sells it.
  • uni-ball Signo DX (UM-151) gel pen, 0.38 mm, black: Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Country of manufacture 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.
  • Zebra Sarasa Nano gel pen, 0.3 mm (JJH72), black: Made by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Country of manufacture 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.
  • Pilot Juice retractable gel pen (Japan LJU-10EF 0.5 mm; also 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan). Country of manufacture 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. Released: Pilot's February 13, 2024 press release says the Juice launched in November 2012 in Japan.
  • Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Year the EnerGel line launched, per Pentel's Japanese news release of August 7, 2026. Pentel's Japanese magazine says it was sold only outside Japan at first, with Japanese sales starting in 2003. We found no separate debut date for the US RTX model.
  • MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, Cap Type (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm): Made by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ballpoint (SXN-1003-28), black body: Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's February 17, 2011 press release says the Jetstream 4&1 first came out in November 2008.
  • uni-ball ZENTO Standard (UBN-ZSC), retractable: Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's January 15, 2025 release says the ZENTO series went on sale in Japan on February 3, 2025, after it had already been sold overseas; the 0.7 mm Standard went on sale in Japan on December 23, 2025.
  • Tombow AirPress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm; BC-APN): Made by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA. Made in 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. Released: Tombow's May 21, 2026 press release says the AirPress went on sale in 2008, and its product page lists a 2008 Good Design Award.
  • uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen (0.5 mm micro / 0.8 mm bold): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese company history lists the Vision Elite (ユニボール ビジョンエリート) as launched in 2003. uni-ball's US product page says it is "celebrating 25 years of Vision Elite" in 2026, which would point to about 2001 in the US; we found no dated US launch source.
  • Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen (Black, rhodium trim): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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. Released: Pilot's Japanese site says the Elabo, which Pilot sells abroad as the Falcon, went on sale in March 1978. The second version followed in 1991, a metal-bodied third version in 2009 and a lighter resin model in 2011; we found no date for when the Falcon name was first used in the US.
  • Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) Fountain Pen, 14k nib (EF / F / M): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Country of manufacture 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. Released: Pilot's June 19, 2013 press release gives the Japanese launch date of the Elite 95S. The original Elite S launched in 1968 and its second generation in 1974.
  • Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen (Clear): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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. Released: Wikipedia says the Custom Heritage 92 was introduced in 2010; a Fountain Pen Network review dates the first clear pens to around October 2010 and the colored versions to 2012.
  • Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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. Released: Pilot's Japanese site dates the first Capless, a twist-action model, to 1963 and the first push-button Capless to 1964. The current FC-18SR is a later model.
  • Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen (FKK-3000R): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Country of manufacture 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.
  • Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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. Released: Pilot's Japanese press release for the 30th-anniversary model (November 18, 2022) says the Custom 74 went on sale in 1992; Goulet Pens gives the same year and ties the name to Pilot's 74th anniversary.
  • Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Amber): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in Japan: Goldspot's Custom 823 spec sheet says "Made in: Japan". Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state a country. Source. Released: Wikipedia says the Custom 823 was introduced in 2000, when it cost ¥30,000; the 3 in 823 reflects that price.
  • Platinum Curidas retractable fountain pen (PKN-7000), #50 Abyss Blue, Fine nib: Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Country of manufacture 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.
  • Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue): Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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.
  • Platinum Plaisir fountain pen (PGB-1000), #1 Black, 03 Fine nib: Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Country of manufacture 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. Released: Platinum's centenary history lists 2010 for 'Slip & Seal mechanism, Plaisir fountain pen launched'.
  • Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen: Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan). Made in 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.
  • Sailor Profit Casual L Gold Trim fountain pen (11-0820); 1911 Casual L in the US: Made by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022. Country of manufacture 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. Released: Japanese launch date on Sailor's product page. Goulet Pens added the 1911 Casual L Demonstrator (11-0823) on September 16, 2026.
  • Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim): Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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. Released: Platinum's January 29, 2026 press release says the #3776 brand began in 1978 and the Century with Slip & Seal was born in 2011; we found no exact launch month.
  • Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M): Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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.
  • Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500): Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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.
  • Sailor Kiwa-guro pigment fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle: Made by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022. Made in 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.
  • Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle: Made by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America. Made in 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. Released: Pilot's Japanese site says Iroshizuku went on sale in 2007 with five colors but doesn't name them, so 2007 is the line's launch year; we found no Pilot date for Kon-peki itself.
  • Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle: Made by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan; majority-owned by PLUS Corporation since May 2022. Made in 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.
  • Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Pentel Japan's company history and its October 19, 2021 anniversary release give 1971, as do Yoseka Stationery, JetPens and The Pen Addict; retailers say the cap is engraved SINCE 1971.
  • Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Pentel's Japanese design archive and its October 9, 2025 news release both give 2002.
  • Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Pentel's Japanese design archive and its October 9, 2025 news release both give 1986.
  • Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Pentel's Japanese product page and design archive both give 1987.
  • Pentel Orenz Nero mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, PP3005-A): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Country of manufacture 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. Released: Pentel Japan's October 8, 2020 news release says the Orenz Nero launched in February 2017 (0.2 and 0.3 mm) and that the 0.5 mm shipped from October 9, 2020.
  • Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm): Made by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation. Made in 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.
  • Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm): Made by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Tombow's Japanese product page lists a 2014 Good Design Award (and a 2016 Red Dot award) but no launch date; Yoseka Stationery says it launched in 2014 and that the 2024 matte Neutral colours marked its tenth anniversary.
  • Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan): Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in 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. Released: Pentel's Japanese design archive and its August 19, 2025 news release both give 2014; Japanese press coverage dates the first Orenz (0.2 and 0.3 mm) to early 2014, differing on January or February.
  • uni KURU TOGA DIVE mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (M5-5000, Abyss Blue): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's December 22, 2022 release says the DIVE had twice been sold as a limited edition and would become a regular product in March 2023. We didn't find the dates of the earlier limited runs on the maker's site.
  • KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted): Made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.. Made in 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. Released: KOKUYO's Japanese chronicle: the Campus brand began with spiral notebooks in 1965; this perfect-bound Campus Note followed in 1975, and the current design is the fifth generation, from October 2011.
  • Hobonichi Graph Notebook, A6 (240 pages) or A5 (288 pages), 3.7 mm grid: Made by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Country of manufacture 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. Released: Hobonichi says it introduced the notebook in 2019 as the Hobonichi Plain Notebook and renamed it the Hobonichi Graph Notebook from the 2025 edition.
  • Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame): Made by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT. Made in 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. Released: Designphil's February 23, 2018 press release says Midori launched the MD Notebook in 2008 and marked its 10th anniversary in January 2018; Midori's store says the notebook reached 15 years in 2023, when it was renewed with MD Paper covers.
  • Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5, blank, 176 pages (15392006): 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.
  • Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid): Made by Nippon Note Co., Ltd. (日本ノート株式会社), a PLUS Corporation subsidiary since January 2019. Made in 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.
  • DELFONICS Rollbahn Pocket Memo L, 5 mm grid, 140 pages: Made in 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. Released: Milligram's 2021 design brief says DELFONICS launched the Rollbahn in 2001 as the Rollbahn Photo Pocket Memo, starting with the medium size.
  • Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets: Made by Maruman Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook, B5, 6 mm rule, 36 sheets, pack of 5: Made by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages: Made by Nitoms, Inc. (ニトムズ). Made in 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.
  • Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start): Made by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Country of manufacture 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. Released: Hobonichi's history page gives October 5, 2001 as the release date of the first edition, the 2002 Techo.
  • Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers): Made by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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.
  • Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start: Made by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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.
  • Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start): Made by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in 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. Released: Hobonichi announced the first 5-Year Techo (2018–2022) on August 27, 2017, with sales planned for December 2017.
  • Midori MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 (also A5 Square and A5): 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 2027 1 Day 1 Page diary in all three sizes. Source.
  • Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR): Made by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser (EN-DC; US 57334): Made by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in 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.
  • Seed Kadoloop eraser (EP-LP1): Made by Seed Co., Ltd. (Toyonaka, Osaka). Made in 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. Released: Sale start date on Yodobashi's product page; HugKum described it as new in spring 2025.
  • 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

  • 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.

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
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 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 ¥132 (about US$0.80) US$0.83 0.99×
uni-ball One 0.38 mm ¥165 (about US$1.00) US$1.10 1.05×
Pilot FriXion Synergy Clicker 0.5 mm ¥275 (about US$1.70) US$1.86 1.07×
Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3 mm ¥220 (about US$1.40) US$1.54 1.11×
Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller K105 0.5 mm ¥132 (about US$0.80) US$1.20 1.44×
uni-ball Signo DX UM-151 0.38 mm ¥165 (about US$1.00) US$1.53 1.47×
Zebra Sarasa Nano 0.3 mm ¥220 (about US$1.40) US$2.24 1.61×
Pilot Juice 0.5 mm ¥132 (about US$0.80) US$1.40 1.68×
Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7 mm ¥275 (about US$1.70) US$3.25 1.87×
MUJI Gel Ink Pen, cap type, 0.38 mm ¥120 (about US$0.80) US$2.40 3.16×
uni Jetstream Edge 0.28 mm ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) US$8.08 1.16×
uni Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) US$8.69 1.25×
uni-ball ZENTO Standard 0.7 mm ¥275 (about US$1.70) US$2.19 1.26×
Tombow AirPress 0.7 mm ¥770 (about US$4.90) US$6.83 1.40×
uni-ball Vision Elite 0.5 mm ¥220 (about US$1.40) US$2.17 1.56×
Pilot Falcon (Elabo) ¥47,300 (about US$299) US$210.00 0.70×
Pilot E95S ¥33,000 (about US$209) US$155.00 0.74×
Pilot Custom Heritage 92 ¥44,000 (about US$278) US$205.99 0.74×
Pilot Vanishing Point (Capless) ¥33,000 (about US$209) US$176.00 0.84×
Pilot Custom 743 ¥60,500 (about US$383) US$329.98 0.86×
Pilot Custom 74 ¥38,500 (about US$244) US$216.00 0.89×
Pilot Custom 823 ¥66,000 (about US$418) US$416.00 1.00×
Platinum Curidas ¥7,700 (about US$49) US$52.99 1.09×
Pilot Prera ¥4,180 (about US$26) US$29.78 1.13×
Platinum Plaisir ¥1,980 (about US$13) US$14.54 1.16×
Pilot Kakuno ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) US$8.74 1.26×
Sailor Profit Casual L Basis (1911 Casual L Basis) ¥16,500 (about US$104) US$140.00 1.34×
Platinum #3776 Century ¥44,000 (about US$278) US$398.40 1.43×
Platinum Preppy ¥660 (about US$4.20) US$6.57 1.57×
Platinum Carbon Black, 60 ml ¥2,750 (about US$17) US$19.00 1.09×
Sailor Kiwa-guro, 50 ml ¥2,530 (about US$16) US$18.00 1.12×
Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki, 50 ml ¥2,200 (about US$14) US$18.70 1.34×
Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori, 20 ml ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) US$18.00 2.15×
Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm ¥2,750 (about US$17) US$13.49 0.78×
Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.5 mm ¥1,650 (about US$10) US$8.50 0.81×
Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.5 mm ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) US$7.75 0.93×
Pentel Smash 0.5 mm ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) US$8.85 1.06×
Pentel Orenz Nero 0.5 mm ¥3,850 (about US$24) US$29.99 1.23×
Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm ¥495 (about US$3.10) US$6.00 1.92×
uni Kuru Toga Standard 0.5 mm ¥495 (about US$3.10) US$6.23 1.99×
Tombow MONO Graph 0.5 mm ¥440 (about US$2.80) US$5.58 2.00×
Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm ¥550 (about US$3.50) US$8.56 2.46×
uni Kuru Toga Dive 0.5 mm ¥5,500 (about US$35) US$93.54 2.69×
KOKUYO Campus Notebook B5, 30 sheets ¥231 (about US$1.50) US$2.00 1.37×
Hobonichi Graph Notebook A6 ¥990 (about US$6.30) US$9.99 1.59×
Midori MD Notebook A5 ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) US$14.40 1.88×
Midori MD Notebook Cotton A5 ¥1,650 (about US$10) US$19.60 1.88×
Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5 ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) US$17.20 1.95×
Delfonics Rollbahn Pocket Memo L ¥880 (about US$5.60) US$13.20 2.37×
Maruman Mnemosyne N195A A5 ¥792 (about US$5.00) US$12.20 2.43×
MUJI Planted Tree Paper Notebook B5, 5-pack ¥299 (about US$1.90) US$5.90 3.12×
STALOGY 365 Days Notebook A5 ¥2,937 (about US$19) US$22.74 1.22×
Hobonichi Techo Original 2027, English ¥2,860 (about US$18) US$27.00 1.49×
Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027 ¥2,860 (about US$18) US$27.00 1.49×
Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2027, English ¥4,620 (about US$29) US$44.00 1.50×
Hobonichi 5-Year Techo A6 (2027–2031) ¥4,620 (about US$29) US$44.00 1.50×
Midori MD Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027, A6 ¥2,860 (about US$18) US$36.40 2.01×
Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round ¥495 (about US$3.10) US$5.80 1.85×
Tombow MONO Dust Catch eraser ¥154 (about US$1.00) US$1.95 2.00×
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 or 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 (22)

  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. 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)
  5. 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)
  6. Zebra Japan product pages: Sarasa Clip, Sarasa Nano, DelGuard (read October 24, 2026)
  7. Platinum Japan product pages: Preppy, Plaisir, Curidas, #3776 Century, Carbon Ink (read October 24, 2026)
  8. Sailor Japan product pages: Profit Casual L Basis, Kiwa-guro, Shikiori (read October 24, 2026)
  9. Hobonichi Japanese store, 2027 lineup (read October 24, 2026)
  10. Hobonichi English store, 2027 lineup, prices for US delivery (read October 24, 2026)
  11. MD PRODUCT (Designphil, Japan): MD Notebook A5, Cotton A5, Diary 1 Day 1 Page (read October 24, 2026)
  12. MD PRODUCT USA (read October 24, 2026)
  13. MUJI Japan: 詰め替えるペン。 (gel pen ¥120, read October 24, 2026)
  14. MUJI USA (read October 24, 2026)
  15. Goulet Pens (read October 24, 2026)
  16. uni (US store, unibrands.co) (read October 24, 2026)
  17. Pentel of America store (read October 24, 2026)
  18. Tombow USA store (read October 24, 2026)
  19. Zebra Pen US store (read October 24, 2026)
  20. 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
  21. U.S. Customs and Border Protection: E-Commerce FAQs on the suspension of de minimis (last modified September 2, 2026; read October 22, 2026)
  22. Japan National Tourism Organization: Everything You Need to Know: Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System (read October 22, 2026)

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