The Notebook That Came With a Creature on the Cover
The Japonica Gakushū-chō arrived in every Japanese child’s school bag before the first day. A real photograph on the cover. Nobody chose it. It was just there.
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From Japan, by someone who lives here
Real stories about Japanese stationery culture — written from Japan, by someone who grew up using this stuff.
The BOXY Legend: The Ballpoint Pen That Won Without Trying
By 1977, there was one pen every serious kā-keshi racer owned. Mitsubishi designed the BOXY to write. Japanese kids had other plans.
Read the storyThe Supercar Eraser: When Japanese Kids Turned Stationery into Racing
In 1977, Japanese kids were racing 20-yen rubber cars across school desks. The story of the kā-keshi — the eraser that wasn't really an eraser.
Read the storyPentel Is Changing Its Name After 55 Years — Here's What It Means
Pentel announced its corporate name will change to Astrum Corporation on April 1, 2026. The Pentel brand stays — but the company behind it won't be called Pentel anymore.
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