Must-Buy in Japan! A Roundup of the Stationery Shop Awards 2026 Winners
When traveling in Japan, it’s hard not to wander into a stationery corner at least once.
What many visitors don’t realize is that Japan has an annual award dedicated to the most talked-about stationery of the year: Stationery Shop Awards 2026.
Each year, stationery shop staff from across the country select the products released over the past year that they genuinely recommend. In other words, it’s an award that reveals the most noteworthy stationery in Japan right now—chosen by the professionals who know it best.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the standout winners that are especially worth checking out during your trip.
【Overall Winner】Solid Light (LACONIC)
Source：https://laconic-generalstore.jp/
Taking the top spot for 2026 is Solid Light, a mechanical pencil by LACONIC.
Its metal body is finished with a soft rubber coating that sits comfortably in your hand, while the stripped-back, minimalist design gives it a sleek and modern feel. It’s simple—but intentionally so.
Source：https://laconic-generalstore.jp/
What really elevates it is the balance. With a carefully calculated center of gravity and a satisfying weight, it delivers a stable, smooth writing experience. Even during long writing sessions, your hand won’t tire easily. Thoughtful details make a difference too: the clip has been removed for a cleaner silhouette, and a hexagonal ring prevents the pencil from rolling away—so you can focus purely on writing.
Source：https://laconic-generalstore.jp/
It also received the 2025 Good Design Award, proving it’s as functional as it is beautiful. With its premium look and feel, it makes a sophisticated souvenir from Japan—and an excellent business gift.
【Functionality Award】Frixion Synergy 3 (Pilot)
Source：https://www.pilot.co.jp/
Winner of the Functionality Award goes to Frixion Synergy 3 by Pilot.
Source：https://www.pilot.co.jp/
Part of the globally popular Frixion series—famous for its erasable ink—this model takes smooth writing to the next level. It’s designed for those who want precision without sacrificing comfort.
Source：https://www.pilot.co.jp/
Equipped with Pilot’s specially developed “Synergy Tip,” it features an ultra-fine 0.4mm point that still delivers a remarkably smooth and stable writing experience. Even small, detailed notes come out crisp and clear.
Source：https://www.pilot.co.jp/
It also combines three ink colors—black, red, and blue—into a single pen, making it practical for school, work, or travel planning. The body is available in five different colors, so you can choose one that suits your style.
【Design Award】Komagoma File A4 Size (Sakura Craypas)
Source：https://www.craypas.co.jp/
The Design Award goes to the Komagoma File A4 Size by Sakura Craypas.
Featuring a 13-pocket accordion-style structure, this file makes it easy to roughly sort and store the ever-growing stack of papers in your life. From children’s worksheets and test papers to travel brochures, tickets, and maps, you can neatly organize everything by category.
Source：https://www.craypas.co.jp/
The pockets are designed slightly shorter in height, making it easier to insert and remove documents of different sizes, as well as small notes. The clear material lets you see what’s inside at a glance—no more flipping through everything just to find one sheet.
It also comes with a sturdy, self-standing plastic case, complete with a hook-and-loop fastener and a handle. From storage at home to carrying it on the go, every detail is thoughtfully designed for everyday practicality.
【Idea Award】Unidentified Flying Flat Pouch (Sun-Star Stationery)
Source：https://www.sun-star-st.jp/
The Idea Award goes to the Unidentified Flying Flat Pouch by Sun-Star Stationery.
This playful flat pouch features a quirky design of a cow being beamed up into a UFO. The smaller neon-colored pouch represents the UFO’s light beam, and the zipper is finished with a cow-shaped acrylic charm. It’s the kind of design that makes you want to slide the zipper up and down just for fun.
Source：https://www.sun-star-st.jp/
The UFO section is made with reflective material, so it catches and reflects light in the dark—adding a practical touch to its eye-catching look.
Available in four neon color variations, it doubles as a bold bag charm when clipped onto your backpack or tote. Use the pouch section to store small accessories, collectibles, or everyday essentials and carry them around in style.
【Color Pen Award】Lame Dake Marker “LAMECO” (Sun-Star Stationery)
Source：https://www.sun-star-st.jp/
The Color Pen Award goes to Lame Dake Marker “LAMECO” by Sun-Star Stationery.
This three-pen set features clear ink infused with colored glitter in gold, silver, and pink. Instead of adding color, it adds sparkle—an easy way to give your writing or illustrations a decorative touch.
Source：https://www.sun-star-st.jp/
Simply swipe it over text or drawings, and you instantly get a shimmering finish. It’s perfect for decorating planners, journals, or quick notes when you want to make them stand out.
【Clip Award】Campus Pen-Style Portable Book Clip (Kokuyo)
Source：https://www.kokuyo.com/
The Clip Award goes to Kokuyo’s Campus Pen-Style Portable Book Clip.
Source：https://www.kokuyo.com/
With a quick twist, the main body rotates and transforms into a pen-shaped form. It fits neatly into a pencil case or a bag’s pen holder, making it easy and stylish to carry around.
Source：https://www.kokuyo.com/
The clip features a dual-arm structure, with the left and right sides moving independently. Even if the pages are uneven in thickness, it holds them securely in place. The upper clip is designed shorter and made of semi-transparent material, so it’s less likely to cover titles or text at the top of the page—keeping your reading clear and comfortable.
Compact and lightweight, it’s perfect for textbooks, cookbooks, or travel guidebooks. Whether you’re studying, cooking, or flipping through a guide while on the move, it’s a handy little tool to have with you.
【Cutter Award】PICO FRIENDS Cardboard Cutter (Plus)
Source：https://www.plus.co.jp/
The Cutter Award goes to the PICO FRIENDS Cardboard Cutter by Plus.
Available in three adorable animal designs—a seal, baby penguin, and polar bear—this playful box cutter instantly stands out. It turns a simple unboxing task into something a little more fun.
Source：https://www.plus.co.jp/
Just slide the silicone animal body along the surface of a cardboard box to smoothly cut through packing tape. It almost feels like the little animal is gliding across the box as you open it.
Source：https://www.plus.co.jp/
Designed with safety in mind, it helps prevent damage to the contents inside. The blade is resistant to rust and built to last, and it can be flipped over for extended use. Replacement blades are also available separately. A slide-lock base allows for safe storage when not in use.
In an age where online shopping is part of everyday life, this is the kind of handy (and charming) tool you’ll want to keep by your front door or on your desk.
🛍 Where Can You Buy Them?
If you’re shopping for stationery in Japan, LOFT and Hands are great places to start.
Both stores carry a wide range of items—from classic bestsellers to the latest trending products, as well as store-exclusive finds you won’t see elsewhere.
In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll find large flagship locations that are easy to stop by during your trip, making them convenient additions to your sightseeing plans.
Final Thoughts
Stationery makes a wonderful “long-lasting souvenir” from Japan.
The winning items from the Stationery Shop Awards 2026 represent some of the very best of what Japan has to offer right now—where thoughtful design meets everyday functionality.
As a keepsake from your trip, why not pick out a favorite and bring a little piece of Japan home with you?