We Joined NANIWA PEN SHOW 2025 in Osaka – Our Only Out-of-Tokyo Event!

Our Only Out-of-Tokyo Event: NANIWA PEN SHOW 2025

On May 31, 2025, we participated in NANIWA PEN SHOW 2025, held in Osaka for the fourth time. Watanabe Bookbinding has proudly joined every edition since its first year—this is our only event outside of Tokyo where we go on the road.

This unique pen show welcomes over 1,200 visitors, with hundreds lining up even before the doors opened. The venue was bustling from morning until mid-afternoon. Visitors can purchase fountain pens, glass pens, inks, notebooks, pen cases, and other stationery items directly from booths hosted by retailers and manufacturers.

Marbled Notebooks, Yare-bon & Limited Editions

We showcased a selection of limited-edition notebooks, especially our hand-marbled notebooks, along with a popular “outlet corner” offering discounted items made from lightly imperfect notebooks that didn’t pass final inspection—what we fondly call “yare-bon.”

We were thrilled to welcome fans who follow us on social media and customers who have purchased from our online store. Because admission is free, the event also attracts first-time pen lovers and younger visitors who are just beginning to explore the world of fountain pens. Many expressed surprise when trying out different paper types and discovering how ink behaves on each.

Notebook Features That Surprised Visitors

Our notebooks’ hallmark feature—ease of opening—was a hit. As we demonstrated how our books open completely flat at 180°, and can even be folded back 360° without damage, many attendees were amazed by the smooth flexibility and exclaimed, “I’ve never used a notebook that opens this well!”

The marbled notebooks were especially eye-catching. Some customers fell in love with a sample and insisted on buying it, while others spent time joyfully comparing patterns, looking for “the one and only notebook with a unique design, just for me.”

Small Formats Are on the Rise

Over the past few years, compact notebook sizes like B6, A6, and even smaller formats have become more popular in Japan, replacing the once-dominant A5 size. Our A6 landscape-style “yokobon” sketch notebook was especially popular at this event. We believe its soft, charming look—thanks to our rounded-corner “Yosumimaru®” binding—and its affordable price made it an easy choice for many.

When Stationery Lovers Are Also Exhibitors

It was also heartening to see that even fellow exhibitors stopped by our booth toward the end of the day to pick up notebooks for themselves. In Japan’s stationery industry, it’s common to see vendors genuinely enjoy shopping for stationery too—it’s a reminder that everyone here truly loves what they do.

A Quick Taste of Osaka

Coincidentally, the event took place during the Osaka Expo period, and Shin-Osaka Station was packed with domestic and international tourists. Souvenir shops featured everything from Expo-themed goods to the official mascot, Myaku-Myaku. (The author even queued for over an hour to buy the famous pork buns from “551 Horai” to bring home as a gift!)