Why I chose these pieces for January

Why I chose these pieces for January

Since many of you have already seen what’s inside the January Paper Bento, I wanted to take a moment to share why I chose each piece.

This first box reflects the kind of stationery I personally reach for. Here’s a little more about what went into my decisions.

Furukawa Shiko Memo Pad Matchbox & Washi Tape – Yellow Flowers

Washi tape with floral design and a box featuring a panda illustration on a white background

I chose to include two items from Furukawa Shiko because they are a long-established stationery maker in Japan, known for their craftsmanship and timeless design.

Their paper products are made using Mino washi（美濃和紙）, a traditional Japanese paper with over 1,000 years of history. There’s a softness and texture to it that feels immediately different in your hands.

Stylistically, Furukawa Shiko is known for elegant, creative designs with a slightly nostalgic and retro feel. I personally gravitate towards nostalgic and retro styles because something about past designs and traditions creates a connection to history and a quiet sense of comfort.

Kleid Notebook B6 Size Tiny Grid Notebook

Four notebooks of different colors on a white background. Kleid B6 tiny grid notebook with minimalist Japanese design, ideal for journaling, planning, and everyday writing

Kleid’s designs are subtle in the best way.

This notebook doesn’t try to stand out. Instead, it elevates the writing experience through thoughtful details: the compact size, the fine grid, and the clean layout. It’s versatile enough to become whatever you need it to be, whether that’s a mini journal, planner, or a place to think things through.

I chose it because it gives your writing space to breathe.

Mitsubishi Pencil Lite Jetstream 0.5mm

uniball-jetstream-lite-touch-pen-tip-closeup

This pen has been my personal go-to for years.

If you’ve been following Paper Bento since the beta launch, you might recognize that I included a Jetstream pen then, too. That’s how much I genuinely adore it.

It writes smoothly, feels balanced, and turns everyday writing into something you actually enjoy. This is the pen I keep coming back to, and it felt right to share it again.

This is still early in the journey. I’m building Paper Bento thoughtfully, guided by the values that made me want to create it in the first place.

If you join before January 20, your subscription will apply to the January box.


Warmly,
Natsuki

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