Article: The Story of Komorebi Stationery – Sharing Japan’s Timeless Craftsmanship with the World
The Story of Komorebi Stationery – Sharing Japan’s Timeless Craftsmanship with the World
Our Story
Hello, and thank you for being here!
My name is Taka, and together with my wife Sayuri, I run Komorebi Stationery—a small family-owned brand based in Tokyo.
We started this store with a simple but deeply personal mission: to share the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and culture with the world through carefully made stationery and desk items.
Before Komorebi Stationery, we built an online store specializing in traditional Japanese tableware.
Thanks to the support of many wonderful customers, it grew into one of the largest stores of its kind in the world.
After passing that business on to a successor, we decided to start a new journey with something we have always loved—Japanese stationery.
Why We Created Komorebi Stationery
In Japan, there are crafts and traditions quietly fading away as times change.
Through our travels across the country, visiting artisans and makers, we’ve encountered countless works that are filled with beauty, sincerity, and soul.
We wanted to give these creations a place in the modern world—on the desks of people who value authenticity, calm, and inspiration.
What “Komorebi” Means to Us
“Komorebi” (木漏れ日) is a uniquely Japanese word that describes sunlight filtering softly through the leaves of trees.
To me, it represents the quiet beauty that exists in everyday life, and the way light and nature can bring peace to the heart.
We chose this name because it embodies the Japanese sensibility we wish to honor—the ability to find beauty in small, fleeting moments, and to cherish the harmony between people, nature, and craft.
Our hope is that the items we share will bring a similar warmth and light to your day.
Our Mission and Philosophy
There are many Japanese stationery brands popular around the world today.
But the truth is, many of those items are mass-produced or made outside of Japan—often in China.
For me, popularity alone has never been the reason to carry a product.
At Komorebi Stationery, we only introduce pieces that are genuinely made in Japan, crafted with the hands, spirit, and passion of skilled artisans.
Our goal is not simply to sell stationery, but to share something that enriches people’s hearts—something that brings calm, inspiration, and a small spark of joy to everyday life.
Our Connection with Artisans
Every item we offer is personally selected after visiting the workshops where it’s made.
We talk with the artisans, feel the materials, and test each piece ourselves.
This process allows us to understand the story and philosophy behind every creation before we share it with you.
Today, Komorebi Stationery has grown into one of the leading stores introducing handcrafted Japanese stationery to a global audience.
We are proud to be the world’s largest retailer of Japanese handmade glass pens, and to be trusted by fountain pen enthusiasts and paper lovers who seek truly exceptional materials.
Looking Ahead
Our journey is still small and humble, but filled with purpose.
We will continue traveling across Japan to discover the crafts, materials, and people who keep these traditions alive—and share their stories with honesty and care.
If our products can bring even a little light or inspiration to your day, that would mean the world to us.
Thank you for being part of this story.
Warm regards,
Taka
Komorebi Stationery
20 comments
Could you please give me the dimensions of your A5 notebooks? I am unfamiliar with this system. I’m an older Canadian, & visualize size better in inches. Also, is this paper compatible with fountain pens?
Thanking you in advance.
Francine Sccott
I love all Japanese products!!
The design n look of your pens excite me .
Look forward very much to receive the items !
Catherine Choy
I love all Japanese products!!
The design n look of your pens excite me .
Look forward very much to receive the items !
Catherine Choy
I love all Japanese products!!
The design n look of your pens excite me .
Look forward very much to receive the items !
Catherine Choy
Hi, thank you so much for the nicely wrapped fountain pen I received it last week. Do you have a store front (physical shop) in Japan?
Aga Thotagamuwa
The “Resolute” roof Guardian has tremendous presence. I recall seeing these roof tiles throughout Japan, so it’s very exciting to have my very own, guarding my desk.
Lisa Chakrabarti
Hi,
I just ordered a Sunrise Cranes Yamanaka Fountain Pen from you. Can you tell me the type of cartridge this pen will take, and what kind of converter it uses? Thank you!
Jon
Yamanaka Fountain Pen
Jonathan Lamb
I am wondering, what country you ship from I am living in Italy and I do not wanna have to pay the extra fee if this is shipped from outside of European Union
Luke Metzer
Hello
I’m interested in the Red Fuji Yamanka Fountain Pen.
Please advise where to buy a compatible converter.
Thank you
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
I love komorebi as I have many memories of it in my life. On your fountain pen, “Great Wave of Kanagawa,” is the nib a size six or something different? Who is the nib manufacturer?
Kind regards,
Randy Fenter
Randy Fenter
Please tell me where I can find an ink cartridge converter that fits these fountain pens. I love all the colors of your bottled ink but cant seem to find an empty cartridge. Thank you.
Micheal Krepps
Hello,
I typically use the Midori lined COTTON A5 notebook and was interested in trying the YU-SARI Fountain Pen Notebook. I do not know how the YU-SARI Fountain Pen Notebook compares to the cotton Midori notebook.
Can you please tell me if the YU-SARI Fountain Pen Notebook is made with cotton based paper or what is the composition?
I look forward to your reply.
Thank you.
Winston
Winston J. Goretsky
Hello,
I want to order a pen for my daughter’s high school graduation. Do you offer engraving?
Sonia
Can you please let me know the address of where to buy your fountain pens in Kyoto, Osaka or Tokyo
Thank you for your help Kind regards Brenda
Brenda Winstanley
Thank you for explaining the lovely concept/ word “Komorebi” !
Janet Loh
Thank you for explaining ’’Komorebi’’ – really charming.
Janet Loh
Komorebi is a wonderfully opportunity to purchase carefully curated fine artisan Japanese stationary pieces whenever you live in the world. We live in Wales in the United Kingdom and was introduced to Komorebi by Andrew at Pen Friends on YouTube : our first purchase of Shippoware ware was a delight with very friendly and informative correspondence from Taka , very high quality products at good prices and beautifully wrapped. Good luck in your journey !
DAVID KEARLE
Hello, I was wondering if you wholesale to Australia? I have an independent bookstore and would love to stock your unique stationary.
Warm regards,
Olivia
Olivia
I’ve spent a considerable amount on your website, browsing through all categories and reading all your blog posts. Your story is really interesting and I hope you will get to achieve your goals. I am thirsty to see more beautiful Japanese craftsmanship and looking forward to use the first items I’ve ordered. I’ve been shopping online for a while, and there are places better and worse than others but this is the first time I felt like entering a small family shop, but in a virtual environment. I was greeted and guided, I had my questions answered and my suggestions heard, everything felt genuine and Taka didn’t give me the impression he’s having an agenda, trying to impress or convince me to buy more. The items they are selling are alone worth more (in my opinion) but their dedication to making every step of your journey as pleasant as it can be, without stepping any boundaries took my experience to a whole new level. I will definitively become a long term customer and I’ll do the little I can to support the idea behind this web shop continue to live and prosper. Looking forward to more posts and seeing what other beautiful crafted items will become available for us to use. Arigato!
Alex
Thank you for telling us about your background and the reason for starting this business. Very well written.
trang shirley
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