Top 10 Award-Winning Japanese Stationery 2025
Explore the winners of the Japanese Stationery Awards 2025.
Top 10 Award-Winning Japanese Stationery 2025 ✏️
Attention Singaporean Stationery Lovers! The Japanese Stationery Awards 2025 winners are here, and they're absolute game-changers. If you're planning a Japan trip, these award-winning products are must-buys that'll make your friends jealous and your work/study life infinitely better.
Why Japanese Stationery is Worth the Hype
Japanese stationery isn't just functional—it's an art form. From pens that write like butter to erasers that don't leave residue, Japanese brands obsess over every detail. The annual Japanese Stationery Awards recognizes the most innovative, well-designed, and functional products of the year.
For Singaporeans: While brands like Pilot, Zebra, and Uni are available at Popular Bookstore and Kinokuniya, the latest award-winning models often take 6-12 months to reach Singapore—if they come at all. Plus, prices in Japan are 30-70% cheaper!
🏆 Top 10 Award Winners
1. Pilot Kire-Na Highlighter (Grand Prize!) - ¥110-150 (~S$1-1.35)
THE GAME-CHANGER: This revolutionary highlighter won the 2025 Grand Prize for good reason. Features ruler edge for straight lines, sponge function to prevent bleeding, and quick-drying ink.
Singapore Price: S$4-5 | Savings: 70-75%!
Pro Tip: Buy 10-20 pieces in different colors. At this price, it's cheaper than buying one in Singapore!
2. Zebra BLEN U Ballpoint Pen - ¥150 (~S$1.35)
What Makes It Special: 15% reduced writing resistance thanks to lighter oil-based ink. The BLEN System eliminates vibrations during writing, reducing hand fatigue significantly.
Singapore Price: S$3.10 | Savings: 60%
3. Kuru Toga Metal Mechanical Pencil - ¥1,100 (~S$9.90)
The Legend Upgraded: The iconic auto-rotating lead pencil now comes in sophisticated blasted aluminum finish with improved stability.
Why It's Genius: The lead rotates as you write, maintaining a sharp point and consistent line width. No more thick, scratchy lines!
Singapore Availability: Limited stock, usually S$15-18 | Savings: 40-45%
4. Dekot 3 Multi-Layer Marker - ¥350 (~S$3.15)
The Magic Pen: Layer contrasting colors on top of each other without mixing! Perfect for planners, bullet journals, and artistic note-taking.
Singapore Availability: Hard to find, usually online only at S$6-8
5. Sakura Wood Radar Eraser - ¥400 (~S$3.60)
Uniquely Beautiful: Each eraser features a real cherry wood casing, making every piece one-of-a-kind with natural wood grain patterns.
Functionality: Excellent erasing performance + aesthetic appeal
Singapore Price: Not widely available, ~S$6-7 online
6. Jetstream 4&1 Multi-Function Pen - ¥1,100 (~S$9.90)
The Ultimate EDC Pen: Four colors of Uni's legendary low-friction Jetstream ink PLUS a 0.5mm mechanical pencil—all in one compact body.
Why Jetstream? Smoothest ballpoint ink in the world. Once you try it, regular pens feel scratchy.
Singapore Price: S$15-18 for similar multi-pens
7. Convertible Pen Case - ¥2,200 (~S$19.80)
Eco-Friendly & Functional: Made with recycled leather, this case clips open to become a flat organizer on your desk.
Why It's Smart: No more digging through a pencil case. Everything's visible and accessible.
Singapore Price: Quality pen cases cost S$30-40
💰 Price Comparison: Japan vs Singapore
| Product | Japan Price | Singapore Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Kire-Na Highlighter | ~S$1.35 | S$4-5 | 70-75% |
| Zebra BLEN U Pen | ~S$1.35 | S$3.10 | 60% |
| Kuru Toga Metal | ~S$9.90 | S$15-18 | 40-45% |
| Dekot Marker | ~S$3.15 | S$6-8 | 50-60% |
Average Savings: 40-70% vs Singapore prices!
🛍️ Best Places to Buy Stationery in Japan
- Tokyu Hands - Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro (massive selection)
- Loft - Trendy and award-winning items
- Don Quijote - Cheapest prices for bulk buying
- Itoya Ginza - 12 floors of stationery heaven
- Daiso - Budget-friendly basics
Budget Recommendation
- Minimum: ¥5,000 (~S$45) - Get the essentials
- Recommended: ¥10,000-15,000 (~S$90-135) - Stock up for the year!
- Enthusiast: ¥20,000+ (~S$180+) - Go wild!
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
ABSOLUTELY YES! Japanese stationery offers:
- Superior quality - Attention to detail is unmatched
- Innovation - Products that actually solve problems
- Value - 40-70% cheaper than Singapore
- Variety - Options you won't find anywhere else
Image credits: Amazon Japan, Kawaii Pen Shop, bungu Store, Notebook Therapy