Hello, it’s Shioguchi. I don’t really like my own handwriting and lack confidence in it, but there are reliable partners that for some reason make my handwriting beautiful.

I don’t know why, but the characters just come out so clean, without any effort. I bet everyone has one or two pens like that—a perfect match for your own hand. Today, I’d like to introduce the pens that make even someone like me, with very little confidence in my writing, feel like “I can write beautifully!”



Before I get to that, let me explain my personal pen preferences:
・Since I have small hands, I prefer a slim barrel.
・I like a fine pen tip (0.38–0.4 mm).
・I’m a fan of multi-color pens because I like to use different colors for different tasks.

Here are my three pen obsessions that meet these criteria and help tidy up my handwriting.

1. The Jetstream Edge 3 (0.38 mm)

I’ve loved using the Jetstream for years, but among them all, the “Edge” is my absolute favorite.


△I love the cool, sleek design, too.

Maybe it’s because the tip is so easy to see, making it simple to write tiny characters, or perhaps it’s the perfect weight of the body providing extra stability... I can’t quite put my finger on the reason, but whenever I use this, I feel like I can write sharp, crisp letters.



This pen defaults to a 0.28 mm refill, but I intentionally swap out the black ink for a 0.38 mm refill. This “tiny customization” seems to be the golden ratio for my writing comfort. I also use the single-color version, but I really love this multi-color type.

2. Style Fit (Gel ink 0.38 mm)

Next up is the “Style Fit,” which allows you to freely combine holders and refills.



I use a slim 3-color holder equipped with 0.38 mm gel ink refills. The body is so light that my hand doesn't get tired even after writing for a long time, and I found that my handwriting stays neat until the very end.

The ink itself is apparently the same as the Uniball Signo, but in my case, it just doesn’t work as well unless it’s in this specific holder. It’s truly strange how much handwriting can change just based on how a pen feels in your hand. I like this setup so much that I even made a second one with 0.5 mm gel ink refills in the same holder.

3. Style Fit (Jetstream Refill 0.38 mm)

Finally, we have another Style Fit holder, but this time it’s loaded with oil-based Jetstream refills.


△ It looks identical to the previous one. It’s like a game of “spot the difference,” but in all honesty, I can’t tell them apart when they’re lined up and often grab the wrong one!

The Jetstream 0.38 mm is my absolute favorite among all ballpoint pen refills, but there are very few slim, multi-color barrels available. For years, I’ve been searching for the one that felt just right, including the design.

Then, I recently discovered that a Jetstream 0.38 mm refill compatible with the Style Fit had been released. I swapped it in immediately, and as expected, it’s the best! Now that the “ideal holder” has met the “ideal ink,” my long journey of searching for the perfect multi-color Jetstream may have finally come to an end. It was quite a long road...



Looking at it this way, it seems I’m a big fan of Mitsubishi Pencil products! I also use and love the Uniball. I didn’t really realize it until I started writing this techo news.

Being able to write beautiful letters with a favorite pen... that alone lifts your mood and makes you want to open your techo more often, doesn't it?

Look forward to the next update!

Hello, It’s been getting quite warm in Tokyo, and we’ve had a string of very pleasant days. However, if you let the nice weather catch you off guard, you might find yourself suffering from cedar pollen. It has become that kind of season. I’m Okamura from the techo team.

When I was in prep school, I bought a ton of fancy pencils for art school entry exam sketches. During those gruelling days of tests, my only respite was sketching. I especially enjoyed the time spent sharpening pencils by hand with a utility cutter. I figured I was never going to use the pencils again, so I decluttered them. Because of that, the stationery I can truly say I’m obsessed with isn't the pencils themselves, but the knives I’ve used to sharpen them. I recently discovered a new utility knife, so I’d like to focus on that today.


A variety of knives for different uses

Even now, I still use a utility knife to sharpen my pencils. I also use them to unpack deliveries or cut the plastic twine when bundling up cardboard for recycling. Given the nature of my work, I’m constantly using a knife?to cut printed cards, posters mounted on foam board, and sometimes special materials like plastic. I have a certain sentimental attachmental to them; I even still own some that I bought back in elementary or middle school.



The other day, while browsing a general store, I saw a rugged-looking utility knife accompanied by a rare, handwritten display sign. It was the “Glanz” by SDI Japan.



It’s a knife designed with a mechanism to prevent the blade from wobbling. The blade itself is a “30-degree” type, which is extremely sharp and designed for precision work.



With most utility knives, you slide the blade in and out with a clicking sound. While convenient, that “click-stop” method usually leaves a certain amount of “play” in the mechanism, causing the blade to wobble slightly from side to side during a cut. Since the blades are thin, they also flex. When doing precision work, I feel like I’ve always had to subconsciously compensate for that wobble based on experience.

This knife, however, is a game-changer. While you can’t easily slide the blade in and out with one hand, it locks firmly in place just like a specialized design knife, completely eliminating that wobble. By lifting the lock plate located at the back of the body, you can adjust the blade’s length or replace it.



When the lock plate is raised, the body moves to create a gap. This is how the mechanism loosens its grip on the blade.


You can see the gap when unlocked.


The locked state.

As a test, I tried cutting out a logo from a nearby milk carton.



And... it’s out!



Setting aside the quality of the knife, my own precision and eyesight might be the real hurdles here, but the tool feels amazing to use. Perhaps because of its weight, the cutting feels very stable and smooth. There is almost zero wobble at the tip of the blade. However, unless you’re doing very intense, precision work, you might not notice a dramatic difference.

More than the performance, I personally love the locking mechanism. Sometimes, if you apply too much pressure or the blade gets caught, it can unexpectedly slide out or retract. Having zero worry about that provides a great sense of security.

The body is made of zinc alloy and has a heavy, substantial feel to it–almost like a “Super Alloy” robot.



I’m also obsessed with the mechanism that’s slightly visible inside the lock plate. It’s so cool!

Hello, I’m Aizawa. To tell you the truth, I’ve been fretting about this post since the theme was first decided. You see, I’m not deep into the “techo swamp,” nor am I a stationery nerd. In fact, I’m the type of person who rarely gets hooked on anything at all. So, let me briefly and shallowly showcase an irresistible item for a lazy person like myself.

The Platinum: Preppy Fountain Pen Fine Fine



When you’re part of the techo team, everyone uses fountain pens so naturally that it’s easy to forget... but they’re supposed to be difficult to use at first, right?

Before I discovered the Preppy, my image of fountain pens was something like this:
・Expensive
・Heavy
・High-maintenance
・Refilling ink seems like a pain
・Only for special occasions

Basically, I didn’t think it was something anyone could easily use. However, the Platinum: Preppy Fountain Pen F is:
・Affordable (¥660)
・Light
・Zero maintenance
・Easy to change the ink
・A smooth writer

In short, it’s a “fountain pen that feels like a ballpoint.”
Now, for those of you thinking, “well, if it feels like a ballpoint, why not just use a ballpoint?” I thought the same thing! In fact, I’ve mostly been using ballpoint pens this year. But looking back at my techo now, I’ve realized that the shading of the ink and the slight, irregular bleeding here and there actually created a really nice atmosphere.



I think I'll write in my techo with my Preppy today for the first time in a while.

Enjoy the next member's post.

There is stationery I use every day. There is stationery I feel a deep connection to. There is stationery I’ve bought on impulse, and tools I’ve chosen strictly for their practicality. But what about stationery I’m “obsessed” with?

Looking at the articles everyone else has written, everyone seems to have their own reasons: love, excitement, a bit of a mood-lifter, or that special spark of joy. All of them are wonderful. I even find myself getting a little envious. When an author is happy, it makes the reader happy, too.

So, what about me? I searched my pencil case, peered into my drawers at home, and even checked my locker at work, but... hmmm. Everything I’ve bought has its own reason, and while you could say I’m obsessed with them in a way, I felt like there was still some discovered, even more charming stationery out there.

In my search for something irresistable, I visited many stationery shops and, let me show you my new obsession.

Tada!



The Faber-Castell “PITT GRAPHITE” (the barrel is marked with the German “GRAPHIT”). First off, look at it… it’s irresistible, isn’t it? While a normal pencil is encased in a wooden barrel, this pencil is made entirely out of graphite. That lustrous charcoal grey is simply beautiful.

When I first saw it in the shop, I was struck by how incredibly thick it was.I picked it up, wondering how on earth someone would use it. As it turns out, it’s designed for sketching. If you hold it upright, you can draw lines like a regular pencil; if you lay it on its side, you can shade broad areas like a crayon. You can smudge it for a blur effect, and since it’s a pencil, you can even rub it out with an eraser.



Here is the tip. It’s so good. Since it’s 100% graphite, I wonder if the tip will become rounded with use? It’s too thick for a standard pencil sharpener, so I suppose I’ll have to use a utility knife. After a bit of research, it seems people even use sandpaper to hone the point. There’s something undeniably cool about that.



And here is the base. The way the hexagonal cross-section creates that lined pattern is just stylish.

The hardness of this pencil is “6B.” I’ve only ever used up to 4B before, so even just the number “6B” alone got me excited. Perhaps 6B is common for those who do sketches, but isn’t there a sense of romance in owning something "over-spec" that you’d never normally use in daily life?

Like a supercar with a top speed of 300 km/h, a diver’s watch waterproof to 1000 m, or a down jacket that can withstand ?40°C. Pencils are much more common, and at 550 yen, this is an extreme comparison, but I felt a similar kind of thrill. It’s not about asking, “When are you actually going to use that?” That’s beside the point. Just holding it feels amazing.

I don’t sketch in my daily life—in fact, my usual writing instruments are mostly ballpoint or fountain pens—but since I have it here, let’s give it a try.



I spent about 20 minutes drawing, and it felt just like being back in middle school art class. The lines come out dark without needing much pressure, making the drawing experience very effortless. My hands didn’t even get as dirty as I expected. I wonder how a truly skilled artist would utilize this pencil. I think I’ll try this out occasionally and let this “obsession” grow.

Look forward to the next “Obsessed with this Stationery” update!

Hey, it’s Airi. I wasn't sure which items to showcase at first, but then I thought that “I’m obsessed with anything featuring a ghost motif!”—So let me introduce you to my collection of ghostly stationery.


There’s a wide mix of both plump and slender ghosts in my collection.

The first thing I’d like to showcase is my favorite tear-off calendar.



It’s so exciting to see a different ghost every day. I’ve been pasting each day’s page into my techo.

I love this clear postcard, too!



It fits the A6 techo perfectly, so I’ve sandwiched it inside my Alettone cover to use as a makeshift pencil board.

I often use these sticky notes for little memos.


Text reads: “I’m obsessed with ghost stationery!”

They are perfect for adding a short message to a present or a quick thank-you note when returning something I’ve borrowed.

Because stickers are so cute that I end up collecting too many, I only let myself pick the ones I’ve thought really long and hard about.



Usually, I try not to buy stamps (because I’d want to collect so many), so this is the only one I own.


The speech bubble is handy and easy to use.

Since I’ve been vocal about my love for ghosts, and recently gave me these ghost stickers as a present!


I’m so happy! They’re so cuuute!

I’m often asked, “Why do you like ghosts?” and to be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. I just love the way they look. I can’t get enough of their white, rounded silhouettes and those unreadable expressions on their faces.

Please look forward to the next Techo News post!

Hi, I’m Liam. I was initially worried about this Techo News theme, until, looking over my stationery, I noticed something. Perhaps something obvious, perhaps a little surprising. Of all my stationery, the item I have the most of is “Jetstream pens.” Each one is well-worn, with its own personality and charm.



Back when I was living in England, good pens weren’t easy to come by. I had to order them specially from Amazon Japan or receive them as gifts from friends there. Through that trial and error, I did eventually develop my own preference, which, as you may have guessed, was for the Jetstream 3-color or 4-in-1 pens.

In fact, once in a café, a person at the next table struck up a conversation, asking, “Hey, isn’t that a Hobonichi pen?” From there, we became friends while discussing our shared Hobonichi thoughts and experiences. To think that a simple pen could be the gateway to friendship... And it wasn’t just that one time. It’s happened at university, libraries, workplaces, all over. After all, a Jetstream goes with me everywhere.

These pens have been with me now, used every single day for the past... what? Eight years or so? If that isn’t an “obsession,” then I’m not sure what is. They might not be flashy, but they’re reliable and steadfast friends that have stayed with me through thick and thin. Thank you.

▲ I love them so much that I even repair them with tape if the barrel cracks.

The “Obsessed with this Stationery” series will continue. Please look forward to the next post!

Hello, I’m Annen and here are my top 5 pens that I’m obsessed with right now.



〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

【No. 1】 Pilot / Juice+ 0.4mm
【No. 2】 KACO / Pantone Ballpoint Pen 0.5mm





A recent favorite is the Juice+. The thin pen tip is perfect for writing within the squares on graph paper or for jotting down tiny characters. I also love the original “Juice Up” series, but the new “Juice+” feels a bit lighter, which I think makes it even easier to write smoothly.

(*The Juice+ in the photo has a black refill in a lavender body.)

The second favorite is the Pantone ballpoint pen. It may look simple at first glance, but there's a twist: when you click it to extend the tip, a tiny heart pops out! I can’t get enough of it. It uses gel ink, so the writing experience is amazing too.



As it’s a collaboration with Pantone, the wide range of colors available for the pen barrel is another part of its charm.

▼I couldn't decide which one to get, so I ended up buying three. I’m currently using the pink one to match my techo’s cover.


I use these two pens for my “input log” (where I record movies, books, and exhibitions).

▼I use the Pantone pen for titles on the left page, and the Juice+ for the smaller text on the right page.


〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

【No. 3】 Marble Pen: Neon & Neon Glitter



These pens, with several colors mixed together, make writing so much fun! I’m totally obsessed with the vibrant neon colors.

▼If you look closely at the “Neon Glitter” version, you can see the twinkling sparkle of glitter.


I use these to jot down words or quotes that really resonate with me.

▼I feel like the words carry even more weight when written with this unique, shifting color gradient.


〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

【No. 4】 Caran d’Ache for ARTS & SCIENCE Mechanical Pencil



The fourth is the Caran d’Ache for ARTS & SCIENCE Mechanical Pencil. I had been looking for a pen that would suit the Tolight techo cover I chose for this year, and when I saw this, I knew it was the one.

▼The way it sits in the techo’s butterfly stopper is just beautiful.


▼It also features the ARTS&SCIENCE key logo.


Beyond the stunning design, the slightly thick hexagonal barrel fits perfectly in the hand, making it very easy to write with. The body is made of a single part with no joints or seams, giving it a very stable feel.

〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

【No. 5】 MARVY / DecoColor Premium



The final item is the DecoColor Premium, gold and silver metallic markers. I hope this intense shimmer comes through in the photo, because they have a much more brilliant sheen compared to other standard silver and gold pens...

Since these are oil-based markers, they can be used on various materials like glass and metal as well as paper. If you’re worried about ink bleeding through the paper, I recommend writing on a sticky note and then pasting it into your techo.

▼They look lovely when paired with slightly darker colors, like the TSUKI no IRO sticky notes.


〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

Bonus
To house my ever-growing collection of pens, I use this BIG mug-shaped pouch from MILO.

▼ You can see its huge size when compared to an Original size techo.


It’s convenient because you can store pens upright. At a quick count, I have over 50 pens in here!



Please look forward to the next update!

Coo coo, just Asako flapping on by. My recent stationery obsession is...



A Hato Sablé...



... Sticky note!
It looks just like a miniature version of the cookie—how cute!


▲Are you a head-first or tail-first eater? Personally, I’m a total tail-starter.

Here is how it looks compared to the edible Hato Sablé. I only realized this once I lined them up, but the color is a bit lighter than the real cookie. I wonder if that’s to make it easier to read what you’ve written?



In contrast to the crispy, crunchy texture of the real cookies, the case for these sticky notes is soft and fluffy.



The size is about that of a large sticker, so it seems perfect for making important plans stand out in your techo.



There’s a decent amount of writing space, but not too much, so it’s also handy for adding a quick little note when handing something over to someone.





The formal name of these sticky notes is “Hatotto Itte - Fluffy Ver.” Apparently, they are only sold at the Toshimaya main store in Kamakura.

The reason I’m writing “apparently” as if it’s someone else’s business is because I didn’t actually go and buy them myself. When I first learned about these sticky notes, I wanted them so badly I couldn't sit still! I resorted to the sneaky tactic of asking a colleague who lives in Kamakura to buy them for me. I’m so sorry.



The Hato Sablé is really something, just look how passionate I’ve become. Anyways, thanks for reading and please look forward to the next post!

Coo coo.

Hey, it’s Momoko. I like colors. Reds, blues, oranges, all of them. And, among them, I like neon colors the best.



I typically only wear blacks and grays, so I always want my accessories to bring that burst of vibrant color. Especially my stationery. It can’t just be showy, but has to be interesting and well designed, too.

Looking at the same, flat and cold computer screen every day is, how can I say this... well, boring. So, when my eyes drift, letting them fall on something colorful perks me up. Just like listening to some music to change your mood, I think I just feel the need to look at and touch "things" with color.

This paper file is a vibrant red with a massive ! mark right in the center. It stands out more than any other file.



I bought it thinking, “If I have this, I might come up with some great ideas!” or “This will surely come in handy for work!” But strangely enough, once I put documents into this file, I immediately forget what I put in there. I’ve started affectionately calling it my ? file.

Old stationery is irresistible, too.


I’m obsessed with my old stationery too. This was the stapler and magnifying glass I bought when I first headed out to work. A stylish but slightly difficult-to-handle business card case I inherited from a senior colleague. This Staedtler mechanic pencil and pair of scissors were bought because a designer I admired used them. These are all items I’ve been with for over 20 years, and I just can't let them go.

They’ve worn with age and have become a bit harder to use, but I love that about them, too.



I keep aaaaall of these stationery items in this Doraemon ankipan (Memory bread) pouch. When you gather a bunch of flashy things in one place, it starts to look like a toy box, which I really like. I’m truly obsessed with any stationery that makes the heart flutter with excitement.

Now, I wonder what kind of stationery the next team member is fascinated by? Look forward to it!

Hello, I’m Yoshida. I keep a Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, but I’m the type who likes to save up my entries and write them all at once on the weekend.

I often spend my “techo time” at my favorite cafes—reading, working, or catching up on my entries. Today, I’d like to introduce the stationery that is essential for these sessions away from home.





The best partner for my Hobonichi 5-Year Techo is the Pilot “Juice Up,” as mentioned here.



Because the space for each day in the 5-Year Techo is on the smaller side, this fine nib is just right. It’s water-based, writes so smoothly, and I feel like it doesn’t bleed through very much, either. I once had a great time chatting with about how it’s such a perfect match for the 5-Year Techo!



When I want to use a fountain pen, I reach for my “Kaweco Classic Sport.” It’s compact and perfect for carrying around. There are several nib sizes available, but I personally use the F (Fine) nib.


Since it’s quite fine, I can write to fit the grid of the 5-Year Techo like this.


I also love the design of the cap. It’s a treasure I received from a colleague when I moved to a new job.



Since I had other work to do on this day, I also brought along some sticky notes for my todo list. These are the “Sticky Memo Todo List” by suatelier. For someone like me who is forgetful and whose thoughts tend to wander here and there, sticky notes are absolutely indispensable.

Whenever I suddenly remember a small task while working—like “Oh, I need to email Mr. 〇〇” or “I should hand over that document”—I jot it down on a sticky note right away. I can then move them freely between my techo, my desk, or my computer. That versatility is the best thing about sticky notes.

Thanks for reading, and please look forward to the next update!