Review: Mococo pouch by Kokuyo

 

I am obsessed with puffy pouches at the moment so when I saw the Mococo pillow pouch by Kokuyo, I couldn't resist. 

It comes in 3 colours (white, blue and red) and it's dimensions are 18cm x 7cm x 10cm.

It's main selling points are that it opens 180 degrees to a flat position, making it great for access to pens and the pillowy texture can protect your more fragile stationery. 

With it's soft texture, it can fit quite a few items. 

My only worry is that the fabric might be easily stained if you store pens that might leak and that sort of thing. 

As a bonus, if you have small toys like nendoroids or figurines, the pouch is the perfect protection for them on the go. 

I love this pouch, the material is a lot more pillowy than it looks which in turn feels quite protective. 

As mentioned above, I do worry about staining but I think it could be solved with fabric protection spray. 

It's also not as bulky as you would think, the cushion allows it to fit into bags easily. 

I do think it could do with an extra pocket for loose items but it's great and I hope they will release more colours! 

Read More

Review: Kokuyo ME Mechnical Pencil

A good mechanical pencil composes of 2 things, a good holder and good pencil lead. 

I reckon you get what you pay for when it comes to mechanical pencils. 

The mechanical pencil from Kokuyo's ME range of stationery is decently priced but it has a feature that really caught my eye. 

It's the eraser at the end of the pencil. 

An eraser at the end of a mechanical pencil is not new but the Kokuyo ME one is retractable and it's a decent sized too. 

First up, I tested the pencil lead. It's really smooth to write with and doesn't break easily, which can sometimes be a problem with cheaper pencil lead. 

I tested the eraser next. 

To retract it, you twist the top until your preferred amount of eraser has been retracted. 

The eraser works really well too. Much better than any other eraser that I've found attached to a mechanical pencil.

It reminds me of a full size retractable eraser. 

If you are in the market for a new mechanical pencil and don't want to be carrying a separate eraser, I think this is a great pencil to buy. (I haven't looked into the eraser refills yet unfortunately)

Definitely get the Kokuyo pencil lead too, it's buttery smooth to write with and would be great for drawing as well. It's a great pencil to travel with too. 

 

Read More

Review : Kokuyo RAKU HARI double sided tape dispenser

Everyone has probably heard of glue tape dispensers but have you tried a double sided tape dispenser?

Today, I'll tell you about Kokuyo's RAKU HARI double sided tape dispenser!

The principle is pretty basic and similar to the conventional glue tape dispenser. However since it is double sided tape, can you use it with more than just plain paper! Got problems attaching heavy cardstock? Or plastic? How about metal or glass surfaces? This is the tape for you.

And if you are dealing with a large volume of items, this makes it so much easier. There is no need to remove any release paper [as with a conventional roll of double sided tape]. Not only does that mean you can get through your work a lot faster, it will also save your nails from hurting during the process of trying to peel the release paper off. No release paper would also mean there is nothing that needs to be cleared or disposed of.

The dispenser is also refillable (making it cost effective in the long run).

A good addition to anyone's stationery stash.

Read More

Review : Kokuyo GLOO series (glue stick)

Functional and beautiful. 

That is the mission statement of the GLOO range by KOKUYO. Amongst the many items produced, the glue stick is the most popular. 

It has won many stationery awards including the grand prize at 2019's The Best of Stationery.

At first glance, it is quite obvious how it is different from the usual glue stick. The square shape helps one apply it easily right up to the edges/corners of paper. Not only that, the quadrangular shape ensures a good grip and will not roll off the desk easily when not in use. 

The cap has a larger edge making it easier to open with just one hand and you can also close it easily by simply pressing the main part against the cap. 

The overall design looks extremely sleek as well and will look good on anyone's desk.

Functional and beautiful indeed. 

Read More

My top 5 favorite stationery items of 2020

The first blog post of the year and to kick us off, I think it is a good opportunity to share my top five fave stationery items from 2020.

Please note that this ranking is not in any particular order and is my own personal opinion.

1. Pilot+Lihit Lab A4/A5 Folder

See review HERE

2. NICHIBAN Masking Tape Dispenser/Cutter

See review HERE

3. Tombow Air Touch Range

Tombow PiT AIR Glue Tape + Tombow MONO AIR 5 Correction Tape

The most effortless tape dispensers ever. The resistance on the surface you are applying to is so low, it is like running it on air. (See what I did there)

4. Pentel Energel Range

I don't know what else can be said about this amazing range from PENTEL. The smooth flow of ink makes it my absolute favorite to write with and my fairly large double digit collection of them shows it.

5. PLUS WHIPER Cream Correction Tape

When these were released, I scoffed at them. I wondered who would ever need cream colored correction tape just so it would match the cream paper they used. Well, as it turned out, that person was ....me. Now the white correction tape just looks absolutely glaringly out of place and I can't go without my cream correction tape. A case of "you never know what you were missing out on till you tried it."

What are your top 5 stationery items for 2020??

Read More

Review: Daiso Washi Tape Cutter

There are many types of washi tape cutters in the market, one of my favourites is the Kokuya washi tape cutter and Daiso has released a version that looks really similar to it.

You get 2 cutters in the packaging which is such a good deal. 

However one of the cutters turned out to be faulty, but I had another one, so it worked out. 

Left: Kokuyo Right: Daiso

The Daiso cutter is slightly bigger and more boxy than the Kokuyo cutter. 

The clip mechanism is quite different too.

 Kokuyo's has 2 parts so it can adjust to the thickness of the washi tape roll, and it also has a series of grooves for better grip. 

Daiso's is more simple, it is just a plain clip with a small lip so the roll of tape doesn't fall off, in theory anyway. 

Kokuyo's has 1 set of fine metal teeth for tape cutting whilst Daiso's has 2 sets of plastic teeth, 1 fine, 1 coarse. 

The fine teeth on both are quite comparable when it comes to the cut tape edges however I found the metal one on the Kokuyo easier to use. 

I do like the coarse teeth on the Daiso tape cutter too, it gave the cut tape edge a more unfinished look which would look great in layouts. 

As you can see, Kokuyo's washi tape cutter is rounder, smoother and more ergonomic. 

It also has grip, so once you position the cutter, tearing the tape is super simple. 

This tape cutter also comes in 2 sizes to fit different widths of washi tape. 

Daiso's tape cutter is more basic and simple, it's longer which would mean it would fit most washi tapes without the need to own more than one. The disadvantage of the shape however, is that you would need to hold on to the cutter to get a good tear on the tape.

Both tape cutters are great however the Kokuyo tape cutter can cost 2-3 times more than Daiso's. The Kokuyo cutter also comes in more designs and colours. 

Kokuyo is more ergonomic so if you're someone who tears a lot of tape, I would recommend the Kokuyo tape cutter. 

However, if you only use the cutter occasionally, the Daiso would suffice, it is easy to use, produces nice cut edges and you get 2 pieces! 

Which one are you planning to buy? We'd love to know! 

Read More

Review : KOKUYO MARKS+ Two toned color marker

KOKUYO has released a new type of highligher range : 

mark+ two toned color marker

There are 5 basic types which in pairs of similar colors. Eg: light blue & blue or light pink & pink.

Or a color with gray. Eg: green & gray ( in pic below) or yellow & gray etc

Each marker has two colors which you can alternate between by simply turning the pen on the corresponding side.

Color Swatches

Its a great way to carry more than 1 highlighter in your pencil case and I find it very handy when studying. You can highlight more important points or keypoints in a different shade without having to switch pens. A nice feature when you are highlighting as you read!

Have you tried these? What do you think?

Read More

Review : KOKYUO Shellero X Mister Donut pencil case

KOKYUO is a Japanese stationery brand and one of their collections include a pencil case range [SHELLERO] which opens up completely for easy access. I've had my eye on them for a while but was never quite convinced to buy them. 

Till now that is. 

Yes, they collaborated with my favorite donut store MISTER DONUT to release a limited edition range.

Limited Edition is like bait to me. I cant help but covet and subsequently buy it. [sucker] In all fairness the print is actually quite pretty and i really like the words as well. Sugar Raised. I certainly am LOL.

As expected, it is truly easy to get access to all its contents at one go but i did not realise how big the capacity would be!

Here are all 16 pens from the MILDLINER brush range fitted comfortably inside of it!

A highly reccomended buy for those who bring a lot of stationery on the go with them ^^!

Read More

Jibun Techo 2019

  

I've been using the bullet journal for 2 years but I became busier and busier and thus, the format no longer worked for me. 

In April, I moved to a Kokuyo Jibun Techo, a rather popular planner system. 

I paired it with a Pentel Sliccies multi coloured pen. 

The version I bought was the Jibun Techo Biz with a planner that starts in April. 

The 2 cover choices were Red and Navy and there's a pocket on the front, which I've used to keep spare change and random things I've been given.

The front and back pockets are also great for storing cards, receipts and small sheets of stickers. 

I've also included another notebook for taking notes, also from the Jibun Techo range and a small A6 folder from Daiso. 

I found this pencil board at Tokyu hands from another brand. 

It matches the red cover well!  

There are yearly, monthly and weekly sections. 

I used the monthly overview as an expense tracker. 

The weekly section is vertical. I like that the layout has a to do list on one side, a time based planner, place to stick our TN5C printable. 

Overall, I'm really happy with the Jibun Techo. 

It's really easy to use and retains elements of customisation similar to the bullet journal. 

I also really like the compact size, perfect for slipping to a handbag for everyday or work. 

Do you use a Jibun Techo? Share your tips below. 

Read More

KOKUYO Dotliner Vs DAISO Repositionable Glue Tape

Have you heard of Repositionable glue tapes? They are sticky but not permanent. Kinda like post-it notes. As a matter of fact, they are perfect for making your own post-it notes!

Today I'm going to feature two of the ones available in the market right now.

Kokuyo's DOTLINER (貼ってはがせる) & DAISO's Repositionable Glue Tape (Made by PLUS)

Note: 

1. 貼ってはがせる is Japanese for peel off aka repositionable.
2. PLUS is the same brand that makes NORINO. The other big brand of glue tapes out there aside from Kokuyo.

The DOTLINER has a cap over the tape which you have to flick open to use whilst the DAISO edition has a "switch" which you must unlock to expose the tape dispenser. This does make the DAISO edition more travel friendly as bits of dust can get stuck to the DOTLINER tape.

The DOTLINER tape is also wider by 2.4mm. [0.1 inch] True to its namesake, the tape is in a dotted format whilst the other is a simple strip of tape.

The DOTLINER tape is a little stickier but both work just as well as each other.

The DOTLINER is also larger.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600.0"] Price Comparison [/caption]

Not taking into account the width difference, the DAISO tape is indeed the cheaper option. However the DOTLINER is refillable so in the long run, the price does even out.

Verdict:

I find both just as good as the other despite the minor differences so i would say "buy whichever one you can get your hands on". Or be like me. Buy one for the home and one for travel ^^

p.s We updated our etsy store and restocked the sticker TNs so dont miss out. And our new box is available too! See here

Read More

Fiveday: 5 Pencil Cases we think you absolutely need in your life

As frequent travellers, putting together a kit and packing it in our luggage is essential. 
I've rounded up our 5 favourite ways of carrying pens and other odds and ends around. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 1. Kokuyo Neo Critz [/caption]

A pen stand and case in one, absolutely genius I say. The Neo Critz comes in a variety of colours and collaboration designs. It comes with 2 zips and a small pocket so loose items don't get lost. Just unzip it, fold down the flaps and pick up a pen. As a bonus, these make fantastic makeup brush holders. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 2. Sun-star DELDE [/caption]

The DELDE is one I recently discovered, it's also a pen stand and case in one but instead of fold down flaps, you pull the tabs of the top of the case down over it's bottom half. It takes up less table space but stores more pens. It's becoming a firm favourite but as it's quite new, the colour selection is a bit limited.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 3. Kipling 100 Pens & 50 Pens [/caption]

Cult item alert! I only discovered this last year but this is incredibly popular with stationery bloggers (don't believe me? Try a Youtube or Google search). I like how spacious and organised this is, it holds A LOT of pens with space for other compact stationery and the best part, it holds up very well when you throw it in a suitcase with other stuff. Also comes in a smaller version called the 50 Pens. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 4. Lihit Lab Pen Case [/caption]

The Lihit Lab Pen Case looks like a smaller version of the 100 Pens. It's compact, has compartments for 3 different sets of pens and you can slot in other small items. Perfect for toting around everyday. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500.0"] 5. Kokuyo Pen Tray C2 [/caption]

The Kokuyo Pen Tray holds the least out of all the pen case on this list, but I reckon it's the most amazing way to hold pens. It starts out looking like a normal case but it opens out into a tray that shows off all the cute stationery I own. Also stores phone accessories and makeup. It's extremely compact size makes it suitable for purses and small bags. I really like this moomin print too, a touch of colour never hurt anyone. 

I hope this list has been helpful, if you know of any pencil cases we should check out, leave us a comment below. 

Read More