If you love MUJI stationery, you’re not alone. MUJI (short for Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning “no-brand quality goods”) is a Japanese retailer known for its minimalist design philosophy and commitment to sustainability. From home goods to everyday essentials, MUJI focuses on simplicity, function, and beauty qualities that have made its stationery line especially beloved worldwide. Their notebooks and pens have become staples for students, creatives, and professionals who appreciate clean design and thoughtful craftsmanship.
However, MUJI stationery items aren’t always easy to find, especially outside Japan or when popular items sell out quickly. That’s why, in today’s blog, we’re introducing a few handpicked alternatives that capture the functionality and reliability of some of MUJI’s bestselling items.
While MUJI is known for simplicity and affordability, the Japanese alternatives at Shibuya Stationery Store offer more than just substitutes. These items come from well-established names in the stationery world, ensuring exceptional quality and performance. Designed for those who value craftsmanship and premium Japanese stationery, they serve as meaningful upgrades rather than simple replacements.
Gel Ink Ballpoint Alternative: SARASA Grand 0.5mm
MUJI’s Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen is loved for its smooth writing and quick-drying ink, which prevents smudges. Its simple design and reliable performance make it a favorite for work and everyday notes.
The Zebra SARASA Grand 0.5mm is a great alternative:
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Smooth, clean writing with no smudges
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Comfortable in hand with a balanced, slightly weighted metal barrel
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Durable for daily use
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Lightweight and well-balanced for long note-taking or journaling sessions
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The gold clip is convenient and adds a touch of timeless sophistication
Gel Ink ‘Knock Type’ Ballpoint Alternative: EnerGel Infree
MUJI’s Smooth Gel Ink Knock-Type Ballpoint is loved for its smooth, consistent writing and high-quality ink. Customers appreciate the minimal smudging, reliable ink flow, and simple, comfortable design. It also comes in many different colors.
The Pentel EnerGel Infree is a great alternative:
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Smooth, precise ink that glides effortlessly without smudging
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Two nib sizes are available; the 0.4mm nib is ideal for writing detailed notes
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Comes in many vibrant colors with no fading on paper
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Comfortable for long writing sessions
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Fast-drying ink suitable for both right- and left-handed writers
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Sleek, clear shaft that shows ink color and levels while maintaining a minimalist look
Gel Ink ‘Compact’ Ballpoint Alternative: Uni-Ball One P Black Ink Gel Pen
MUJI’s Compact Gel Ink Ballpoint is loved for its smooth writing, vibrant color, and lightweight body, making it perfect for travel and everyday notes.
The Uni-Ball One P Black Ink Gel Pen is a great alternative:
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Smooth, consistent writing with richly pigmented black ink
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Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use
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Compact and portable, ideal for travel or carrying in a pouch
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Fine, precise line that won’t skip
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Sleek, minimal aesthetic with a fun, bubbly silhouette
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Perfect for casual note-taking, journaling, or on-the-go writing
Low Center Gravity Mechanical Pencil Alternative: GraphGear 1000
MUJI’s Low Center Gravity Mechanical Pencil is loved for its smooth, precise writing, well-balanced weight, and comfortable design, making it ideal for long writing sessions or heavy note-taking.
The GraphGear 1000 is a great alternative:
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Smooth, consistent writing with excellent weight distribution
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Dual-action retractable tip for safety and convenience
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The combination of textured metallic grip with soft pads is comfortable for extended use
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It comes in many different tip sizes (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm)
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Rotating refill window to mark lead type at a glance (2B, HB, etc.)
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Refillable lead and eraser
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Sleek, modern shaft design perfect for professionals and creatives
MUJI Retractable Highlighter Pen Alternative: Clickbright Highlighter
MUJI’s Retractable Highlighter Pen is appreciated for its quality, but reviews are mixed; some customers find the colors vibrant, while others feel they could be brighter. Opinions on smoothness and drying time vary, with some noting that the ink isn’t always quick-drying.
The Clickbright Highlighter is a great alternative:
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It is also a knock-type design with a half-line size tip for precise highlighting
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Ink does not bleed through most papers
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Moist Keep Ink technology keeps the pen from drying out, even without a cap
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Comes in a set of multiple bright colors
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Slim, compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use
Open-Flat Dashed Grid Notebook Alternative: Noble Note Notebook - B5 Grid
MUJI’s Open-Flat Dashed Grid Notebook is praised for its good paper quality, minimalistic cover, and convenient size. Many users enjoy writing on it without bleed-through.
The Noble Note Notebook is a great alternative:
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Silky smooth cream-colored paper that is easy on the eyes
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Very resilient paper, handles heavy ink from art or testing without bleeding through
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Occasional shadowing may appear only with very heavy ink use
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Confidently use both sides of the page without worrying about ink from the other side
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Eco-friendly materials and smooth, easy-to-turn pages make it perfect for professional and creative use
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Ideal for journaling, note-taking, sketching, and creative projects
Discover Your Next Favorite Japanese Stationery
While MUJI stationery has earned a loyal following for its minimalist design and reliable performance, these handpicked alternatives from Shibuya Stationery offer the same smooth writing, thoughtful design, and high-quality materials.
There are many brands and amazing products in the world of Japanese stationery, so if you’re a MUJI fan, don’t hesitate to explore and give other brands a try. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite gel pen, a precise mechanical pencil, a reliable highlighter, or a notebook that can handle both writing and artwork, these selections provide practical, stylish solutions that fit seamlessly into your workflow. Explore these alternatives today and browse more of our carefully curated collection at Shibuya Stationery to discover even more Japanese craftsmanship and unique stationery pieces that fit your style and needs.
