If you’ve found your way to this blog, chances are you’re someone who appreciates the charm of stationery, especially Japanese stationery. Its global popularity is no accident. It’s the result of remarkable craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and an unwavering attention to detail that Japanese brands pour into every product they release.
At Shibuya Stationery, our team has the delightful privilege of testing and handling a wide array of stationery items—pens, notebooks, mechanical pencils, and more. This hands-on experience gives us unique insight into the subtle features and hidden brilliance of many products. And today, we want to turn the spotlight on one humble but essential tool: the pen.
Pens are arguably the most used stationery item in the world, so common that we often take them for granted. But Japanese pens, like much of Japanese stationery, are full of quiet innovation. Many are designed with such precision that they can completely transform the way you write, draw, plan, or journal—if only you find the one that suits you best.
While many of our bestsellers are well-known and well-loved, like our Pentel Calme Pen, there are just as many unsung heroes in our collection—pens that fly under the radar but deserve a moment in the spotlight. So, rather than revisit the classics, we’re here to share a few underrated picks that you may not have encountered yet. Explore with us. Who knows? Your new favorite pen might be hiding in plain sight.
One of the most intriguing—and incredibly functional—pens in our collection is the Tombow AirPress. As its name suggests, this pen is powered by an Air Press System (APS): a patented pressurization mechanism that allows for seamless writing in even the most unusual conditions. Whether you’re jotting down notes upside down, writing on damp paper, or navigating dusty environments, the AirPress won’t skip a beat.
Designed for real-world utility, the pen features a rubberized grip that ensures a secure hold, even with wet hands or while wearing gloves. Its sturdy wire clip is both strong and flexible, opening wide enough to attach securely to thick items like notebooks or clipboards. Plus, its compact size makes it an ideal companion for on-the-go use.
Who is it for?
While the Tombow AirPress is a reliable everyday pen for anyone, it truly shines for those who work outside the traditional office—think field workers, delivery personnel, medical professionals, construction staff, or adventurers on the move. If your daily environment demands more from your pen, this might just be the upgrade you never knew you needed.
A beautiful blend of beauty and functionality comes together in the Uni Jetstream x Karimoku 4&1 pen. Designed in collaboration with the renowned Japanese furniture maker, Karimoku Furniture. This pen was created with longevity in mind, just like how one would use a piece of furniture for a long time, the hope is that everyone will be attached to this pen and continue to use it for a long time. The wooden part of this pen was created using small pieces of scrap wood that were left from building furniture. By both brands implementing their knowledge and attention to detail when creating this piece, they hope to highlight and allow the customers to feel the beautiful essence of the wood.
The wooden grip is made of oak and walnut, which are standard materials for furniture. You can enjoy the grain and color differences unique to natural wood, as well as the joints that came about naturally during the furniture-building process that form a beautiful pattern.
Who is it for?
This pen makes a thoughtful gift for just about anyone, but it will especially resonate with those who appreciate interior design, fine woodworking, or simply enjoy surrounding themselves with objects of quiet beauty. A pen may not be something we typically think of as “beautiful,” but when it’s well-made, thoughtfully designed, and a pleasure to use, it can bring small, consistent moments of joy into your everyday routine. This is a pen for those who find meaning in the details.
The word that comes to mind when using the Uni Jetstream Edge 3 Ink is intentionality. Every detail of this pen has been thoughtfully engineered, resulting in a writing instrument that feels both sophisticated and remarkably functional.
From the moment you pick it up, the Jetstream Edge makes a lasting impression. It offers a satisfying heft and a perfectly balanced feel in the hand. The clicking mechanism is tactile yet quiet, creating a smooth, rattle-free writing experience every time you switch between ink colors. Its sleek, hexagonal plastic barrel is paired with a subtly grooved metal grip—an elegant combination of form and function that ensures both visual appeal and lasting comfort during long writing sessions.
Its ergonomic design shines through in the pen’s tapering silhouette, which gradually widens from top to tip. This creates a naturally wide grip and optimizes the center of gravity for greater control and stability.
Who is it for?
The Uni Jetstream Edge is ideal for those who value intentional design in their writing tools. The pen’s sleek aesthetic and comfortable grip also appeal to those who appreciate functional elegance, people who believe that even everyday tools should feel intentional, refined, and enjoyable to use.
What common problem is faced by left-handed writers and highlighter users have in common? Smudging! It is probably one of the most infuriating small frustrations that continues to plague some of us daily. When you want to get the job done, but your tools are not cooperating with you and causing more problems instead of working with you on the solution. With the Sarasa Mark On, this is easily solvable.
We all know the ever-popular Sarasa pens that come in a million and one colors! With its a sturdy feel, a comfortable rubber grip for long-time writing, and a satisfying click to the pen. This pen has the same barrel design as the rest of the beloved Sarasa pen series, but with the additional feature of smudge-proof, water-resistant ink that dries in five seconds. It doesn’t run away when confronted with your favorite highlighter. The ink is bold, flows smoothly onto paper, no skipping and smudging, what more could you ask for?
Who is it for?
We highly recommend the Zebra Sarasa Mark On to students, note-takers, planners, and left-handed writers—anyone who writes quickly and needs their notes to stay clean and legible. It’s an ideal choice for people who frequently use highlighters, such as students studying for exams, creative bullet journalers who like pairing their creating with other markers, or professionals preparing presentations. The quick-drying, smudge-resistant ink makes it perfect for fast-paced writing environments where precision matters.
If you’re searching for a pen that offers an effortlessly smooth writing experience, look no further than the Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen. This pen stands out for its innovative tip design—encased in plastic rather than the usual metal—allowing ink to glide seamlessly onto the page from virtually any angle with minimal friction. The result is a uniquely fluid writing feel that’s both bold and satisfying. Paired with a well-balanced barrel and a grip that feels just right in the hand, this pen makes long writing sessions comfortable and easy. Its water- and fade-resistant ink ensures your words remain crisp and legible for years to come, making it perfect for everything from journaling to archival-quality documents.
Who is it for?
The Uni-ball Air Rollerball Pen is ideal for fast writers, note-takers, and anyone who needs to jot things down quickly without worrying about their pen skipping and fading. Its smooth, uninterrupted ink flow keeps up with even the speediest thoughts, making it a reliable choice for students, professionals, and creatives alike. If you’re someone who values clean, legible writing with bold, consistent lines, this pen is sure to impress. Whether you're in a fast-paced meeting, studying for exams, or capturing ideas on the fly, the Uni-ball Air delivers clarity, precision, and ease with every stroke.
The Uni Power Tank is a pen engineered for performance in the toughest conditions and working environments. The pen ink flow mechanism is powered through compressed air inside the pen, which ensures a steady ink flow no matter the circumstances. It will write smoothly even when held upside down or angled on the wall, on damp surfaces, and it can even be used in a sub-zero temperature environment where regular pens fail. Its pressurized ink system is paired with a specially designed tip featuring micro-projections spiked ball pen tip that grips the paper and prevents slipping, allowing you to write even on smooth or glossy surfaces like color copies. Whether you're working outdoors, standing up, or in unpredictable environments, the Uni Power Tank delivers precision and confidence every time you write.
Who is it for?
The Uni Power Tank is ideal for individuals who demand reliability and performance in challenging environments. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, field workers, or anyone who works in unpredictable conditions, whether you’re hiking, camping, or even just commuting in harsh weather.
The world of Japanese pens is brimming with hidden gems that are waiting to elevate your writing experience. From the Tombow AirPress's rugged functionality to the Uni Jetstream x Karimoku 4&1's beautiful craftsmanship, each of these underrated pens offers something unique that goes beyond mere ink on paper. Whether you're seeking a pen that thrives in tough environments, like the Uni Power Tank, or one that enhances the joy of writing, like the Uni Jetstream Edge, there’s something for everyone. These pens are more than just tools—they’re thoughtfully designed instruments that can transform how you write, work, and create. So, if you haven’t yet explored these underrated picks, we encourage you to give them a try. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite writing companion, one that perfectly fits your needs and style.
