Nagasawa Kobe INK Monogatari × Graphilo A5 Grid Notebook

Nagasawa Kobe INK Monogatari × Graphilo A5 Grid Notebook

The Nagasawa Kobe INK Monogatari × Graphilo A5 Grid Notebook is one of the most distinctive products created through the collaboration between Nagasawa Bungu Center and Graphilo. Designed for fountain pen enthusiasts, it combines premium Graphilo paper with a cover and back cover dedicated to the celebrated Kobe INK Monogatari ink collection.

Unlike many Japanese notebooks that are widely exported, this model remains relatively difficult to find outside Japan and rarely appears through international retailers. Its combination of fountain pen-friendly paper, Japanese craftsmanship and a design devoted to the Kobe inks has made it especially desirable among writing enthusiasts, collectors of Japanese stationery and followers of the Kobe INK Monogatari series.

A notebook that has grown alongside Kobe INK Monogatari

The first edition of the Kobe INK Monogatari × GRAPHILO Note was introduced in 2014, when the collection consisted of 50 standard colours. The goal was simple: to provide fountain pen users with a notebook capable of showcasing the qualities of Kobe inks on one of Japan's most highly regarded writing papers.

As the Kobe INK Monogatari collection expanded, the notebook evolved alongside it. In 2017, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the ink collection, the number of standard colours increased to 65 and the notebook was renewed accordingly. This was followed by a 70-colour version in March 2019 and a 74-colour version in December of the same year.

In August 2024, Nagasawa released the sixth edition under the official name "Kobe INK Monogatari 86 Color Version", reflecting the 86 standard colours available at that time. The version currently distributed in 2026 now displays 88 Kobe INK Monogatari ink bottles across its front and back covers, making it an exceptionally up-to-date visual reference to the collection.

According to Nagasawa, this edition also introduces a revised colour arrangement. Rather than simply following the numerical order of the inks, the colours are grouped by hue, making it easier to compare related shades. This organisation highlights the remarkable diversity of greens, blues, browns, reds and many other colours that have made Kobe INK Monogatari one of Japan's most recognisable ink collections.

A visual tribute to Kobe inks

The front and back covers feature ink bottles, colour swatches, names and numbering from the Kobe INK Monogatari collection. The result is a notebook that functions both as a practical writing tool and as a collector's item for enthusiasts of Japanese inks and stationery.

Its design offers an immediate overview of the collection, allowing users to appreciate the wide range of colours and compare different colour families. It is particularly appealing to those who already use Kobe INK Monogatari inks or wish to discover the collection through a high-quality writing notebook.

Graphilo paper and the fountain pen writing experience

The notebook uses Graphilo paper, developed under the concept of "smooth writing" and highly regarded among fountain pen users. Its surface allows nibs to glide effortlessly across the page, creating a pleasant and fluid writing experience even during extended writing sessions.

Graphilo has earned an outstanding reputation among fountain pen enthusiasts thanks to its ability to reveal shading, colour saturation and tonal variation with exceptional clarity. At the same time, it helps maintain crisp line definition while significantly reducing ink show-through on the reverse side of the page.

The subtle grey 4 mm grid provides guidance without distracting from either the writing or the ink colour, making the notebook suitable for daily writing, ink testing, journaling, correspondence and study.

Package Contents

One Nagasawa Kobe INK Monogatari × Graphilo A5 notebook featuring Graphilo paper and a grey 4 mm grid layout. Supplied in a transparent PP protective bag.

If you are looking for other products related to the Kobe INK Monogatari collection or Nagasawa Kobe inks, please contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com. We will be pleased to assist you.

Technical Specifications

• Size: A5 (210 × 148 mm)
• Number of pages: 96
• Paper: Graphilo paper
• Binding: Glue binding
• Layout: Grey 4 mm grid
• Packaging: Transparent PP protective bag
• Made in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kobe INK Monogatari?
It is an ink collection developed by Nagasawa Bungu Center, inspired by the landscapes, colours and history of the Japanese city of Kobe.

How many inks are represented in this notebook?
The version currently distributed in 2026 displays 88 Kobe INK Monogatari ink bottles across the front and back covers.

Is it suitable for fountain pens?
Yes. Graphilo paper was specifically developed for fountain pen writing and is highly regarded for its performance with Japanese fountain pen inks.

Is the grid intrusive when writing?
No. The grey 4 mm grid is discreet and provides guidance without distracting from the text or ink colour.

Is this notebook easy to find outside Japan?
No. It remains a relatively uncommon product outside the Japanese market and is rarely available through international retailers.

Your Opinion Matters

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History and Philosophy of the Brand

Nagasawa Bungu Center, founded in Kobe in 1882, is one of Japan's historic stationery companies. For generations it has developed exclusive products inspired by the cultural identity of Kobe, with Kobe INK Monogatari becoming one of its most internationally recognised projects.

Graphilo shares the same commitment to writing excellence, creating papers specifically designed to maximise the fountain pen writing experience. The collaboration between these two Japanese brands has produced one of the most appreciated notebooks among enthusiasts of Japanese fountain pen inks.

"Some collections are admired; others are written with. This notebook allows you to do both."