A5 Takegami 100 Bamboo Paper Notebook
The A5 Takegami 100 Bamboo Paper Notebook is much more than a premium Japanese notebook. It was created to prove that an abundant yet underused natural resource such as bamboo can be transformed into exceptional writing paper. Entirely made in Japan, it delivers an outstanding writing experience with pencils, ballpoint pens, rollerballs and fountain pens, making it an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates Japanese stationery, sustainability and the pleasure of writing on truly distinctive paper.
The Story Behind Genuine Takegami Paper
Takegami (竹紙) literally means "bamboo paper." Its origin is closely connected to a real environmental challenge in Japan. Every year, large quantities of bamboo are removed during the maintenance of bamboo forests. For many years, this harvested bamboo had very little commercial value and was often disposed of at considerable expense.
After years of research and development, Japanese papermakers succeeded in producing paper made from 100% Japanese bamboo fibre. Today, thousands of tonnes of bamboo harvested during forest maintenance are sustainably transformed into high-quality writing paper each year. Recognising the importance of this achievement, Nishimura named the project Takegami, highlighting how a local environmental issue could become a meaningful social initiative through innovation and craftsmanship.
A Notebook Designed for Writing
First introduced in 2011, the Takegami 100 Notebook is the original notebook of the collection and has received the Social Products Award for its contribution to sustainable manufacturing. Its excellent writing performance has also earned it a place at Ginza Itoya, one of Japan's most prestigious stationery stores.
The paper offers a pleasant natural texture with a smooth yet controlled writing feel. It performs beautifully with pencils, mechanical pencils, ballpoint pens, rollerballs and fountain pens, making it equally suitable for everyday writing, note-taking, journaling and light sketching.
Three Designs Inspired by Japanese Nature
This collection includes four beautifully illustrated covers, all sharing the same Takegami 100 notebook inside. Each design has its own character while maintaining identical technical specifications. Choose between the elegant Bamboo Forest, the charming Panda edition created to celebrate the birth of Xiang Xiang, the beloved giant panda from Ueno Zoo, or the delightful Wild Boar, inspired by the rich biodiversity of Japan's bamboo forests.
Every version features the distinctive gold-foil Takegami 100 logo and is available with either white paper or the characteristic Natural brown bamboo paper, both produced from 100% Japanese bamboo fibre.
Dot Grid Pages for Greater Freedom
The notebook features a subtle dot grid layout that provides excellent guidance for writing, sketching and organising ideas without overwhelming the page. This versatile format is ideal for work, study, journaling or personal projects, offering structure while preserving complete creative freedom.
As a distinctive finishing touch, the reverse side of every sheet features the Takegami 100 (竹紙100) logo discreetly printed in the lower left corner. This subtle detail reflects the thoughtful simplicity of Japanese design, adding character to the notebook while remaining unobtrusive during writing.
Package Contents
The package includes one A5 Takegami 100 Bamboo Paper Notebook in your selected design. As always, your notebook is carefully packed by Inktraveler before shipping. (Product photographs are for reference only, and minor variations from the actual product may occur.)
Technical Specifications
Japanese A5 size (143 × 210 mm), slightly narrower than the international A5 standard. Dot grid pages. 30 sheets. Thread-sewn binding. Paper and binding made entirely in Japan. 150 g/m² Takegami cover. 70 g/m² interior paper available in White or Natural. Paper made from 100% Japanese bamboo fibre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the notebook entirely made in Japan?
Yes. The paper, binding and manufacturing process are all carried out entirely in Japan, using traditional Japanese papermaking expertise and locally sourced bamboo fibre.
Is the paper made entirely from bamboo?
Yes. The paper is produced from 100% Japanese bamboo fibre harvested during the responsible maintenance of Japan's bamboo forests, giving this natural resource a valuable new purpose.
Is it suitable for fountain pens?
Yes. The paper has been designed to provide an enjoyable writing experience with fountain pens, while also performing beautifully with pencils, ballpoint pens and rollerballs.
What type of page layout does it have?
The notebook features a subtle dot grid layout, offering the perfect balance between guidance and creative freedom for writing, sketching, note-taking or journaling.
Are all three designs identical inside?
Yes. The Bamboo Forest, Panda and Wild Boar editions differ only in their cover artwork. All three share the same paper, binding, dimensions and technical specifications.
Is it the same size as a standard A5 notebook?
Not exactly. Although it belongs to the Japanese A5 format, the notebook measures 143 × 210 mm, making it slightly narrower than the international A5 standard (148 × 210 mm). This elegant proportion is characteristic of the Takegami collection while remaining comfortable for everyday writing.
A Different Way to Think About Paper
Takegami demonstrates that true innovation is not always about creating something entirely new, but about giving existing natural resources a meaningful second life. Every notebook represents a small part of this vision, combining Japanese papermaking tradition, exceptional writing quality and environmental responsibility in an object designed to be enjoyed for years to come.
"Every page you write can also become a small contribution to a more sustainable future."
