SAKAE TP Tomoe River FP Softcover Notebook A5 White 5 mm Grid 160 Pages

SAKAE TP Tomoe River FP Softcover Notebook A5 5 mm Grid 160 Pages

The SAKAE TP Tomoe River FP Softcover Notebook A5 5 mm Grid 160 Pages combines Japanese Tomoe River FP paper with a lightweight format designed for everyday use. Its 5 mm grid, thread-sewn binding and flexible cover provide a practical writing space for structured notes, planning, diagrams, calligraphy and creative layouts.

Ideal for fountain pen users, journal writers, students and anyone looking for a portable notebook that supports precise organisation without feeling visually restrictive.

A lightweight and manageable A5 format

Its 160 pages provide ample room for notes, shorter journals, planning, ink records or individual projects without the additional bulk of a high-capacity hardcover notebook. The A5 format offers a comfortable writing and drawing area, while the soft cover makes the notebook easier to carry inside a bag, portfolio or protective case.

This balance of useful capacity and flexible construction makes it practical for separating subjects, assigning one notebook to each project or changing volumes more frequently. It also offers an accessible way to enjoy Tomoe River FP paper in a less bulky everyday format.

A 5 mm grid for structured layouts

The full-page 5 mm grid is printed in indigo and provides a consistent reference for aligning handwriting, dividing the page and creating tables, calendars, diagrams, charts or measured layouts. The square ruling supports accurate organisation while leaving enough visual space for the ink and written content to remain prominent.

SAKAE calls this ruling system New Sub Dot Grid. It is well suited to planning, study notes, bullet journaling, lettering and technical sketches, allowing written and visual elements to share the same page within a clear and adaptable structure.

52gsm Tomoe River FP paper

The notebook contains white 52gsm Tomoe River FP paper manufactured in Japan by Sanzen Paper Manufacturing. The FP designation refers to its fountain pen focus and identifies a range created to reveal the behaviour and character of writing inks. Its smooth surface allows users to observe ink colour, shading and the surface sheen produced by certain formulations.

Because this paper is exceptionally thin, writing may remain visible from the reverse. This show-through, often called ghosting, does not necessarily mean that ink has penetrated the sheet. Bleed-through occurs only when ink passes through and marks the opposite face. At Inktraveler, we find this distinction particularly useful when assessing a paper test, as both effects can vary according to the ink, nib width and flow, drying time and repeated strokes over the same area.

Softcover construction and thread-sewn binding

The thread-sewn binding supports comfortable opening and makes the writing area close to the spine easier to use. Its flexible cover keeps the overall weight and volume low while providing practical protection for a notebook designed to accompany everyday writing.

Package contents

The package contains one SAKAE TP Tomoe River FP A5 softcover notebook with 160 white pages and an indigo 5 mm grid. Made in Japan. (Photographs are for reference; colour and minor visual details may vary slightly according to the screen or production batch.)

Technical specifications

Brand: SAKAE TP
Range: Tomoe River FP
Format: A5
Paper: white Tomoe River FP manufactured by Sanzen
Paper weight: 52gsm
Page count: 160 pages
Ruling: 5 mm grid printed in indigo
Ruling system: New Sub Dot Grid
Binding: thread-sewn
Cover: softcover
Product reference: SR-A5NB-HW
JAN and EAN-13: 4909171852523
Country of origin: Japan

History and philosophy of SAKAE Technical Paper

SAKAE Technical Paper is a Japanese company involved in the planning, manufacture, conversion and sale of paper and stationery products. The present company was established in 2016, continuing a paper-goods tradition connected with the Tochiman name since 1960. Through its paper paper brand, SAKAE explores paper as both a practical material and an expressive medium for writing, drawing and creative work.

Tomoe River paper was originally manufactured by Tomoegawa. In 2021, the company announced the transfer of the relevant sales agreements, trademark rights and inventory to Sanzen Paper Manufacturing, ensuring continued production and distribution. Introduced by SAKAE in June 2023, this current notebook uses Sanzen-made Tomoe River paper and presents its fountain-pen-oriented qualities in a light, functional softcover format.

“A clear grid gives every thought a place while leaving room for it to grow.”