New Year, Fresh Start: Fun Japanese Stationery for Everyday Organisation

A new year is the perfect time to get organised, but who says it has to be boring? There are so many stationery products from Japan that bring personality and fun to everyday planning, helping you tackle tasks, track goals, and enjoy your daily routine. From colourful sticky notes to playful page markers, these tools make staying on top of your schedule a little brighter and a lot more motivating, we've picked out a few that we're using right now!

Why Japanese Stationery Makes Planning Enjoyable

Common amongst many stationery brands in Japan is a core focus that places emphasis on bringing joy to simple everyday situations. If improving organisation was one of your New Years resolutions for 2026, here's why we think it's one you'll be able to keep!

• Playful designs: Colourful patterns and cheerful designs make everyday organisation more fun. So much so, you'll actually enjoy writing those to-do lists and ticking them off, or marking out key pages in your diary.

• Variety of tools: From notebooks made with top-quality Japanese paper to adorably designed memo pads and page markers featuring your favourite animals, be sure to find handy little items that will not only help you become super organised - they'll also make you smile!

• Creative freedom: Mix and match items to reflect your personality while staying organised.

• Studying: Take notes like a pro, highlight and underline seamlessly, and create a learning environment with fun at the heart of it. Enjoying the process makes it easier to learn and remember more effectively.

Build Your Playful New Year Routine

Here’s how to make 2026 organised and fun with Japanese stationery:

1. Morning Journaling

Start your day on a positive note by jotting down goals, plans, or reflections in a notebook. Japanese paper is known for its excellent ink absorption, creating a smooth and satisfying writing experience. Pair your notebook with a pen you love and turn this into a simple morning ritual you’ll actually look forward to.

These Shogado Ring Notebooks feature beautiful Yuzen paper covers that are as refined as they are elegant — perfect for making everyday journaling feel a little more special

2. Task Planning

Prioritise daily tasks with cheerful to-do list sticky notes - checking off tasks is instantly satisfying, so you may be surprised at just how much your productivity increases! Choose your favourite animal-themed designs. Suitable for use at home, school or in the office with friends and colleagues!

We absolutely love these Mind Wave To-Do List Sticky Notes! the Ragdoll design might just be our favourite!

3. Weekly Organisation

Use sticky tabs and page markers to quickly navigate your notebook or planner while adding personality to your pages. Browse all the adorably cute designs and find your favourites, sure to add a splash of colour and speed up your ability to find important information!

Find the range here - Sticky Tabs & Page Markers

4. Desk Refresh

Keep your workspace tidy and fun with Midori paper clips, which add a playful touch while keeping documents organised. With a variety of designs including cats, dogs, and our favourite - penguins - be sure to find ones you'll love!

Show your desk some love today! Midori Paper Clips

5. Highlight Your Priorities

Make important tasks pop with dual-tip markers - perfect for colour-coding goals and creating a visually motivating plan. 

We love these Kokuyo Mark + Dual Tip Markers which allow you to both highlight and underline with ease. Mild bright colours add colour without making the page overwhelming to read.

Quick Tips for Fun and Organised Planning

• Colour-code tasks: Make your schedule visually engaging and easier to follow.

• Celebrate small wins: Use stickers or tabs to mark completed tasks - it feels rewarding!

• Mix and match designs: Choose stationery that reflects your personality.

• Keep your desk inspiring: A cheerful workspace encourages consistency and motivation.

Let's make it an uplifting start to 2026!

Planning your days doesn’t have to be dull, in fact we believe finding joy in the small things can make each new day one to really look forward to! Japanese stationery combines function with fun, making daily routines more enjoyable and goals more achievable. Start the year inspired, organised, and playful with our curated selection of stationery essentials.

At Dreaming of Tokyo, we believe stationery should do more than just serve a purpose — it should make everyday organisation something to enjoy. From playful designs to thoughtfully made tools, Japanese stationery brings together function and personality. Here are a few common questions we’re often asked about using stationery to stay organised.

Q: Why does fun stationery help with organisation?

A: Stationery that feels enjoyable to use can increase motivation and consistency. When planning tools are visually appealing, people are more likely to engage with them regularly rather than seeing organisation as a chore.

Q: How can stationery support better daily habits?

A: Writing tasks, notes, or reflections by hand helps create intentional pauses in the day. Stationery designed for planning and note-taking encourages small, repeatable habits that are easier to maintain over time.

Q: Is writing things down still effective in a digital world?

A: Yes. Many people find that handwriting improves focus and memory compared to typing. Using notebooks and planners can help reduce digital distractions while making tasks feel more tangible and achievable.

Q: What makes Japanese stationery different from standard stationery?

A: Japanese stationery often combines thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and playful details. This balance of function and personality makes everyday tasks feel more engaging and rewarding.

Q: How can colour help with planning and productivity?

A: Colour can help visually separate tasks, priorities, or subjects. Using markers, tabs, or sticky notes in different colours makes information easier to scan and can improve recall and organisation.

Q: What’s a simple way to stay organised without overcomplicating things?

A: Start with just one or two stationery items that suit your routine, such as a notebook and sticky notes. Building a system gradually helps avoid overwhelm and makes organisation feel more natural.

Q: Can stationery help create better study or work environments?

A: A visually inviting workspace can improve focus and reduce stress. Stationery that feels fun and personal can make desks more enjoyable places to work or study, encouraging longer periods of concentration.

Q: How do you choose stationery that fits your personality?

A: Look for colours, patterns, or themed designs that you naturally gravitate towards. Stationery that reflects your taste is more likely to be used regularly and become part of your everyday routine.

Let's Make 2026 Fun and Organised!

Your New Year doesn’t have to be all lists and deadlines - it can be colourful, playful, and enjoyable. Whether you’re jotting down goals, ticking off tasks, or highlighting your priorities, the right stationery can make every step feel a little more rewarding.

Explore our curated range of Japanese stationery, find pieces that bring you joy, and start the year with organisation that actually inspires you. Which item will be your first pick for a fun, fresh start? Let us know in the comments below!