Elegant Japanese Letter Paper from Haibara: A Gift to Delight
Delightful “Haibara” Japanese Stationery
Special Contents
Letter paper so beautiful you can’t help but admire it
Unlike SNS or email, handwriting conveys genuine feelings through the written words.
Have you ever struggled to find letter paper that truly suits your taste?
Haibara’s Japanese stationery embodies sophistication and thoughtful craftsmanship, featuring refined designs made with high-quality washi and traditional techniques. Here, we introduce Japanese stationery that expresses care and elegance.
The Secret Behind the Joy of Receiving Haibara Stationery
Simple and Gentle Use of Color
Haibara’s Japanese stationery stands out for its superior washi and soft, harmonious tones that blend beautifully with the written characters. Designs by renowned artists such as Shibata Zeshin, Kawanabe Kyosai, and Takehisa Yumeji are representative of Haibara’s signature style. The nostalgic charm, gentle hues, and refined elegance have earned broad popularity.
Exceptional Writing Feel Unique to Washi
Cherished by literary figures of the past, the smooth texture of this paper provides an outstanding writing experience. For letters you wish to write carefully, why not take your time and enjoy the pleasant feel of each stroke?
Meticulous Handcraftsmanship: “Woodblock Printing”
The colored edges of Haibara’s letter sets are hand-painted one by one using the brush-pulling technique. The vivid colors achieved through this hand-printing method highlight the artisans’ dedication and attention to detail, embodying a true spirit of craftsmanship.
Over 200 Years of History
Haibara – A Long-Established Japanese Paper Shop in Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Founded in 1806 (Bunka 3), Haibara began when the first owner, Sasuke, opened a washi shop in Nihonbashi. For over 200 years, Haibara has continued to offer traditional Japanese paper in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi, maintaining the essence of Japanese culture through the ages. The Haibara trademark attached to its products stands as a symbol of unwavering quality since its founding.
Exhibited at the Vienna and Paris World Expositions
During Japan’s modernization in the Meiji era, Haibara became the first company to export washi and import Western paper. Haibara exhibited its washi at the 1873 Vienna World Exposition and the 1878 Paris Exposition, receiving commendations. Some of these papers are preserved today in institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, the Glasgow Museum, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre in France.
Highly Acclaimed Both Domestically and Internationally
Despite suffering heavy damage during the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, Haibara managed to recover and stabilize its business. In response to automation and efficiency trends in the postwar era, it established a printing factory for recording paper in 1964 to strengthen production. The high quality of its products even led to their use in NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Today, Haibara continues to be trusted both in Japan and abroad, expanding its product range to include office supplies and adapting to the IT age.
Accordion Letter Paper Series
Winner of the Good Design Award
Born from the concept of traditional scroll paper, this innovative letter paper received the Good Design Award in 2012. The palm-sized mini accordion version has also been well received.
Featured in Renowned Magazines
Attracting Attention Across Media
Haibara’s long-loved stationery has been featured in numerous magazines and publications.
■Media Coverage (Selected Highlights)| 2016.08.29 | Kotorippu Magazine Special Edition: Tokyo Guide |
| 2016.07.07 | “Kotorippu Tokyo” |
| 2016.07.07 | “VOGUE JAPAN” August 2016 Issue |
| 2016.06.14 | “Serai” July 2016 Issue |
| 2016.04.12 | “Discover Japan” |
| 2016.03.23 | “&Premium No.29” |
| 2016.03.15 | “Mrs.” April 2016 Issue |
Haibara Products Recommended by Shoyu
A Wide Range of Elegant, High-Quality Stationery and Envelopes
Handwritten words reflect the writer’s heart and character. Thinking carefully about “how to write” and “which paper to use” shows thoughtfulness toward the recipient. For someone special, choosing the right stationery is part of the message itself. At Shoyu Online, we offer a variety of Haibara-made stationery so you can find the perfect match from a wide selection.
For Close Friends
For close friends, we recommend the simple “Accordion Letter Paper” or “Takehisa Yumeji One-Stroke Letter Pad.”
Mini Accordion Letter Paper
A compact box containing accordion-style letter paper that can be cut to any length, along with five small envelopes.
Accordion Letter Set
Loved by writers of old, this letter paper offers a smooth and pleasant writing feel. Perfect for letters you wish to write slowly and carefully.
Takehisa Yumeji One-Stroke Letter Pad
A small 20-sheet pad featuring envelope designs created by the famous artist Takehisa Yumeji.
For Someone Senior or Formal Correspondence
For formal letters or to someone senior, we recommend the luxurious “Colored-Edge Letter Set” or the elegant “Takehisa Yumeji One-Stroke Letter Pad.”
Colored-Edge Letter Set
A set of six letter sheets and three envelopes made from white washi, bordered using traditional woodblock printing and brush-coloring techniques.
Takehisa Yumeji One-Stroke Letter Pad
A small 20-sheet pad featuring envelope designs created by the famous artist Takehisa Yumeji.
For Small Gifts
For small tokens of appreciation, we recommend “Pochi-bukuro” (mini envelopes). They express thoughtfulness better than a simple handoff.
Pochi-Bukuro (Mini Envelope)
Small palm-sized envelopes with traditional patterns—perfect for wrapping small gifts and sentiments.