Experience exceptional writing performance in a remarkably slim notebook. Featuring 336 pages of ultra-lightweight Tomoe River S paper, this softcover notebook combines outstanding fountain pen performance with a flexible, minimalist design.
Made in Japan with premium woven book cloth and a sewn binding, it's designed for those who appreciate exceptional paper, thoughtful construction, and the simple pleasure of writing.
Why It's Special
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336 fountain-pen-friendly pages in an exceptionally slim profile
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Flexible, sewn binding that opens comfortably for writing
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Premium Japanese woven book cloth with a water-resistant finish
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Minimalist design for distraction-free writing
See our paper performance test
Detailed specs:
- 336 pages of white 52 gsm Tomoe River S paper
- A5 size: 148 x 210 x 17.5 mm
- Light gray 7 mm ruling
- Stitched binding with 21 signatures
- Water-resistant premium Japanese woven book cloth softcover
- Black woven bookmark
- Pink blotter sheet
- Gray end papers
- Made in Japan
About Tomoe River Paper
Tomoe River is legendary among fountain pen enthusiasts for its remarkable combination of thinness, light weight, and exceptional ink performance.
Originally manufactured by Tomoegawa, the paper became famous for its ability to handle fountain pen ink with minimal feathering and bleed-through while beautifully displaying ink shading and sheen.
When Tomoegawa discontinued production, Sanzen Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. took over the Tomoe River name and developed a new version: Tomoe River S, with the "S" standing for Sanzen.
There have been three distinct versions of 52 gsm Tomoe River paper:
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Original (Old) Tomoe River: Manufactured by Tomoegawa on Machine No. 7. Now discontinued.
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New Tomoe River: Manufactured by Tomoegawa on Machine No. 9. A short-lived replacement with different writing characteristics. Also discontinued.
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Tomoe River S: The current version, manufactured by Sanzen, with a redesigned surface and improved everyday usability.
Despite the potentially confusing names, Tomoe River S is distinct from both the "original" and "new" Tomoegawa papers.
How Does Tomoe River S Compare to the Original?
Tomoe River S retains many of the qualities that made the original paper so beloved:
- Exceptionally thin and lightweight at just 52 gsm
- Outstanding performance with fountain pen ink
- Beautiful ink shading and sheen
- Distinctive, almost fabric-like drape
However, Sanzen's paper introduces several notable differences:
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Improved opacity: Less show-through (ghosting), although some remains due to the paper's exceptionally light weight
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Greater resistance to bleed-through: Better control of ink penetration
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More natural surface feel: Slightly more tactile feedback while remaining smooth
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Faster ink drying: Generally shorter drying times, depending on the pen and ink
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More controlled ink lines: Less spreading and pooling with many inks
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Improved rollerball performance: Better compatibility with a wider range of writing instruments
Our Thoughts
As writers, journalers, and notetakers, we find that the most noticeable difference is how the paper feels.
Original Tomoe River is exceptionally smooth, with a distinctive crinkly quality reminiscent of onionskin paper. Tomoe River S retains much of that smoothness but offers a slightly crisper, more natural writing experience.
In our opinion, Tomoe River S is a more approachable paper for everyday use. It preserves the qualities that made the original famous while improving practical performance in several areas.
For those who love the extraordinary thinness of Tomoe River but prefer a more tactile, versatile writing surface, Tomoe River S strikes an excellent balance.
