Japanese pen cases are popular souvenirs for foreigners. A wide variety of pen cases are sold in Japan, ranging from pen cases handcrafted by Japanese artisans to items that are easy to use in real life. Some foreigners who love Japan may want to purchase a pen case with their favorite Japanese character, while others may want to give a uniquely Japanese pen case as a souvenir to a friend or family member. Therefore, this article introduces six pen cases recommended by foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. Please refer to them when you stop by a nearby department store or general store during your trip to Kyoto or Osaka.
Hello Kitty Gold Brocade Pen Case” is very popular among foreigners
The pen case recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Hello Kitty Kinran Pen Case” (1,760 yen including tax).
The “Hello Kitty Kinran Pen Case” is very popular among foreign tourists as an item that combines Japanese style and fashion. The gorgeous gold brocade fabric is used, and the kitty design gives it a cute, grown-up look. In particular, this pen case made of gorgeous Japanese fabrics is a highly valuable Japan-only product that cannot be obtained overseas. In addition, in the 1990s, fans known as “Kitty-lers” appeared not only in Japan but also around the world, and the designs, which were conscious of the fashion trends of the time, gained support. Today, Hello Kitty products are used by celebrities from abroad, and their popularity continues to grow both in Japan and abroad. As a character that blends culture and trends, Hello Kitty also has a charm of its own as a Japanese souvenir pen case.
Nishijin brocade pen case” with beautiful colors of textile
The next most popular Japanese souvenir pen case for foreigners is the Nishijin brocade pen case (6,980 yen including tax).
The Nishijin brocade pen case is a luxurious item that uses traditional Japanese weaving techniques and is characterized by its gorgeous colors and delicate patterns. Nishijin brocade is made of beautifully dyed threads woven using a variety of techniques, creating a luxury that cannot be expressed in print. It will be suitable not only for business and daily use, but also for storing accessories, USB memory sticks, and other small items. In addition, this pen case is decorated with auspicious designs such as chrysanthemums and turtles. The chrysanthemum is a flower so noble that it is used as the emperor’s crest and symbolizes “longevity and immortality,” while the tortoise has been considered a lucky animal since ancient times as a symbol of longevity and steadfastness. A pen case that combines ease of use and good fortune is truly a perfect souvenir.
Japanese Pattern Pen Case” made of Kimono
The “Japanese Pattern Pen Case” (2,000 yen including tax) is another recommended Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
The Japanese Pattern Pen Case is a one-of-a-kind item made from beautiful antique kimono fabric. It features a slim, triangular silhouette, making it perfect for adult women. The fabric is decorated with traditional kimono patterns and auspicious motifs such as red and white cranes and peach blossoms. The cranes symbolize longevity and the power to reach the heavens, while the peach blossoms signify longevity and prosperity of offspring, both of which have been valued as lucky charms since ancient times. The inside of the pen case is made of selvedge denim, which increases strength but does not damage the kimono fabric. Because of its Japanese pattern, it is very popular as a souvenir or special gift for foreigners. This Japanese pattern pen case will be a perfect gift that allows you to feel the tradition and beauty of Japan even in foreign countries.
Yuzen pen case” made of genuine leather, handcrafted by artisans
The next recommended pen case as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Yuzen Pen Case” (6,600 yen including tax).
The Yuzen Pen Case is made of genuine leather, each one dyed by hand by craftsmen, and features an elegant floral pattern. The pen case is made of bunko leather finished using traditional craft techniques, and stands out for its delicate and vivid colors. All patterns are hand-painted and color-coded, and each one has a different expression, boasting a unique beauty. The depth and luster of the patterns will increase as the bag ages, and the more it is used, the more attractive it will become. The interior is made of canvas for durability and is slim enough to hold four to five ballpoint pens or mechanical pencils. It is also equipped with an interior pocket convenient for storing small items, making it a popular item as a practical and luxurious pen case for adults.
Kakishibu Dyed 3-Pen Case” finished by a technique handed down from long ago
The “Kakishibu Dyed 3 Pen Cases” (55,000 yen including tax) are also recommended as Japanese souvenirs for foreigners.
The Kakishibu Dyed 3 Pen Case is a luxurious item finished using the traditional Japanese technique of Kakishibu Dyeing. Kakishibu dyeing is a technique in which the unripe fruit of astringent persimmons is pressed, fermented, and ripened to produce a dye that is applied by hand to the leather using a brush over and over again to produce a unique deep hue and texture. This technique is characterized by the fact that the color changes over the years, and the more the leather is used, the deeper the color becomes. In addition, the tannin coated over by the persimmon tannin dyeing process forms a film that enhances the waterproof effect and protects your precious pens. The pen case is a hard type that can hold three pens and has a clip insertion space and a removable divider, allowing even thicker pens such as fountain pens to be stored gracefully. This pen case, a fusion of traditional technology and functionality, would be an ideal Japanese souvenir that can be used for a long time.
The practical “Detekuur Pen Case” that can be used standing up
The last recommended pen case as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Detekuur Pen Case” (2,090 yen including tax).
The Dete Cool Pen Case is a stand-up pen case that emphasizes practicality and features a slanted design for ease of use. The opening is tilted toward the front, making it easy to find and remove pens, and even short pens can be stored in an easy-to-see manner. When putting them back in, the diagonal tilt pulls the remaining pens toward the front for smooth storage. It also has excellent storage capacity, holding up to 30 pens with a 10 mm shaft diameter and 22 pens with a 12 mm shaft diameter, making it ideal for people who use larger bags or backpacks. In addition, it has an inner pocket and dividers that make it easy to organize stationery other than pens. The wide variety of colors, including black, gray, and navy, is also attractive, and the Detekur pen case, which combines functionality and design, is favored by a wide range of people, from students to businesspeople.
Conclusion
In this issue, we introduced six Japanese pen cases recommended for foreigners. In Japan, there are numerous pen cases, such as pen cases using the ancient technique of persimmon tannin dyeing, those made by hand by craftsmen, and those that can be used while standing up. There are also a variety of materials used to make pen cases, such as Nishijin brocade, a traditional textile, and genuine leather, which becomes better the more it is used. If you want a Japanese pen case, why not visit a department store or general merchandise store in Kyoto or Osaka, see the products with your own eyes, and purchase a souvenir?
