Description
The History: Why Mitsubishi Bank Paper is Special
Developed for Japanese Banking (1960)
Japanese Mitsubishi Bank Paper Watermark:
“The three Diamonds”
Only seen when you hold the paper to light
1. The Cotton-Pulp Blend Formula
From Cotton:
• Increased power and hardness
• Subtle tactile textures
• Archival Longevity
• Resistant to tearing
• Luxury quality
From Wood Pulp:
• Precise Ink Absorption Control
• Smoothened writing surface
• Economical manufacturing
• Consistency of performance
The Result: A paper that feels substantial yet smooth, with just enough texture to provide pleasant writing feedback without being rough
2. Detailed Performance Characteristics
Exceptional Ink Behavior
Quick Dry Times: According to expert testing by The Pen Addict, Bank Paper demonstrates quick dry times” with fountain pen inks – faster than many papers in its weight class. This makes it ideal for:
• Left-handed writers (reduced smudging)
• Fast note-taking
• Professional environments
• Multi-page documents
Accurate Color Reproduction
Expert reviews consistently note Bank Paper’s “accurate color
reproduction” – inks appear true to their intended colors without the paper adding warmth or coolness. This is critical for:
• Ink testing and comparison
• Color-coordinated note systems
• Professional color accuracy
• Showcasing ink collections
Enhanced Shading & Sheet
Specially developed in collaboration with Yamamoto Paper
Mills, Bank Paper Takasago Premium “has been carefully tailored to make fountain pen inks appear as vibrant as possible and show off their shading and sheen.” The paper brings out “many nuances in an ink” – even low-shading inks look impressive.
Zero Bleed-Through, Minimal See-Through
Expert Testing Results: Multiple independent reviews confirm: “Zero see-through and bleed-through” even with heavily saturated inks. One reviewer noted: “It took quite some effort before I got any bleed-through” when intentionally saturating a spot with ink. This makes Bank Paper exceptional for:
• Confident double-sided writing
• Professional documents
• Archival records
• Shared documents
3. The Engineering
The cotton-pulp blend and specialized manufacturing process create a paper with “no see-through” while maintaining excellent fountain pen performance – a rare combination in papers under 90gsm.
4. Quality Assurance & Genuine Mitsubishi Manufacturing
Authenticity Markers:
• Three Diamonds” watermark on every sheet
• Takasago factory production (Hyogo Prefecture)
• Cotton-pulp blend composition
• 87.9gsm weight specification
Storage & Condition
Our Stock:
• Stored in climate-controlled environment
• Protected from moisture and sunlight
• Original manufacturing quality preserved
• Ready for immediate use
• Ships with protective packaging
Frequently Asked Questions : Mitsubishi Bank Paper 87.9 gsm
Q: Why is it called “Bank Paper“?
A: Bank Paper was specifically developed in 1960 by Mitsubishi Paper Mills for use in Japanese bank ledgers. Banks needed paper that was durable, provided smooth writing with all instruments, prevented see-through (critical for financial records), and would archive well for decades. The name reflects its original purpose and professional pedigree.
Q: What is the “Three Diamonds” watermark?
A: The Three Diamonds is Mitsubishi Paper Mills’ quality mark, visible when you hold the paper to light. It serves as proof of authentic Mitsubishi manufacturing and represents their commitment to premium paper quality. In Japanese banking, this watermark became synonymous with reliability and professionalism.
Q: How does 87.9 gsm compare to other fountain pen papers?
A: At 87.9 gsm, Mitsubishi Bank Paper is heavier than ultra-light papers like Tomoe River (52 gsm) and medium-weight papers like B7 Natural (75 gsm), but similar to Rhodia (90 gsm). This weight provides excellent show-through control and professional appearance while maintaining superior fountain pen performance due to its specialized sizing and cotton content.
Q: Can I use both sides of the paper?
A: Absolutely! Mitsubishi Bank Paper was specifically designed for double-sided use in bank ledgers. Multiple expert reviews confirm “zero see-through and bleed-through.” The 87.9 gsm weight and specialized sizing ensure confident double-sided writing with any fountain pen.
Q: Why was Mitsubishi Bank Paper discontinued?
A: While Mitsubishi hasn’t publicly stated specific reasons, specialty papers are often discontinued due to manufacturing complexity (the cotton-pulp blend requires traditional techniques).
