Tomoe River Sanzen Fountain Pen paper notebook
52gsm | A5 Size | White | 384 Pages | Blank & 5mm dot options | Stitched Binding
Tomoe River Notebook Technical Specifications
384 pages paper notebook
Tomoe River Sanzen paper notebook, 52 gsm
Made With the 2023 batch: no quality defect (no bleed, no feathering)
White color
A5 size: A5: 148mm × 210mm (5.8″ × 8.3″)
Page layout: blank or 5mm dot
Sewn switched binding for long durability
Medium-hard kraft paper cover, chocolate brown
Lay Flat
Tomoe River Sanzen Paper Characteristics
The Tomoe River Sanzen paper notebooks currently sold on our shop are made with the 2023 batch. We have sold hundred of them last year ( end of 2023 to early 2024) when our shop was still on the Etsy platform. We never received a single claim as for the quality of the notebook paper with regards to bleeding, feathering, scratching…..: none! People are still reordering them till today, but when the current stock vanishes, we really do not know if we would make them again, unless the quality issue observed in the batchs of 2024 2025 have been resolved. Kindly place your Tomoe River Sanzen notebook paper order with confidence till the stock last!
What Stayed the Same (The Good Stuff)
- Ultra-light 52gsm weight – The iconic thinness
- Exceptional ink performance – Shows shading and sheen beautifully
- Zero feathering – Clean, precise lines with any fountain pen
- Minimal bleed-through – Safe for double-sided writing
- Smooth writing surface – Effortless gliding under any nib
- True ink colors – Accurate color reproduction
- Premium quality – Japanese manufacturing excellence
What Changed (Often for the Better)
According to extensive community testing and expert reviews:
Improved Characteristics:
- Less show-through and ghosting compared to original
- Faster drying times while maintaining excellent ink display
- Feels more substantial for the same 52gsm weight
- Slightly more texture that works well with smoother pens and wetter inks
- Better sizing that retains ink within fibers for cleaner appearance
Subtle Differences:
- Slightly toothier feel, though differences are minor
- Faster liquid absorption (but better retention prevents show-through)
- Marginally less sheen than 2018 original (still excellent)
Detailed Performance Characteristics
Exceptional Ink Display
Tomoe River Sanzen maintains the legendary ink performance that made the original famous. It works great with any ink and shows off all of those wonderful ink properties really well, including shading gradations, sheen effects, and true color reproduction.
Improved Practical Characteristics
The Sanzen version offers practical improvements:
- Faster drying – Less smudging risk while maintaining excellent shading
- Less ghosting – Better opacity for professional double-sided use
- Better sizing – Improved ink retention within paper fibers
- Enhanced feel – Slightly more substantial without added weight
- Smooth Writing Experience
While Tomoe River Sanzen paper feels slightly toothier, the differences are so minor that most users find it perfectly smooth. Some users even prefer the touch more texture, especially with smoother pens and wetter inks.
Versatile Fountain Pen Compatibility
Works beautifully with:
- All nib sizes (Extra Fine to Broad)
- All ink types (standard, shimmer, sheen, iron gall)
- All pen brands (Japanese, European, American)
- All writing styles (daily writing, calligraphy, art)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Sanzen compare to the original Tomoe River?
A: If the paper batch has no quality issue, Sanzen maintains the essential Tomoe River characteristics with some practical improvements. Many users find they even prefer it, especially with smoother pens and wetter inks.
Q: Will my favorite inks work on Sanzen?
A: Yes – it works great with any ink and shows off all of those wonderful ink properties really well. The improved sizing actually makes it more forgiving with wet inks.
Q: Is the kraft paper cover durable enough?
A: Yes – medium-hard kraft paper provides excellent protection while maintaining flexibility. It’s perfect for daily use and can be enhanced with additional covers if desired.
Q: Can I use this with Traveler’s Notebook systems?
A: Absolutely! The A5 size and sewn binding make these perfect inserts for A5 Traveler’s Notebook systems. Just add your preferred cover.
Q: Which color should I choose – white or cream?
A: It’s personal preference – both perform identically. Choose white for maximum ink color accuracy and modern appearance, or cream for easier-on-the-eyes extended writing and vintage aesthetic.
Q: Is this really worth the premium over regular notebooks?
A: If you use fountain pens regularly, yes. The difference in writing experience is dramatic – smooth gliding, beautiful ink display, and zero feathering. It transforms fountain pen writing from functional to pleasurable.
Packing an order
While writing this article, we just received a Tomoe river Sanzen paper notebook order, 52 gsm. Depending on the weight, we ship through Japan FedEx or Japan post. Notebooks or loose leaf pack are carefully and securely packed like in the pictures, and shipped within next 48 hours business day, excepted weekends.
