I heard back from hobo when I complained about my weekly planner behaving like your A5 notebook. They consider, except the 5 year techo paper, and only because it was really bad and it was 5 year book, to be meeting their standards, the implication was we are too expectant of the paper. They told me it's due to "natural material that paper is made of - wood pulp" and that its "hard to balance thinness of the paper with writing qualities". They told me they will be not replacing or accepting the returns of the books. Having worked in paper industry - wood pulp excuse is bullsh*te. Every paper is made of some kind of natural pulp, but you don't see every paper having very different properties from batch to batch. It is clear that Sanzen does something wrong- either they are experimenting with the recipe or production, my guess is partially because the production line of original paper is physically lost or they are trying to cut costs in some way with the recipe. The issue with paper is that the outer sizing is totally off. The paper is matte to touch, when it was slick before, the ink sat on the paper, it didn't sink like it does now. I can't say what they are doing exactly wrong, but neither Hobo nor Sanzen are willing to take any blame and say sorry (which has a lot to do with general Japanese work culture and etiquette, but it's not here and there). Them even acknowledging the 5 year planner issues is huge on itself. The issues with paper are way too weird, because last year's Sanzen's paper was... really fine. This year's didn't even sit next to it in the PE class for whole 4 years in high school. I have no idea what their plans are, because clearly it is an issue and I'm not sure how many people bought hobo planners for "hobo" and how many did it for "tomoe river". I know for sure I won't be buying mine next year early (if at all), at least not until I see somebody do tests. I'm personally less annoyed with not being able to write with my inks, I'm ok with ballpoints, I am just at this point pissed at their response - it's ok, we are doing it on the norm, it's you who expect too much. I already ordered a Kinbor to see if it works nicely and will be considering it for next year if my test go well.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insights! I hadn't considered the cultural difference but it's a huge factor. My husband used to work for a Japanese company and it was interesting to see how different things were done. It awesome to have someone who understand paper chime in. I feel like they are cutting a corner not realizing how important whatever step is. I agree last years paper while not the old paper was fine or acceptable, this year just isn't. I'm with you on next year. I might be done with all Tome River paper from here on out. I do wonder if Hobonichi will switch to a different paper because I think a lot of people are feeling that way. I think they feel lied to about the paper and then are being told it's their fault which I don't think will end well for them. Thank you for not only taking the time to respond but adding such valuable information.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I laughed a lot when I learned that sometimes Japanese firms hire honorary Americans or Europeans to say how it is, because Japanese are genetically incapable of not being yes men to their bosses, haha. I think it's both business (their stock is already very low, so they can't afford a paper-gate) and cultural decision, but with culture being so different for them and non-Asians it reads to us badly. I touch a lot of paper and can easily figure out what is what and I still never expected the feeling of "offness" I got with this year's Tomoe. By just touching it I knew it was gonna be a ride this year. And not all batches are the same, i also got blank white paper A5 notebooks and they are not very different from before. Maybe this was 2023 batch? No idea. But I do feel almost Stockholm syndrom'ed by hobo and I really don't want to combo-break my almost 10 year streak. As for switching paper- I have no clue. Hobo is so intertwined with Tomoe River as a brand and my guess is they had a lot to do with revival of production, likely they have some long term contracts with the producer- their paper is thinner than stock Tomoe (maybe which is why other planners don't have as many issues?), it will be hard for them to swap and even harder to convince already jaded buyers. The question still remains- how many people care about hobo and how many care about tomoe river first. (ie. I never cared about hobo- their famous quotes they are so proud of? I never read them, expecting some wise sayings like usual- today I read one for the first time time - and while they are a hoot and we had a day today reading them in my office, because wtflmao?!??! XD, I really wish they aren't taking the space. But seriously, wtf hobo? Who picks those quotes XD). Just once thing- Hobonichi doesn't say outright it is our fault we expect too much, it's just the sentiment underlying in their reply. They, hobo, are doing everything right, evrything is to specks, diferences happen, so there is no issue. I think they even changed descriptions on their pages from "good with inks" to "good with some inks, needs testing" to cover their bases.
I agree that this is a Sanzen across the board issue. This is the first time I’m hearing problems with a Sterling Ink planner (which I have two of…and I’ve been a bit lazy with set up, but have had no problems with the Energel 0.4 which I’ve seen on people’s Hobo Weeks and Cousins.) I did do a fountain pen test/regular pens test in the back when I first got it, and zero problems, looked great. The paper feels good…but like the Hobo Cousin, I’ve heard that the problems are sporadic throughout the paper. When you advertise as being good at something, and you fail at that, that’s unacceptable, particularly for the price point they are asking. When I buy a Rhodia notebook, the paper performs like every single other Rhodia, and it performs wonderfully. For next year’s planner, I’m not going to buy one with TRP. I was a BuJo person for years, and having a notebook works for me…as a time saver, there are plenty of stamps and stickers you can buy to make calendars and things like that, which in total probably cost less that a $60 Hobonichi (made with a junky cardstock cover, so you have to spend more money to cover it with something else 🙄) and I hope that the smaller independent companies are looking at using different paper in their planners. I think this is a time that other paper companies can really step up and say, “we make great paper that will work well with fountain pens, water colors, markers, gel pens, etc” and approach these companies and say, ‘use our paper, you won’t have problems.” I would point at two companies to make a change (addition) with their planners and/or paper: Midori - the cream is lovely, but people want a white option, make the same stuff in white. Rhodia: You make all of your wonderful regular notebooks in white…why are your planners in cream…and I mean yellow basically. Leuchterm 1917 (regular 60gsm?) make all your notebooks in the 100 or 120 gsm and sell your planners in two 6 month books if you want a page a day. The regular Leuchterm just bleeds way too much…and it’s too cream. Iroful: now is your time to shine…start ramping up production because you’ve been found and a lot of people like you. Kokuyo - you make a fabulous paper in the Business paper, and pretty darn good in the Campus. I know you make the Jibun Techo, but you could make an A5/A6 that’s a little less intense and less colorful, and fits in normal size covers, or just sell your paper to all of these wonderful independent planner companies and they can work their magic with it. The quality control for TRP is abysmal right now and Japanese cultural practices are going to totally destroy this paper’s reputation (if it hasn’t completely already.) I’m amazed that people are even saying “maybe I’m being too picky…” No! The product advertises itself as being able to do something and it’s failing to do that. That’s not being picky, that’s expecting something to perform as advertised. Hobonichi’s “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” gaslighting of their customers is ridiculous. Their statement of “this falls within in our quality standards” tells me that their quality standards are crap, and they don’t care about their customers, and they want to overcharge you based on name alone and expect you to keep quiet about paying top dollar for a piece of junk. I really hear you, OP, and if Hobonichi and TRP only sold in Japan, then maybe their customers would put up with it. But this is a global product, and other cultures aren’t going to…and other companies are going to yank your customer base with a product they stand behind that is consistently what is claims to be. (Sorry for the rant…this whole situation just gets me going…especially hearing people questioning themselves vs questioning a product because…it’s the Great and Powerful TRP and/or Hobonichi!!!! Their product is the problem, not the user. Even that ugly ballpoint they give you when you make a mega order is bleeding through the pages. Bye bye, Hobo and TRP, you are losing your customer base and doing absolutely the opposite of even trying to save your sinking ship.
@@mollymollie6048 Eta: I copied their email in another top comment under the vid. no worries, the rant is warranted, I agree with majority of what you said, except that sometimes white paper isn't an option, as it can lose properties due to bleaching the pulp and the only reason I'm still considering hobo next year, is because it would be my 10th year with, I'm pretty much very not into combo breaking, lmao. But! I won't let you besmirch the love of my life, Jetstream ballpoint they're adding, I don't think we can be friends after that 🤣 Tho I never heard of ballpoint bleeding, this is the lowest low if true.
@ Yep, it bled through the Weeks on another channel, who’s as frustrated as she is. They have a Twine and Paper…intermittently messed up, bleeding, feathering, and the Weeks is pretty unusable. (Sorry, about abusing your favorite ballpoint…I come from a time when the Bic ballpoint and Mead notebook paper was all we had…it was dark and sad…so I see ballpoint and immediately hug a delightful Pentel Energel to my chest!) I figured that getting the paper super white would make a real change…but obviously Rhodia makes a ton of white paper, so no problem there. Maybe Midori likes differentiating themselves with their cream, and it fits with Travelers esthetic. But, they have some white paper as well, I swear…it might be time for them to start experimenting…although, I don’t think they have any shortage of people buying their stuff. Idk why Rhodia makes their planners so yellow. Leuchterm, I’m not a fan of their OG notebook, and I’ve heard good things about the 100/120 (can’t remember.) They aren’t super yellow…but I think they’re overpriced for what you get, imo. Thanks for supporting my rant. Now I’m worried about my Sterling Ink…although, if it starts giving me problems, it does. I’ll just deal with it and experiment with other notebooks. I can BuJo with anything…you can slap your own cover on any notebook and buy some good quality Kokuyo Business printer paper and print out calendars, etc and glue them in, or use a plastic rings binder or whatever. I feel bad for people who have loved this product for years and no longer have something that was a part of their daily lives. I also hate the blame the customer attitude and just ignoring that people shelled out a lot of money for what they thought was a high quality product. Hobonichi has become so cash grabby with the insane prices they charge for their “accessories.” I would see people unboxing thousands of dollars worth of covers, etc, and think…jeez, their marketing really got to you, I guess. I hope you can pay that credit card bill! Their business practices really really turned me off. I totally get it that you have to have year 10, it makes total sense. I’m like that with the 5 year journals…I’d never get one cause I’d think I’m jinxing myself into assuming I’m around for 5 more years (I’m not old, it just feels like you are assuming something and you’ve tempted the jinx!) 🤣
Sanzen has really let a lot of people down. I don’t think it’s the separate planner makers. They cannot test every single paper, especially if you expect it to be the same paper as years before. This year was definitely something different. And Sanzen quality control was a let down. As for the Iroful paper, it’s very similar to Cosmo Air Light paper and oils from your hands will affect the ink. Try adding a piece of paper to place under your hand while writing and it will hopefully help. Good luck.
Your completely right. I feel horrible for some of the smaller planner companies that made planners this year. This really hurts their brand as a hole. I'm worried some of them may not recover honestly. I didn't even think about the oils from my hand but I bet your right. Thanks so much for that little bit of info! I have so much to learn with fountain pens still.
I'm sitting here watching your video comparing paper for fountain pen inks, and I started to smile. This old woman remembers learning penmanship in school using a fountain pen that had brand new ink cartridges! No more filling up the pen by handing it to the teacher because of the mess we students made. I can't get involved in the fountain pen craze because of those fond and funny memories.
I love this little story. It also makes me a little sad to think we have come from that to my own children aren't even learning cursive in school these days. There is an art and something special when you put pen to paper that a whole new generation will miss. When you were is school did you use a specific pen? I know that's a silly question but I wonder about those type of things.
Haha, right? It’s nice to know we’re all in this planner chaos together! I kept thinking what am I doing wrong. And the way It can even be different on one page is totally messing with me.
Sadly we were all impacted by the Sanzen batch issues for 2025 planner production. Not one shop got away unscathed and it’s very frustrating. I did test the paper before production even I’ve used it for a few years. And also tested after production. But not all pages are bad and not even all parts of a page. The inconsistency made it impossible to foresee this sadly. But I know I for one did do due diligence and I know another shop did too (though I don’t think you mentioned them in this video). I do have a blog post on my site after a series of conversations with Sanzen and will continue to have conversations with them as they work thru the improvements needed with their production and QC standards. They have been made aware of what our standards as consumers is…what we expect for our paper and what we want to use in our planners and where our bar is. But those of us working with them and talking with them will continue to impress that upon them. And I know I for one am testing out quite a few papers for future launches. Though in all honestly regardless of this issue that came up with the recent batches I was already planning to use something other than 52gsm TRP for my products. That was always my intent. And I have something coming in a few months I’m super excited about.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It's so hard and a lot of us just feel bad for the shop owners. I appreciate all the hard work you are putting into finding a solution. Feel free to add a link to your article if you want, I think people would find that helpful. I'm excited to see what product your coming out with...if it's another planner with better paper sign me up :)
The Campus Paper you mentioned is by Kokuyo and they are the makers of the Jibun Techo line of planners. Their paper is reliable and definitely FP friendly. They mentioned they are planning to have an English version of their planners soon. Also curious you mentioned Aura Estelle as they use TRP. 😅 But I haven't seen any users of AE have issues with their planners.
I had never heard of Aura Estelle until JuliaHere set it up for her Ink Journal and within a couple of weeks she was dumping it and switching to something else (I can’t remember what that was). I was disappointed because I liked the looks of their planner.☹️
At this point my brain has put all Tomoe River Paper Planners as suspect. The Aura Estelle I tested was their regular paper not the Tomoe River. Someone above mentioned they came out and addressed the issue so I think they are also having issues but I could be wrong. Maybe it depends on how old the planner is? I know they had undated ones.
The Jibun Techo is nice and often overlooked in the planner community. The Biz version uses their premium MIO paper, which is beautiful! Just wish they did a version with monthly, weekly, and daily with more simplified designs.
Very smart of Kokuyo! I’ve always liked their paper, but the Jibun Techo isn’t right for me (or everyone) and this is a great opportunity for them to make English A5/A6 sized standard planners. They already have great paper, and the Jibun Techo is a very cool planner, but like I said, it isn’t set up in a way that works for me (and the weird size isn’t my favorite.) I hope they grab this opportunity to not only make their own, but to heavily market to small independent planner companies to use their product for 2026. I absolutely feel that it is NOT the independent planner companies’ fault. They were sold a fraud the same way we all were, I hope they don’t pay for it by losing customers and can make a switch. I think people are frustrated enough with Sanzen TRP that they’re ready for a total change. This can be a real time of opportunity for another company to come in and make a lot of money (marketing undergrad degree…Hobonichi and TRP have completely failed with this debacle and they’re going to destroy their companies, at least for markets outside of Japan.)
Yes... omg, the inconsistencies are giving me anxiety. I have a hobonichi weeks and my pen tests were fine... but in use I realized there are inconsistencies page to page practically.. like you just don't know. And I was wondering, if it was me, was I pushing too hard on the paper and blaming myself. But seriously it is just a bad year for TRP.. crazyyy! 😭😭😭
YES!! 1000% I kept thinking is it the ink, is there something wrong with my pens, am I doing something wrong? Then when I would work so hard on a spread and start to see the feathering, as stupid as this is, I just wanted to cry. I know it's just pen and paper but I want it to look nice. I really hope it improves but I'm not sure I have the faith that it will from the information I'm hearing. Thank you for taking the time to reply, it helps knowing its not just me.
@@MyMagicalPlanner You are definitely not alone because so many people are having issues. My hobo weeks is all messy already but I'm just going to stick with it because I don't want to go down the rabbit hole of replacing it... but next year.. not sure what i will do!
@@tortagialla hopefully by then we will have a good path forward. I keep thinking they have to fix it but maybe the solution is a different paper but something good has to come out of this I’m going to cling to that.
The Wonderland sold out when I tried to get one earlier in the year. I know they restocked but I'm paranoid about the paper. I'm very lucky that a friend had purchased extra and is sending me one. It's a good solution for this year potentially but I worry about the longer term. Will I be right back here next year dealing with the same issues? I guess that could be the case anyhow with the way things change but I want to find a more long term solution if I can find it. I think I've also fallen down the rabbit hole of what else is there? At this point I want to know what else is out there that works with fountain pens...stupid scientific mind wants to do experiments on all the paper now but we will see if my budget agrees.
@@nadineF they had stock piled the original paper when they heard the production was stopping. They made an announcement that this would be the last year with the old paper. So I’m not sure where their books are made but my understanding is a lot of the companies use the same source companies to create planners.
I’m having the same issue and I use fountain pens. It’s inconsistent from page to page in both my Hobinichi and sterling ink planners. So frustrating. The manufacturer should have to provide better quality replacements to everyone.
It’s really hard. I don’t know what the right solution is but admitting there are issues would be a start I think. It’s a hard pill to swallow with the price we pay for these planners.
Not you at all. it’s my first year using a hobonichi and sterling ink and i’m seeing the bleed through, feathering and dull colors. The weeks is the absolute worst performing but luckily it’s just my to do list area so i don’t necessarily need it to be aesthetically pleasing. I’m just going to bear it but it’s unfortunate and I will be evaluating what I use next year. I appreciated Aura Estelle’s owner talking about it outright and her transparency. I used her planner last year but wanted a dated vertical layout. I may go back to her next year and deal with the undated layout because I appreciate her transparency and openness to get this resolved. It’s a Sanzen issue as I understand it so hopefully they improve.
Thank you. It's so hard when you think it's in your head or that your doing something wrong. I hope it stays in just the to do list area for you. I think a lot of people will be doing something different next year. It feel heart breaking to spend so much on a planner just to have it not perform the way it has in the past or as you expect it to. I didn't know Aura Estelle addressed the issue, I'm going to go look for that, but it makes me think more highly of the brand to know that she's addressing it head on. It really is a sad that Sanzen has let so many companies down.
I have stopped using TRP this year after I have seen that so many issues came up with fountain pen ink. I‘m using mostly B nibs and I do not like any feathering or bleeding at all. This once premium paper has sadly not kept the standard after this switch to another producing process. I‘m now using either Midori Cotton paper for my printed inserts or Leuchtturm notebooks. I don‘t care about sheen, I don‘t have any sheening inks, but both paper behave very well with all of my inks, no feathering, no bleeding at all! And I even like the light cream color 😊
I have to say I think that was smart to switch away from TRP. The biggest nib I have is a M and I can't even imagine the issues a broad would have. It's so great to hear you have found something that works well in it's place. Maybe the cream will grow on me. :) If it's between cream and functional paper I'll take cream. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
I totally see your struggle! Very frustrating for sure. I'm using both Sterling Ink and a Hobonichi a6 techo and haven't had any issues, but I also haven't been using my fountain pens. Mostly ef gell pens and chalk inks for stamping. Sterling ink and other small businesses would completely go bankrupt if they were held "accountable" for the quality of paper they didn't manufacture and had been wonderful in years past. I get customer disappointment AND I understand why all these companies can't refund or make new planners....its just not financially feasible. Good luck with your search ❤ I hope you find something that suits your needs. The struggle is real for some this year ❤
From a business perspective I 100% agree. This is a horrible situation for all involved. The magnitude of the problem is so huge that at the end of the day there will be repercussions to all those businesses. My personal though is that coming out with a statement saying hey we have paper issues we understand, we are working on a solution for next years planners and in the meantime here are some things that work be it pens, inks sticker fixes etc. Small business are going to be damaged either way either by loosing trust in a product or by the refund perspective. I wish there was an easy fix that would help both the planner community and the planner sellers because I really do feel bad for so many of the small planner companies.
@MyMagicalPlanner good point. Open communication vs. Outright dismissal of the situation would be appreciated and prudent. I'm intrigued how this will eventually go. My heart does go out to all the companies involved along with the disappointed customers. It's unfortunate when demand soars for a product, the quality suffers. Take care and thanks for the thought provoking video. :)
This is so real! Ugh so frustrating! The inconsistency on the iroful paper may be due to hand oils on the page. Mine does that too if I handle the page too much and usually on the edges like that
It is and I just want it to work like the old paper, if only I had a time machine. Your probably right on the hand oil, I alway forget that's a thing with some of these papers. Thank you for the reminder.
I think it's an inconsistency across the board, so you might get lucky and get TRP that works fine... versus not. I have the midori hibino which is also TRP sanzen... but don't feel that has issues with regular writing fountain pen. I don't do giant ink swatches in there though...
Both my Sterling Ink and Hobonichi a6 are doing wonderful so far. Even with stamping but I'm using EF gell pens and not F.P. so that might be the difference for sure.
haha the big ink swatch was something I was trying this year, it might end up being to big for me but I had fun playing with my ink. I feel like your right. It might also had to do with when they printed their planners and how old the paper in those planners is. I wish it was just consistent so we all had the same and could figure out a solution. I'm really glad yours is treating you well. I wonder if it's a different thickness, I need to look. Someone else mentioned Hemlock and Oak which also has the TRP maybe they both have a different thickness which turned out better? I think I'll be doing some research on that today. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Good review. It’s so hard to know if it’s the paper, the nib, the ink etc. I’m like you, I want the paper to preform well, planners are expensive. Have you tried a Moleskin? I prefer a cream paper so that’s a personal thing I suppose. Right now I have 6 journals all doing different things 🤦🏼♀️
Totally get you! It can be a real pain figuring out what works. I’ve got a few journals too, and it feels like a never-ending search for the perfect one! I have a small notebook from Moleskin but haven't tried anything else I'll add it to my list to take a closer look at.
Sterling Ink is honestly driving me crazy because I'm using the exact same pens/markers/highlighters that I used in my 2024 planner, and the bleed-through is noticeably worse. I think it's the paper company since this seems to be an issue across multiple planner companies. I feel like at first people were saying it's only Hobonichi because there's a special treatment they give their paper that other companies don't, but it's definitely affecting other planners as well. It's sad because I love the feel of the Tomoe River Paper but this isn't inspiring me to want to get another one for next year.
I didn't realize Hobonichi did a special treatment, I wonder if they stopped to save on cost. Hmm adding this to my research list. When we knew the paper had changed it was easier to understand the changes with the fact that it should be the same paper as last year but is performing so much differently I'm just confused as to why. Honestly I think that's part of why it's so hard for me. I need a reason for the difference other than it's a bad batch. I think there will be a lot less people buying Hobonichic next year honestly. I'm pretty sure I won't be unless there is a change.
@@MyMagicalPlanner Yeah I'm going to pay very close attention to what the different planner companies are saying about the paper in August/September when it comes time to think about next year's planners.
This is such a great overview! This episode show up in my YT recommends and I had to watch! I had such issues in my Hon - my fountain pens were skipping, sliding and the ink was taking forever to dry with a fine nib! I don't have time to wait for it to dry, if I'm in a hurry. I tried several different of my fountain pens. I can use regular pens (rollerball, quick-dry gel and simple BIC pens etc) but I bought the Hon to use with my fountain pens as I've done with the A6 Hobonichi techo in past years. So I switched to a Stalogy 365 and all has been well for me. I'm sticking with a Stalogy 365 from now on.
@@theyarngoeson ok I thought the skipping was me being pretty new to fountain pens and doing something wrong. It still might be lol. I’ve had mix success with other pens most of them bleed through as well depending on the page. The uni jetstream is the one that seems to work the best but I hate having to consider that in a book I purchased just for my fountain pens. I have a stalogy regular notebook that I forgot about until someone else mentioned them and the paper is really nice so I’m going to look at them more closely. I’m really happy it’s working for you.
Ok that's the best idea for that little notebook. I was trying to figure out what to do with it because just tossing it felt wrong. Thanks for the idea. I'm sorry it was so bad though, that just stinks.
Sadly, after many years…. I can no longer purchase Hobonichi. I am so grateful to have hoarded many of their planners and blank notebooks! I can (and have), re- date. Once they are gone, hopefully I will find a new love. I do use and enjoy Midori products!
That was really smart to stock up. I should have done the same. It’s going to be one of those painful transition years I think for the planner community. We will need to grieve for a paper lost completely now and search for something new. Isn’t that how we leap forward in innovation and creativity? That’s what I’m hoping for, something good to come out it in the end.
Just started watching and I FEEL YOU PAIN already 😥I have the same problem. Different in different planners....What didn't go through on my test page at the back, still does on another page 🙈🙈
It's so frustrating I can't figure out what materials to use because nothing is consistent. I'm sorry your also having problems but it's nice to know we are not alone. I wish I could fix it for all of us because planners should not make us more stressed out.
Thank you for this, I take paper seriously too. My biggest grips is ghosting. My solutions this year were cut down stalogies and custom booklets from Bookfell Studios. As I use only waterproof fountain pen ink it's been working for me. I do not think the bomb-proof paper from Bookfell would show any sheen.
That was a really smart idea. I haven't heard of Bookfell, I'll need to add them to my list of things to checkout :) Paper is so important especially with fountain pens. I'm not sure people who don't use them can fully understand the difference it makes. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment.
Thank you for this I actually ordered from Harriet Wright a Tomoe River B6 so will see. I love fountain pens and watercolor so we will see right now I am in a Stalogy. Would like to try some of the others you were working with. I have a Benu Magenta Frost coming and ordered a shimmering ink to go with it so need a paper that I can enjoy it on!
Please let me know when you get the Tomoe River how it performs. I considered it but I just couldn't make my self risk it. I have a Stalogy notebook I should have included that in this. I forget they are planners too. I'm ordering a Notliy and a few others and will do a part two when they get here to showcase a few other options. I've fallen down the rabbit hole of wanting to test all the paper now. I have a list started so I'm going to test as many as I can. The Magenta Frost is so pretty. I love my briolette! Benu is coming out with a pocket pen, I think it's suppose to go on sale in March. It looks so cute and I think I saw it was going to be under $60 but I can't seem to find whatever site had the preorder this morning. If I find it I'll come back and share.
@ I will let you know what I think about it. I too have went down the journal rabbit hole. Yes let me know about the pocket Benu, did you check their site? Or was it an exclusive on another online store they do that too.
@@marshahostetler found it!!! Took me forever I saw it in an email but here is the link to check out the preorder, my guess is it will be at other stores the just are the first I’ve seen put up a presale. www.penboutique.com/products/benu-pixie-fountain-pen-stardust-pink
@ I saw it just a hour before you sent the link. So only a cartridge which you can fill with your own ink once a cartridge is empty. They are a little bit of sunshine for sure. Love and light to you
I think Hobonichi has a huge problem and they are well aware of it. They have acknowledged the paper issues on their 5-year journals, when they thought it was only a bad batch. By now it is obvious that it wasn‘t only a bad batch and that other planners and notebooks of their line are affected as well. They can‘t replace every product that is affected, it would probably ruin them. But they could offer a partial refund. I mean let‘s say to produce a Hobonichi Cousin costs them something between 30-40$, they sell it for 60$. When they would refund 15$ to each customer, they would still keep a minor portion of their profit but the customer would get back 25% of their money. This doesn‘t solve the issue with the paper but at least they could show, that they care about their customers and take the problem serious. It could help reduce the loss of customers they are going to face.
I have to wonder if Hobonichi them selves have tested there product, because I would think it would have come out in a quality check. I did go back to their page today to look at the exact wording of the promises about the paper. I feel a bit like I didn't read the fine print since what they say is that it's more resistant to bleed through, referencing the previous paper. I don't feel like it's holding up to that but it also doesn't say it's resistant to all bleed through. They also added a little thing in a drop down menu for fountain pen use that says "TRP is designed to prevent bleed-through, but some fountain pens and water-based ink pens are not compatible with this paper." Then they recommend pen testing. With those two things I feel like they don't have to do anything so they won't but it does feel misleading to me. I need to look if I have any non water based inks (I've never payed attention). Your complete right that if they don't do something to earn back the trust of their customer base they will really feel it from here out. I'm not sure that large of a refund would be doable but maybe a discount for your next, an apology, or maybe an extra pen that is not suppose to bleed through? I don't know but it just doesn't feel right.
I have the same sterling ink A5 horizontal and same issues with the paper. I did write to them but never ever got a reply 😢 I didn’t wanted a refund but maybe an advice? I tried to ask an advice about what pens to use on their Facebook group and my post never got approved.
That's pretty much the response I got. I can say from my own pen test I've had the best luck with a .5 or smaller point pen. The uni jetstream seems to do the best and you can get it with multiple colors if that helps. I also didn't message for a refund but just to let her know there was an issue back in Oct I think (I didn't realize really how bad it was until I started using it) but my pen test back then showed there were real issues. I figured giving her a heads up would help her figure out what to do before we all started using it but she never responded in any way. I don't know maybe she never saw it?
Unfortunately I am having some issues with one of my planners. I know it’s the Sanzen paper, but it feels completely different than the Sanzen paper in my Sterling Ink planner, it’s really slippery and my fountains pens are not performing well. This is definitely a Sanzen issue. Almost every company offering planners with Sanzen paper are experiencing issues, so that tells me, it’s not a planner company problem. So far my Wonderland and Sterling ink planners seem fine. If this continues to happen with the paper, the planner industry will have to pivot (if they can) and find another paper that the community will accept.
@@lkessler1 I’m sorry your having issues as well. It just sucks. The wonderland should be safe this year I think since they had stocked up on the old paper but this is the last year of that. What size sterling ink did you end up getting? I’m curious if some sizes were less affected than others. Sanzen from my understanding isn’t willing to admit or change the paper so I think the community will have to adapt. I’m telling my self that this will be the push to move us into a new more amazing planner paper. It might be a delusion but I’m going with it lol
I am unsure why all of these companies seem so unprepared. The fact that TRP was going to be discontinued has been known for some time. Endless have been way ahead of the game, in my opinion. They have replaced the TRP in all their products with their own, developed in house, paper. It’s called Regalia, it’s a little thicker, at 80 gsm, and it’s excellent. I really like their planner, otherwise they do notebooks and pads. Edit: lots of people also like Clairefontaine paper. You would not have any issues with this, but I find it doesn’t show sheen nearly as much as Regalia.
That is a really good point that I hadn't actually thought about. I love that they took the time to develop their own paper! I've added it to my research list. Thank you so much for the recommendation. Oh I have tried the clairefontaine paper it was a while ago so I forgot but thanks for the reminder.
GREAT video!! & I have very similar thoughts to you. I plan on doing a video talking about this paper crisis too!! It's so frustrating because these planners are sooooooo expensive and to have them perform like hot garbage is completely unacceptable. I am totally with you on the WTH factor with Sanzen saying it meets their quality standards. Excuse me what? As far as I can tell it qualifies as "paper", but its total trash. Their response thus far (and honestly Hobonichi's initial statement) leaves a total bad taste in my mouth and makes me not want to purchase any TRP planners in the future. I don't gamble and to me purchasing any sanzen TRP def feels too much like a gamble to me at this point. This whole ordeal has been a complete letdown. If you want a planner that uses OLD TRP from Tomoegawa, the 2025 planners from Wonderland 222 are actually their last batch of the old paper so their planners were not affected by this trashheap sanzen disaster this year. I am VERY tempted to purchase multiples to re-date for the next couple of years while Sanzen gets their crap together.
Let me know when your video comes out. I'm subbed to you but I sometimes miss things and I'm really interested to see what you have to say. BTW great channel. I agree with the response really lacking. I went back and reread what Hobonichi says about the paper today and went when did we go from it's great for fountain pens to some fountain pens and water-based ink pens are not compatible wit this paper. It's not on the initial review of the planners but there is a little drop down menu that says test fountain pens before regular use. I feel a little like I didn't read the fine print on something. Also I'm not sure but aren't pretty much all inks fountain pen or otherwise water-based. This seems to imply other forms of ink aren't as susceptible but alcohol based markers are even worse and permanent ink is too. So I'm a little confused at what ink we are suppose to use. I do have a wonderland coming from a friend, which was incredibly sweet of her. So I'll get to try that out but stocking up may not be a bad idea if you like the layout. Thanks for taking the time to write a comment and put so much thought into it. Looking forward to your video.
I bought a kinbor in addition to my Hobonichi Cousin to try this year after talking to a friend in china who swears by them and I have not been disappointed at all and for a third of the cost
Another thought.....has anyone been wondering what's going to happen next year if everyone moves away from companies using TRP paper??? Are we going to be scrambling and overwhelming other planner companies such as Hemlock and Oak, Jibun Techo, Take a note, etc....😅😅 is it going to be a lottery, and will I need ninja fingers in order to get planners???? 🤔 😅
YES. I think part of the problem might have been so many companies trying to get the "best paper" and demand made them cut corners but that's just in my head I have no proof. I think we are going to see some companies either switch paper completely or just not be able to bounce back from this. It's been slowly going down hill for a few years with the paper quality but I think we have hit the point were they have gone to far. Once you loose trust with your customer base it's really hard to gain it back. By not addressing the issue people are loosing trust with not only Sanzen but Hobonichi and other planner companies. There seems to be a general feeling of being lied to and then having those feeling pushed back at the customer as they expect to much. With the economic trends I'm seeing I'm guessing Planner prices will go up so people are going to focus on two things cheap and works or expensive but worth the cost because it's a few better product. I also think we will see a huge up swing in digital planning as people are no longer able to afford luxury planners and can use a tablet to get the same writing feedback for memory. This is without putting a lot of through in to it so maybe I'm wrong. I think the Jibun might end up being the leader but it's hard to say. Will be interesting to see how the year goes. That all being said yes start practicing those ninja fingers for next year, what ever planner replaces the hobonichi base will not be expecting the love it's about to get.
@MyMagicalPlanner well said. I agree %100 personally I can't use digital just because....well I'm older than the internet, and my brain only works on paper! Lol
I very strongly recommend that you try Hemlock & Oak. Not only are their products amazing (well worth the investment), but their customer care can't be beat. You would never reach out to them and then just not hear back. (I could honestly go and on about them, singing their praises all day, but I'll leave it there.)
I kept looking at them but every time I see the Tomoe River Paper at this point I don't trust it. Have you had any issues with the paper this year? Maybe I'll do a bit more research to see the difference. I think they might use a different thickness of paper. Thank you though I love hearing about companies that are amazing.
@MyMagicalPlanner I have never had any issues with bleeding, feathering, or even ghosting, really. They use 120gsm paper, so it's quite thick (I can't go back, everything else just feels so thin and flimsy to me now 😅). And I use *a lot* of colour; felt-tip pens, Tombows, Mildliners - like, I throw *all* of my supplies at my planners. 😅😅 That said, I haven't used a fountain pen on their paper yet, but others do and I haven't heard of any issues. Here's a review that includes ink swatches: th-cam.com/video/HsEo4z_OaBE/w-d-xo.html
You and I have had two very different experiences with Hemlock and Oak I have found them to be very unhelpful in the customer service department I had a notebook from them that when arrived had creased pages and a damaged spine and their response was abysmal. It took two weeks for a reply and then they refused to replace it with me offering to pay return shipping for the damaged one nope not ever buying from them or archer and olive again.
@Pym1975 Wow, that really surprises me! I'm not saying that I don't believe you, but it's so far away from who I know them to be. I can understand that it would take them a little while to reply, they are a small company after all, so an actual human has to find time to get back to people. 2 weeks makes sense, in that context. As to the rest of it, just. Wow. That's very surprising to me. Without having been a part of the conversation myself, it's hard for me to fully assess the situation. But if it were me, I would reach back out to them. I know that they wouldn't want anyone to end up with damaged products or to have a bad experience with them as a company. It might not result in a refund, discount, or credit, but it might provide you some closure. I would probably say something along the lines of: "This was an experience I had with your company and I felt really let down. I'm hoping this can be a learning experience and that we can work together to try to resolve this." Couldn't hurt. 🤷♀️
I‘m using the Midori Cotton paper for my printed inserts and it behaves very well with FP ink. Other Midori paper is too smooth for me and way too yellow. The Cotton Paper gives a nice feedback, nibs do not slid around on this paper and the color is more into white than yellow.
a few people have suggested them so it's been added to my list as is travelers notebook because I think they are the same company or use the same paper.
What bugs me the most about this, is how rare the Aura Estelle Daily type of layout is. Meaning everything grouped by months + a minimalistic feel. I have found alternatives, but Papertess Designs also uses TRP and has the same issues. Just Scribble doesn't ship to the EU, as she said the new consumer safety requirements are too much for one person to handle. Which is 100% understandable. Burde is a Swedish company, but their paper is as cheap as the planners, so the quality is horrendous. I've been trying to find out if Filofax is actually FP friendly, as with a binder you could customize the layout. Hemlock & Oak seems like the only true alternative, though so far I haven't seen any pen tests. It will be interesting to see what happens, and what comes out as the 2026 lineups emerge in the summer and autumn. BTW on the bad pages in my Aura Estelle trying to remove washi tape rips out a layer of the paper. This is not how washi behaves, and is deffinitely not how TRP used to perform. I'm similarly getting bleed through with rubber stamping inks, while TRP used to handle those fine. The ghosting is also worse now.
I think that's why I'm having the most issue honestly. I love the layout I have and it really works for me so it's hard to switch to something that doesn't have everything I want in a layout. I might have a work around for places like just scribbles I have a friend who gets a us post address that they then ship to her in the UK, she gets a lot of items so I'm not sure on the cost but I can ask her what the service is called if you want, just let me know. Same UK friend is using a Filofax with her fountain pens and hasn't had any issues. I'm holding back on Hemlock and Oak for the same reason I don't want to buy another planner just to have it not work. Same on the washi and stamping I have two little work around for them. With the washi I'm using undo if I really have to move it, not ideal but it works. For stamping I've actually found using my water based tombows for the ink works the best, haven't had any bleed through as of yet. Someone else said stamping on something else first worked for them but I'm not very good at that. Hope that helps.
Honestly, I think the paper closest to old Tomoe River paper (at least for fountain pen usage (it's all I use so it's all I can account for)) is View Corona paper, but no one is using it in bound planners so it's only an option if you're using a ring planner.
I don’t think I’ve heard of that paper but I am for sure going to look into it. Ring planners are popular this year so that’s something for us all to consider. I just googled it and saw pen addicts review. It looks really impressive I wonder why no one has thought to use it.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I'm guessing because tomoe river was tried and true that everyone just jumped onto Sanzen without giving it (View Corona) a try. With people having so much trouble with sanzen paper, there will be some shops that look for paper alternatives.
I feel you, my tendency is to avoid the planners that have the Sanzen TRP but I am so stubborn that I am basically forcing myself to use them. I am in the spot that I refuse to buy another planner for 2025 not knowing how any of them will perform with ink. I could switch pens but the joy of using my fountain pens would be gone so that is absolutely not an option either. I have Sterling Ink, Aura Estelle and Just Scribble. All have the same problems and it is random. I do believe that Sanzen has a huge problem and making excuses for this is not working for me. Okay, so you won’t refund the planners I get that for these smaller companies but what is Sanzen doing to fix it? I am looking forward to your review of the Harriet Wright. What a total and complete mess! 💕
Exactly!!! I feel so bad for the smaller companies that are going to be blamed and they really are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The repercussion are so much more than this year for them. I kept telling my self it's not that bad you have spend way to much on these to give up on them, and I love the layout! but I don't know that I can stick with it and I enjoy my fountain pens so much I don't want them to not get used. Total and complete mess sums it up perfectly. Thank you for leaving a comment it helps to know we are not alone or over reacting (ok I might be but at least I know it's not just me).
Even in turning the pages I dislike the hobonichi. (And I had committed and bought 3 different sizes). 😳. I am going back to the B6 Cafe Notes. They are the closest to Tomoe River paper. The writing experience is fantastic and the feel and audible turn of the page is delightful. (Probably sounds weird to some) Everything I am looking for in a notebook is in the B6 notes. It advertises Tomoe River paper and it still is. ❤
That doesn't sound weird to me at all. As a kid I would steal my grandmothers old bible that had these super thin pages just so I could flip through it beause I loved the sound and feel of the paper. I was a weird kid lol. Is thise the Cafe Notes? www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/04/notebook-review-nanami-cafe-note-b6-slim-grid/ That's wonderful, I wonder if they had a stock pile of the older paper.
@ Yes! The Cafe Notes has a similar sound and feel to the Bible pages. ❤️However, the grid has more of that lovely feeling than the lined does. My daughter had the lined last year and I have always used the grid. The lined paper does have a different sound and feel to it than the grid. So if you don’t mind grid, that’s THE one to try. ❤️
I'll recommend Crena Spark paper (星火纸) which is also a lightweight paper. I'm using a 5-year journal made with this paper. I did not see any feathering or bleeding so far. However, it's a bit hard to purchase this.
I don’t have that paper on my list yet what planner are you using? I want to make sure to add it to the list I’m making. There are more paper options than I realized out there which gives me hope that a good replacement can be found.
Try Sakae iroful paper. They use to make the Tomoe River paper before Sanzen. Ha! I wrote that before I finished watching! iroful comes in loose sheets, too.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I know! I asked Journey planners if they would consider it in an email and they never responded. I would think you could print on it. I have the notebook so I haven't tried.
Is that the midori one? I'm going to try and do some research today based on peoples interest to see what papers might be helpful. If it's not the midori one can you send me a link so I make sure I'm looking at the right one?
@ it is the midori one. It’s so beautiful and I would love to try it but it’s hard to find… it has 2 A6 pages per day so it’s a bit thick but if it performs I will hunt it down :)
I reached out to SI, since this was my second SI planner, and the other one had no issues, and my Cousin before that had no issues and made me a TRP lover, especially the grid size, and that I could get a great planner layout. Soooooo disappointed that this year's planner is a sloppy mess... Same pens, same ink. They issued me a partial refund, which I appreciate as they didn't have to, but I genuinely feel that Sanzen needs to sort it out. SI was accommodating the popular choice of paper, only to have it change to the point where it's no longer accurately defined. Fountain pen friendly, my patootie! I'm using a Pilot VP in fine, and Platinum Carbon Black. If anyone has any suggestions for a great black ink, apparently I'm going to have to be open to changing my ink until this at least next year, because I am NOT purchasing and setting up a new planner. Sincerely, Disappointed 😒
I'm glad she got back to you. It has to be such a headache for all these companies. It is really sad to see the paper die like this. It might have been easier on all of us if they had just stopped making it and found a new alternative (well maybe I don't know). As for fountain pen inks I haven't found one yet I know my Pilot iroshizuku take-sumi (black ink) which is my favorite seems to have the most issues so far or maybe it's just that I use it the most. As far as non fountain pen inks I know my uni Jetstream is the best with the paper I've found which is a ballpoint with a oil based ink. The website says that it's not compatible with all water based inks but I don't know any oil based fountain pen inks. If there is an oil based ink that would probably be the best I think. I'm also guessing we need a drier ink and from looking around at dry black ink recommendations it looks like a lot of people suggest Pelikans Brilant Black. It's under $10 for a bottle on Amazon so I think I'll give it a try. Let me know if you have any luck and I'll try to do the same.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I know! Small companies, doing their best to run honest businesses with transparency and the best of intentions... Hopefully someone will hear the cries of this amazing community and help to find the solution. I know I won't be giving up my fountain pens or my planners! Thank you for the suggestion! I will give the Pelikan a shot. I am terrified to try the Pilot Iroshizuku inks on this paper because I have used them quite a lot and they do seem very wet. Thank you for making this video. I felt validated 😄. Take care, and best of luck!!
Would highly recommend MD paper (from Midori). They come in the Travelers Notebooks but also in other form factors too. I believe it’s cream but it’s my favorite paper to write on that helps eliminate a lot of the shadowing and bleed through from fountain pens and dark gel inks.
I really appreciate your suggestion! It’s always helpful to hear what works for others, and I’m excited to give MD paper a try! I'm making an order of some other papers and will make sure I include a Travelers Notebook. I want to make a part two to share all the additional paper/planners people are suggesting.
I love the planning community and all, but you all need to calm down. Why would anyone let paper, notebooks or stationery cause them anxiety? Just use a different pen. I love fountain pens, paper, notebooks, journals and planners as much as the next person, but I just adjust my writing instrument accordingly. If it’s not fountain pen friendly I use my Zebra Sarasa pens instead. Please stop freaking out over paper.
@@kailahmom1 I appreciate your point of view but unfortunately it’s not limited to fountain pens most of my other pens also bleed through the paper. Forget using dot markers, highlighters, mild liners. I get less bleed through with my fountain pens overall. If it was as simple as not using a fountain pen I think I could get past it but it really is more you can see my tomoe river pen test video for that. This is about finding a new solution. But it’s also a fact of being told that a paper is made for fountain pen use and buying a product with that expectation that is also part of the issue. But I also understand what matters to me may not be what matters to you. As for the anxiety part for a person who struggles with pretty significant anxiety (as in a medical diagnosis) saying this shouldn’t cause them anxiety is very shamming. I’m happy that it doesn’t cause you issues and I wish I was the same but honestly I’m broken so it dose. My planner is my life line to keeping my anxiety in check and when that’s not working life can be overwhelming especially in a house full of kids who have anxiety, adhd, autism, ocd and host of other quirks. Change is hard here and I realize that’s my issue but I also feel let down by a product that I had grown to depend on. I’m really glad you’re not having problems but please don’t discount people who are because it may be more than you see.
This is our hobby. It’s important to us. Just use a different pen? I buy this paper and these expensive planners to use my fountain pens in. Judgy Judgerson. 😝🙄
Maybe it wouldn’t be a big deal if it was a $15 planner but Hobonichi boasts the best paper for fountain pens and charges a premium price for their products. I am not directly affected by this issue with any of my notebooks, but I would be very disappointed if I were and I’m worried for the planner small businesses that could lose a lot of money with this.
Yeah, even my ballpoint pen is bleeding through in this year's planner. That's a problem. You should expect better performance from expensive paper than what you can buy at Wal-Mart.
@ so true! My 0.3 pens I think are doing ok for the most part if that helps and uni jetstream .5 and using stickers helps because you can write on them instead. I wish this wasn’t a thing.
I heard back from hobo when I complained about my weekly planner behaving like your A5 notebook.
They consider, except the 5 year techo paper, and only because it was really bad and it was 5 year book, to be meeting their standards, the implication was we are too expectant of the paper.
They told me it's due to "natural material that paper is made of - wood pulp" and that its "hard to balance thinness of the paper with writing qualities".
They told me they will be not replacing or accepting the returns of the books.
Having worked in paper industry - wood pulp excuse is bullsh*te. Every paper is made of some kind of natural pulp, but you don't see every paper having very different properties from batch to batch. It is clear that Sanzen does something wrong- either they are experimenting with the recipe or production, my guess is partially because the production line of original paper is physically lost or they are trying to cut costs in some way with the recipe. The issue with paper is that the outer sizing is totally off. The paper is matte to touch, when it was slick before, the ink sat on the paper, it didn't sink like it does now. I can't say what they are doing exactly wrong, but neither Hobo nor Sanzen are willing to take any blame and say sorry (which has a lot to do with general Japanese work culture and etiquette, but it's not here and there). Them even acknowledging the 5 year planner issues is huge on itself. The issues with paper are way too weird, because last year's Sanzen's paper was... really fine. This year's didn't even sit next to it in the PE class for whole 4 years in high school. I have no idea what their plans are, because clearly it is an issue and I'm not sure how many people bought hobo planners for "hobo" and how many did it for "tomoe river".
I know for sure I won't be buying mine next year early (if at all), at least not until I see somebody do tests. I'm personally less annoyed with not being able to write with my inks, I'm ok with ballpoints, I am just at this point pissed at their response - it's ok, we are doing it on the norm, it's you who expect too much. I already ordered a Kinbor to see if it works nicely and will be considering it for next year if my test go well.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insights! I hadn't considered the cultural difference but it's a huge factor. My husband used to work for a Japanese company and it was interesting to see how different things were done. It awesome to have someone who understand paper chime in. I feel like they are cutting a corner not realizing how important whatever step is. I agree last years paper while not the old paper was fine or acceptable, this year just isn't. I'm with you on next year. I might be done with all Tome River paper from here on out. I do wonder if Hobonichi will switch to a different paper because I think a lot of people are feeling that way. I think they feel lied to about the paper and then are being told it's their fault which I don't think will end well for them. Thank you for not only taking the time to respond but adding such valuable information.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I laughed a lot when I learned that sometimes Japanese firms hire honorary Americans or Europeans to say how it is, because Japanese are genetically incapable of not being yes men to their bosses, haha. I think it's both business (their stock is already very low, so they can't afford a paper-gate) and cultural decision, but with culture being so different for them and non-Asians it reads to us badly.
I touch a lot of paper and can easily figure out what is what and I still never expected the feeling of "offness" I got with this year's Tomoe. By just touching it I knew it was gonna be a ride this year. And not all batches are the same, i also got blank white paper A5 notebooks and they are not very different from before. Maybe this was 2023 batch? No idea. But I do feel almost Stockholm syndrom'ed by hobo and I really don't want to combo-break my almost 10 year streak.
As for switching paper- I have no clue. Hobo is so intertwined with Tomoe River as a brand and my guess is they had a lot to do with revival of production, likely they have some long term contracts with the producer- their paper is thinner than stock Tomoe (maybe which is why other planners don't have as many issues?), it will be hard for them to swap and even harder to convince already jaded buyers. The question still remains- how many people care about hobo and how many care about tomoe river first. (ie. I never cared about hobo- their famous quotes they are so proud of? I never read them, expecting some wise sayings like usual- today I read one for the first time time - and while they are a hoot and we had a day today reading them in my office, because wtflmao?!??! XD, I really wish they aren't taking the space. But seriously, wtf hobo? Who picks those quotes XD).
Just once thing- Hobonichi doesn't say outright it is our fault we expect too much, it's just the sentiment underlying in their reply. They, hobo, are doing everything right, evrything is to specks, diferences happen, so there is no issue. I think they even changed descriptions on their pages from "good with inks" to "good with some inks, needs testing" to cover their bases.
I agree that this is a Sanzen across the board issue. This is the first time I’m hearing problems with a Sterling Ink planner (which I have two of…and I’ve been a bit lazy with set up, but have had no problems with the Energel 0.4 which I’ve seen on people’s Hobo Weeks and Cousins.) I did do a fountain pen test/regular pens test in the back when I first got it, and zero problems, looked great. The paper feels good…but like the Hobo Cousin, I’ve heard that the problems are sporadic throughout the paper. When you advertise as being good at something, and you fail at that, that’s unacceptable, particularly for the price point they are asking. When I buy a Rhodia notebook, the paper performs like every single other Rhodia, and it performs wonderfully. For next year’s planner, I’m not going to buy one with TRP. I was a BuJo person for years, and having a notebook works for me…as a time saver, there are plenty of stamps and stickers you can buy to make calendars and things like that, which in total probably cost less that a $60 Hobonichi (made with a junky cardstock cover, so you have to spend more money to cover it with something else 🙄) and I hope that the smaller independent companies are looking at using different paper in their planners. I think this is a time that other paper companies can really step up and say, “we make great paper that will work well with fountain pens, water colors, markers, gel pens, etc” and approach these companies and say, ‘use our paper, you won’t have problems.” I would point at two companies to make a change (addition) with their planners and/or paper: Midori - the cream is lovely, but people want a white option, make the same stuff in white. Rhodia: You make all of your wonderful regular notebooks in white…why are your planners in cream…and I mean yellow basically. Leuchterm 1917 (regular 60gsm?) make all your notebooks in the 100 or 120 gsm and sell your planners in two 6 month books if you want a page a day. The regular Leuchterm just bleeds way too much…and it’s too cream. Iroful: now is your time to shine…start ramping up production because you’ve been found and a lot of people like you. Kokuyo - you make a fabulous paper in the Business paper, and pretty darn good in the Campus. I know you make the Jibun Techo, but you could make an A5/A6 that’s a little less intense and less colorful, and fits in normal size covers, or just sell your paper to all of these wonderful independent planner companies and they can work their magic with it. The quality control for TRP is abysmal right now and Japanese cultural practices are going to totally destroy this paper’s reputation (if it hasn’t completely already.) I’m amazed that people are even saying “maybe I’m being too picky…” No! The product advertises itself as being able to do something and it’s failing to do that. That’s not being picky, that’s expecting something to perform as advertised. Hobonichi’s “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” gaslighting of their customers is ridiculous. Their statement of “this falls within in our quality standards” tells me that their quality standards are crap, and they don’t care about their customers, and they want to overcharge you based on name alone and expect you to keep quiet about paying top dollar for a piece of junk. I really hear you, OP, and if Hobonichi and TRP only sold in Japan, then maybe their customers would put up with it. But this is a global product, and other cultures aren’t going to…and other companies are going to yank your customer base with a product they stand behind that is consistently what is claims to be. (Sorry for the rant…this whole situation just gets me going…especially hearing people questioning themselves vs questioning a product because…it’s the Great and Powerful TRP and/or Hobonichi!!!! Their product is the problem, not the user. Even that ugly ballpoint they give you when you make a mega order is bleeding through the pages. Bye bye, Hobo and TRP, you are losing your customer base and doing absolutely the opposite of even trying to save your sinking ship.
@@mollymollie6048 Eta: I copied their email in another top comment under the vid.
no worries, the rant is warranted, I agree with majority of what you said, except that sometimes white paper isn't an option, as it can lose properties due to bleaching the pulp and the only reason I'm still considering hobo next year, is because it would be my 10th year with, I'm pretty much very not into combo breaking, lmao.
But! I won't let you besmirch the love of my life, Jetstream ballpoint they're adding, I don't think we can be friends after that 🤣
Tho I never heard of ballpoint bleeding, this is the lowest low if true.
@ Yep, it bled through the Weeks on another channel, who’s as frustrated as she is. They have a Twine and Paper…intermittently messed up, bleeding, feathering, and the Weeks is pretty unusable. (Sorry, about abusing your favorite ballpoint…I come from a time when the Bic ballpoint and Mead notebook paper was all we had…it was dark and sad…so I see ballpoint and immediately hug a delightful Pentel Energel to my chest!) I figured that getting the paper super white would make a real change…but obviously Rhodia makes a ton of white paper, so no problem there. Maybe Midori likes differentiating themselves with their cream, and it fits with Travelers esthetic. But, they have some white paper as well, I swear…it might be time for them to start experimenting…although, I don’t think they have any shortage of people buying their stuff. Idk why Rhodia makes their planners so yellow. Leuchterm, I’m not a fan of their OG notebook, and I’ve heard good things about the 100/120 (can’t remember.) They aren’t super yellow…but I think they’re overpriced for what you get, imo. Thanks for supporting my rant. Now I’m worried about my Sterling Ink…although, if it starts giving me problems, it does. I’ll just deal with it and experiment with other notebooks. I can BuJo with anything…you can slap your own cover on any notebook and buy some good quality Kokuyo Business printer paper and print out calendars, etc and glue them in, or use a plastic rings binder or whatever. I feel bad for people who have loved this product for years and no longer have something that was a part of their daily lives. I also hate the blame the customer attitude and just ignoring that people shelled out a lot of money for what they thought was a high quality product. Hobonichi has become so cash grabby with the insane prices they charge for their “accessories.” I would see people unboxing thousands of dollars worth of covers, etc, and think…jeez, their marketing really got to you, I guess. I hope you can pay that credit card bill! Their business practices really really turned me off. I totally get it that you have to have year 10, it makes total sense. I’m like that with the 5 year journals…I’d never get one cause I’d think I’m jinxing myself into assuming I’m around for 5 more years (I’m not old, it just feels like you are assuming something and you’ve tempted the jinx!) 🤣
Sanzen has really let a lot of people down. I don’t think it’s the separate planner makers. They cannot test every single paper, especially if you expect it to be the same paper as years before. This year was definitely something different. And Sanzen quality control was a let down. As for the Iroful paper, it’s very similar to Cosmo Air Light paper and oils from your hands will affect the ink. Try adding a piece of paper to place under your hand while writing and it will hopefully help. Good luck.
Your completely right. I feel horrible for some of the smaller planner companies that made planners this year. This really hurts their brand as a hole. I'm worried some of them may not recover honestly. I didn't even think about the oils from my hand but I bet your right. Thanks so much for that little bit of info! I have so much to learn with fountain pens still.
I'm sitting here watching your video comparing paper for fountain pen inks, and I started to smile. This old woman remembers learning penmanship in school using a fountain pen that had brand new ink cartridges! No more filling up the pen by handing it to the teacher because of the mess we students made. I can't get involved in the fountain pen craze because of those fond and funny memories.
I love this little story. It also makes me a little sad to think we have come from that to my own children aren't even learning cursive in school these days. There is an art and something special when you put pen to paper that a whole new generation will miss. When you were is school did you use a specific pen? I know that's a silly question but I wonder about those type of things.
Thanks for this video. Okay, the inconsistencies are not just in my head - I'm not losing my mind. 🤣🤣🤣
Haha, right? It’s nice to know we’re all in this planner chaos together! I kept thinking what am I doing wrong. And the way It can even be different on one page is totally messing with me.
Sadly we were all impacted by the Sanzen batch issues for 2025 planner production. Not one shop got away unscathed and it’s very frustrating. I did test the paper before production even I’ve used it for a few years. And also tested after production. But not all pages are bad and not even all parts of a page. The inconsistency made it impossible to foresee this sadly. But I know I for one did do due diligence and I know another shop did too (though I don’t think you mentioned them in this video).
I do have a blog post on my site after a series of conversations with Sanzen and will continue to have conversations with them as they work thru the improvements needed with their production and QC standards. They have been made aware of what our standards as consumers is…what we expect for our paper and what we want to use in our planners and where our bar is. But those of us working with them and talking with them will continue to impress that upon them.
And I know I for one am testing out quite a few papers for future launches. Though in all honestly regardless of this issue that came up with the recent batches I was already planning to use something other than 52gsm TRP for my products. That was always my intent. And I have something coming in a few months I’m super excited about.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It's so hard and a lot of us just feel bad for the shop owners. I appreciate all the hard work you are putting into finding a solution. Feel free to add a link to your article if you want, I think people would find that helpful. I'm excited to see what product your coming out with...if it's another planner with better paper sign me up :)
The Campus Paper you mentioned is by Kokuyo and they are the makers of the Jibun Techo line of planners. Their paper is reliable and definitely FP friendly. They mentioned they are planning to have an English version of their planners soon.
Also curious you mentioned Aura Estelle as they use TRP. 😅 But I haven't seen any users of AE have issues with their planners.
I had never heard of Aura Estelle until JuliaHere set it up for her Ink Journal and within a couple of weeks she was dumping it and switching to something else (I can’t remember what that was). I was disappointed because I liked the looks of their planner.☹️
At this point my brain has put all Tomoe River Paper Planners as suspect. The Aura Estelle I tested was their regular paper not the Tomoe River. Someone above mentioned they came out and addressed the issue so I think they are also having issues but I could be wrong. Maybe it depends on how old the planner is? I know they had undated ones.
The Jibun Techo is nice and often overlooked in the planner community. The Biz version uses their premium MIO paper, which is beautiful! Just wish they did a version with monthly, weekly, and daily with more simplified designs.
@@jessicawalter6205 agree. I struggle with their layouts because it's super structured. I need a bit more freedom when I plan.
Very smart of Kokuyo! I’ve always liked their paper, but the Jibun Techo isn’t right for me (or everyone) and this is a great opportunity for them to make English A5/A6 sized standard planners. They already have great paper, and the Jibun Techo is a very cool planner, but like I said, it isn’t set up in a way that works for me (and the weird size isn’t my favorite.) I hope they grab this opportunity to not only make their own, but to heavily market to small independent planner companies to use their product for 2026. I absolutely feel that it is NOT the independent planner companies’ fault. They were sold a fraud the same way we all were, I hope they don’t pay for it by losing customers and can make a switch. I think people are frustrated enough with Sanzen TRP that they’re ready for a total change. This can be a real time of opportunity for another company to come in and make a lot of money (marketing undergrad degree…Hobonichi and TRP have completely failed with this debacle and they’re going to destroy their companies, at least for markets outside of Japan.)
Yes... omg, the inconsistencies are giving me anxiety. I have a hobonichi weeks and my pen tests were fine... but in use I realized there are inconsistencies page to page practically.. like you just don't know. And I was wondering, if it was me, was I pushing too hard on the paper and blaming myself. But seriously it is just a bad year for TRP.. crazyyy! 😭😭😭
YES!! 1000% I kept thinking is it the ink, is there something wrong with my pens, am I doing something wrong? Then when I would work so hard on a spread and start to see the feathering, as stupid as this is, I just wanted to cry. I know it's just pen and paper but I want it to look nice. I really hope it improves but I'm not sure I have the faith that it will from the information I'm hearing. Thank you for taking the time to reply, it helps knowing its not just me.
@@MyMagicalPlanner You are definitely not alone because so many people are having issues. My hobo weeks is all messy already but I'm just going to stick with it because I don't want to go down the rabbit hole of replacing it... but next year.. not sure what i will do!
@@tortagialla hopefully by then we will have a good path forward. I keep thinking they have to fix it but maybe the solution is a different paper but something good has to come out of this I’m going to cling to that.
You may want to give Wonderland 222 a try. Their 2025 planners use 52 gsm Tomoe River by Tomoegawa. They have assorted plain notebooks too.
The Wonderland sold out when I tried to get one earlier in the year. I know they restocked but I'm paranoid about the paper. I'm very lucky that a friend had purchased extra and is sending me one. It's a good solution for this year potentially but I worry about the longer term. Will I be right back here next year dealing with the same issues? I guess that could be the case anyhow with the way things change but I want to find a more long term solution if I can find it. I think I've also fallen down the rabbit hole of what else is there? At this point I want to know what else is out there that works with fountain pens...stupid scientific mind wants to do experiments on all the paper now but we will see if my budget agrees.
Do them produce it in Japan as well?
@@nadineF they had stock piled the original paper when they heard the production was stopping. They made an announcement that this would be the last year with the old paper. So I’m not sure where their books are made but my understanding is a lot of the companies use the same source companies to create planners.
I’m having the same issue and I use fountain pens. It’s inconsistent from page to page in both my Hobinichi and sterling ink planners. So frustrating. The manufacturer should have to provide better quality replacements to everyone.
It’s really hard. I don’t know what the right solution is but admitting there are issues would be a start I think. It’s a hard pill to swallow with the price we pay for these planners.
I thought I was the only one having issues with SI, such a bummer but thanks for validating it’s not just me!
@@paperkae anytime :) I’m glad it was helpful. It’s somehow easier when we know it’s not just us or our specific planner or at least it is for me.
Not you at all. it’s my first year using a hobonichi and sterling ink and i’m seeing the bleed through, feathering and dull colors. The weeks is the absolute worst performing but luckily it’s just my to do list area so i don’t necessarily need it to be aesthetically pleasing. I’m just going to bear it but it’s unfortunate and I will be evaluating what I use next year. I appreciated Aura Estelle’s owner talking about it outright and her transparency. I used her planner last year but wanted a dated vertical layout. I may go back to her next year and deal with the undated layout because I appreciate her transparency and openness to get this resolved. It’s a Sanzen issue as I understand it so hopefully they improve.
Thank you. It's so hard when you think it's in your head or that your doing something wrong. I hope it stays in just the to do list area for you. I think a lot of people will be doing something different next year. It feel heart breaking to spend so much on a planner just to have it not perform the way it has in the past or as you expect it to. I didn't know Aura Estelle addressed the issue, I'm going to go look for that, but it makes me think more highly of the brand to know that she's addressing it head on. It really is a sad that Sanzen has let so many companies down.
I have stopped using TRP this year after I have seen that so many issues came up with fountain pen ink. I‘m using mostly B nibs and I do not like any feathering or bleeding at all. This once premium paper has sadly not kept the standard after this switch to another producing process. I‘m now using either Midori Cotton paper for my printed inserts or Leuchtturm notebooks. I don‘t care about sheen, I don‘t have any sheening inks, but both paper behave very well with all of my inks, no feathering, no bleeding at all! And I even like the light cream color 😊
I have to say I think that was smart to switch away from TRP. The biggest nib I have is a M and I can't even imagine the issues a broad would have. It's so great to hear you have found something that works well in it's place. Maybe the cream will grow on me. :) If it's between cream and functional paper I'll take cream. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
I totally see your struggle! Very frustrating for sure. I'm using both Sterling Ink and a Hobonichi a6 techo and haven't had any issues, but I also haven't been using my fountain pens. Mostly ef gell pens and chalk inks for stamping. Sterling ink and other small businesses would completely go bankrupt if they were held "accountable" for the quality of paper they didn't manufacture and had been wonderful in years past. I get customer disappointment AND I understand why all these companies can't refund or make new planners....its just not financially feasible. Good luck with your search ❤ I hope you find something that suits your needs. The struggle is real for some this year ❤
From a business perspective I 100% agree. This is a horrible situation for all involved. The magnitude of the problem is so huge that at the end of the day there will be repercussions to all those businesses. My personal though is that coming out with a statement saying hey we have paper issues we understand, we are working on a solution for next years planners and in the meantime here are some things that work be it pens, inks sticker fixes etc. Small business are going to be damaged either way either by loosing trust in a product or by the refund perspective. I wish there was an easy fix that would help both the planner community and the planner sellers because I really do feel bad for so many of the small planner companies.
@MyMagicalPlanner good point. Open communication vs. Outright dismissal of the situation would be appreciated and prudent. I'm intrigued how this will eventually go. My heart does go out to all the companies involved along with the disappointed customers. It's unfortunate when demand soars for a product, the quality suffers. Take care and thanks for the thought provoking video. :)
This is so real! Ugh so frustrating! The inconsistency on the iroful paper may be due to hand oils on the page. Mine does that too if I handle the page too much and usually on the edges like that
It is and I just want it to work like the old paper, if only I had a time machine. Your probably right on the hand oil, I alway forget that's a thing with some of these papers. Thank you for the reminder.
I think it's an inconsistency across the board, so you might get lucky and get TRP that works fine... versus not. I have the midori hibino which is also TRP sanzen... but don't feel that has issues with regular writing fountain pen. I don't do giant ink swatches in there though...
Both my Sterling Ink and Hobonichi a6 are doing wonderful so far. Even with stamping but I'm using EF gell pens and not F.P. so that might be the difference for sure.
haha the big ink swatch was something I was trying this year, it might end up being to big for me but I had fun playing with my ink. I feel like your right. It might also had to do with when they printed their planners and how old the paper in those planners is. I wish it was just consistent so we all had the same and could figure out a solution. I'm really glad yours is treating you well. I wonder if it's a different thickness, I need to look. Someone else mentioned Hemlock and Oak which also has the TRP maybe they both have a different thickness which turned out better? I think I'll be doing some research on that today. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
@ I think Hemlock and Oak has their own paper - it's 120gsm, so very thick like bujo notebooks.
Good review. It’s so hard to know if it’s the paper, the nib, the ink etc. I’m like you, I want the paper to preform well, planners are expensive. Have you tried a Moleskin? I prefer a cream paper so that’s a personal thing I suppose. Right now I have 6 journals all doing different things 🤦🏼♀️
Totally get you! It can be a real pain figuring out what works. I’ve got a few journals too, and it feels like a never-ending search for the perfect one! I have a small notebook from Moleskin but haven't tried anything else I'll add it to my list to take a closer look at.
Sterling Ink is honestly driving me crazy because I'm using the exact same pens/markers/highlighters that I used in my 2024 planner, and the bleed-through is noticeably worse. I think it's the paper company since this seems to be an issue across multiple planner companies. I feel like at first people were saying it's only Hobonichi because there's a special treatment they give their paper that other companies don't, but it's definitely affecting other planners as well. It's sad because I love the feel of the Tomoe River Paper but this isn't inspiring me to want to get another one for next year.
I didn't realize Hobonichi did a special treatment, I wonder if they stopped to save on cost. Hmm adding this to my research list. When we knew the paper had changed it was easier to understand the changes with the fact that it should be the same paper as last year but is performing so much differently I'm just confused as to why. Honestly I think that's part of why it's so hard for me. I need a reason for the difference other than it's a bad batch. I think there will be a lot less people buying Hobonichic next year honestly. I'm pretty sure I won't be unless there is a change.
@@MyMagicalPlanner Yeah I'm going to pay very close attention to what the different planner companies are saying about the paper in August/September when it comes time to think about next year's planners.
This is such a great overview! This episode show up in my YT recommends and I had to watch! I had such issues in my Hon - my fountain pens were skipping, sliding and the ink was taking forever to dry with a fine nib! I don't have time to wait for it to dry, if I'm in a hurry. I tried several different of my fountain pens. I can use regular pens (rollerball, quick-dry gel and simple BIC pens etc) but I bought the Hon to use with my fountain pens as I've done with the A6 Hobonichi techo in past years. So I switched to a Stalogy 365 and all has been well for me. I'm sticking with a Stalogy 365 from now on.
@@theyarngoeson ok I thought the skipping was me being pretty new to fountain pens and doing something wrong. It still might be lol. I’ve had mix success with other pens most of them bleed through as well depending on the page. The uni jetstream is the one that seems to work the best but I hate having to consider that in a book I purchased just for my fountain pens. I have a stalogy regular notebook that I forgot about until someone else mentioned them and the paper is really nice so I’m going to look at them more closely. I’m really happy it’s working for you.
I bought a pack of loose sheets Tomoe River paper and the quality was beyond bad! I was shocked! Now I use them as blotting paper 😅
Ok that's the best idea for that little notebook. I was trying to figure out what to do with it because just tossing it felt wrong. Thanks for the idea. I'm sorry it was so bad though, that just stinks.
Sadly, after many years…. I can no longer purchase Hobonichi. I am so grateful to have hoarded many of their planners and blank notebooks! I can (and have), re- date. Once they are gone, hopefully I will find a new love. I do use and enjoy Midori products!
That was really smart to stock up. I should have done the same. It’s going to be one of those painful transition years I think for the planner community. We will need to grieve for a paper lost completely now and search for something new. Isn’t that how we leap forward in innovation and creativity? That’s what I’m hoping for, something good to come out it in the end.
Just started watching and I FEEL YOU PAIN already 😥I have the same problem. Different in different planners....What didn't go through on my test page at the back, still does on another page 🙈🙈
It's so frustrating I can't figure out what materials to use because nothing is consistent. I'm sorry your also having problems but it's nice to know we are not alone. I wish I could fix it for all of us because planners should not make us more stressed out.
Thank you for this, I take paper seriously too. My biggest grips is ghosting. My solutions this year were cut down stalogies and custom booklets from Bookfell Studios. As I use only waterproof fountain pen ink it's been working for me. I do not think the bomb-proof paper from Bookfell would show any sheen.
That was a really smart idea. I haven't heard of Bookfell, I'll need to add them to my list of things to checkout :) Paper is so important especially with fountain pens. I'm not sure people who don't use them can fully understand the difference it makes. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment.
Such an informative video.
Thank you :)
Thank you for this I actually ordered from Harriet Wright a Tomoe River B6 so will see. I love fountain pens and watercolor so we will see right now I am in a Stalogy. Would like to try some of the others you were working with. I have a Benu Magenta Frost coming and ordered a shimmering ink to go with it so need a paper that I can enjoy it on!
Please let me know when you get the Tomoe River how it performs. I considered it but I just couldn't make my self risk it. I have a Stalogy notebook I should have included that in this. I forget they are planners too. I'm ordering a Notliy and a few others and will do a part two when they get here to showcase a few other options. I've fallen down the rabbit hole of wanting to test all the paper now. I have a list started so I'm going to test as many as I can. The Magenta Frost is so pretty. I love my briolette! Benu is coming out with a pocket pen, I think it's suppose to go on sale in March. It looks so cute and I think I saw it was going to be under $60 but I can't seem to find whatever site had the preorder this morning. If I find it I'll come back and share.
@ I will let you know what I think about it. I too have went down the journal rabbit hole. Yes let me know about the pocket Benu, did you check their site? Or was it an exclusive on another online store they do that too.
@@marshahostetler found it!!! Took me forever I saw it in an email but here is the link to check out the preorder, my guess is it will be at other stores the just are the first I’ve seen put up a presale. www.penboutique.com/products/benu-pixie-fountain-pen-stardust-pink
@ I saw it just a hour before you sent the link. So only a cartridge which you can fill with your own ink once a cartridge is empty. They are a little bit of sunshine for sure. Love and light to you
I think Hobonichi has a huge problem and they are well aware of it. They have acknowledged the paper issues on their 5-year journals, when they thought it was only a bad batch. By now it is obvious that it wasn‘t only a bad batch and that other planners and notebooks of their line are affected as well. They can‘t replace every product that is affected, it would probably ruin them. But they could offer a partial refund. I mean let‘s say to produce a Hobonichi Cousin costs them something between 30-40$, they sell it for 60$. When they would refund 15$ to each customer, they would still keep a minor portion of their profit but the customer would get back 25% of their money. This doesn‘t solve the issue with the paper but at least they could show, that they care about their customers and take the problem serious. It could help reduce the loss of customers they are going to face.
I have to wonder if Hobonichi them selves have tested there product, because I would think it would have come out in a quality check. I did go back to their page today to look at the exact wording of the promises about the paper. I feel a bit like I didn't read the fine print since what they say is that it's more resistant to bleed through, referencing the previous paper. I don't feel like it's holding up to that but it also doesn't say it's resistant to all bleed through. They also added a little thing in a drop down menu for fountain pen use that says "TRP is designed to prevent bleed-through, but some fountain pens and water-based ink pens are not compatible with this paper." Then they recommend pen testing. With those two things I feel like they don't have to do anything so they won't but it does feel misleading to me. I need to look if I have any non water based inks (I've never payed attention).
Your complete right that if they don't do something to earn back the trust of their customer base they will really feel it from here out. I'm not sure that large of a refund would be doable but maybe a discount for your next, an apology, or maybe an extra pen that is not suppose to bleed through? I don't know but it just doesn't feel right.
I have the same sterling ink A5 horizontal and same issues with the paper. I did write to them but never ever got a reply 😢 I didn’t wanted a refund but maybe an advice? I tried to ask an advice about what pens to use on their Facebook group and my post never got approved.
That's pretty much the response I got. I can say from my own pen test I've had the best luck with a .5 or smaller point pen. The uni jetstream seems to do the best and you can get it with multiple colors if that helps. I also didn't message for a refund but just to let her know there was an issue back in Oct I think (I didn't realize really how bad it was until I started using it) but my pen test back then showed there were real issues. I figured giving her a heads up would help her figure out what to do before we all started using it but she never responded in any way. I don't know maybe she never saw it?
Unfortunately I am having some issues with one of my planners. I know it’s the Sanzen paper, but it feels completely different than the Sanzen paper in my Sterling Ink planner, it’s really slippery and my fountains pens are not performing well.
This is definitely a Sanzen issue. Almost every company offering planners with Sanzen paper are experiencing issues, so that tells me, it’s not a planner company problem. So far my Wonderland and Sterling ink planners seem fine. If this continues to happen with the paper, the planner industry will have to pivot (if they can) and find another paper that the community will accept.
@@lkessler1 I’m sorry your having issues as well. It just sucks. The wonderland should be safe this year I think since they had stocked up on the old paper but this is the last year of that. What size sterling ink did you end up getting? I’m curious if some sizes were less affected than others. Sanzen from my understanding isn’t willing to admit or change the paper so I think the community will have to adapt. I’m telling my self that this will be the push to move us into a new more amazing planner paper. It might be a delusion but I’m going with it lol
@ thank you. I have three sizes from Sterling Ink: B5 vertical, B6 daily and a pocket size.
I am unsure why all of these companies seem so unprepared. The fact that TRP was going to be discontinued has been known for some time. Endless have been way ahead of the game, in my opinion. They have replaced the TRP in all their products with their own, developed in house, paper. It’s called Regalia, it’s a little thicker, at 80 gsm, and it’s excellent. I really like their planner, otherwise they do notebooks and pads.
Edit: lots of people also like Clairefontaine paper. You would not have any issues with this, but I find it doesn’t show sheen nearly as much as Regalia.
That is a really good point that I hadn't actually thought about. I love that they took the time to develop their own paper! I've added it to my research list. Thank you so much for the recommendation. Oh I have tried the clairefontaine paper it was a while ago so I forgot but thanks for the reminder.
Yeah, Sanzen paper annoyed me so much that i bought up a heaps of Wonderland 222 planners that still use old TRP. Worth every cent.
That was so smart.
GREAT video!! & I have very similar thoughts to you. I plan on doing a video talking about this paper crisis too!! It's so frustrating because these planners are sooooooo expensive and to have them perform like hot garbage is completely unacceptable. I am totally with you on the WTH factor with Sanzen saying it meets their quality standards. Excuse me what? As far as I can tell it qualifies as "paper", but its total trash. Their response thus far (and honestly Hobonichi's initial statement) leaves a total bad taste in my mouth and makes me not want to purchase any TRP planners in the future. I don't gamble and to me purchasing any sanzen TRP def feels too much like a gamble to me at this point. This whole ordeal has been a complete letdown.
If you want a planner that uses OLD TRP from Tomoegawa, the 2025 planners from Wonderland 222 are actually their last batch of the old paper so their planners were not affected by this trashheap sanzen disaster this year. I am VERY tempted to purchase multiples to re-date for the next couple of years while Sanzen gets their crap together.
Let me know when your video comes out. I'm subbed to you but I sometimes miss things and I'm really interested to see what you have to say. BTW great channel. I agree with the response really lacking. I went back and reread what Hobonichi says about the paper today and went when did we go from it's great for fountain pens to some fountain pens and water-based ink pens are not compatible wit this paper. It's not on the initial review of the planners but there is a little drop down menu that says test fountain pens before regular use. I feel a little like I didn't read the fine print on something. Also I'm not sure but aren't pretty much all inks fountain pen or otherwise water-based. This seems to imply other forms of ink aren't as susceptible but alcohol based markers are even worse and permanent ink is too. So I'm a little confused at what ink we are suppose to use.
I do have a wonderland coming from a friend, which was incredibly sweet of her. So I'll get to try that out but stocking up may not be a bad idea if you like the layout.
Thanks for taking the time to write a comment and put so much thought into it. Looking forward to your video.
I bought a kinbor in addition to my Hobonichi Cousin to try this year after talking to a friend in china who swears by them and I have not been disappointed at all and for a third of the cost
ok that for sure is going on my list. Kinbor is a brand I hadn't heard of so I did a search and Aliexpress came up is that were you got yours?
@ yes
Another thought.....has anyone been wondering what's going to happen next year if everyone moves away from companies using TRP paper??? Are we going to be scrambling and overwhelming other planner companies such as Hemlock and Oak, Jibun Techo, Take a note, etc....😅😅 is it going to be a lottery, and will I need ninja fingers in order to get planners???? 🤔 😅
YES. I think part of the problem might have been so many companies trying to get the "best paper" and demand made them cut corners but that's just in my head I have no proof. I think we are going to see some companies either switch paper completely or just not be able to bounce back from this. It's been slowly going down hill for a few years with the paper quality but I think we have hit the point were they have gone to far. Once you loose trust with your customer base it's really hard to gain it back. By not addressing the issue people are loosing trust with not only Sanzen but Hobonichi and other planner companies. There seems to be a general feeling of being lied to and then having those feeling pushed back at the customer as they expect to much. With the economic trends I'm seeing I'm guessing Planner prices will go up so people are going to focus on two things cheap and works or expensive but worth the cost because it's a few better product. I also think we will see a huge up swing in digital planning as people are no longer able to afford luxury planners and can use a tablet to get the same writing feedback for memory. This is without putting a lot of through in to it so maybe I'm wrong. I think the Jibun might end up being the leader but it's hard to say. Will be interesting to see how the year goes. That all being said yes start practicing those ninja fingers for next year, what ever planner replaces the hobonichi base will not be expecting the love it's about to get.
@MyMagicalPlanner well said. I agree %100 personally I can't use digital just because....well I'm older than the internet, and my brain only works on paper! Lol
I've had take a note for three years. Highly recommend. No issues this year
@michelleadams5609 thanks for the information I've always been curious about Take a Note and it's definitely on the short list for 2026 :)
TAN use 68 gsm TRP though. I have no idea whether the 68 gsm is affected by these issues, or if TAN just had older paper in storage.
I very strongly recommend that you try Hemlock & Oak. Not only are their products amazing (well worth the investment), but their customer care can't be beat. You would never reach out to them and then just not hear back. (I could honestly go and on about them, singing their praises all day, but I'll leave it there.)
I kept looking at them but every time I see the Tomoe River Paper at this point I don't trust it. Have you had any issues with the paper this year? Maybe I'll do a bit more research to see the difference. I think they might use a different thickness of paper. Thank you though I love hearing about companies that are amazing.
@MyMagicalPlanner I have never had any issues with bleeding, feathering, or even ghosting, really. They use 120gsm paper, so it's quite thick (I can't go back, everything else just feels so thin and flimsy to me now 😅). And I use *a lot* of colour; felt-tip pens, Tombows, Mildliners - like, I throw *all* of my supplies at my planners. 😅😅 That said, I haven't used a fountain pen on their paper yet, but others do and I haven't heard of any issues. Here's a review that includes ink swatches: th-cam.com/video/HsEo4z_OaBE/w-d-xo.html
You and I have had two very different experiences with Hemlock and Oak I have found them to be very unhelpful in the customer service department I had a notebook from them that when arrived had creased pages and a damaged spine and their response was abysmal. It took two weeks for a reply and then they refused to replace it with me offering to pay return shipping for the damaged one nope not ever buying from them or archer and olive again.
@Pym1975 Wow, that really surprises me! I'm not saying that I don't believe you, but it's so far away from who I know them to be.
I can understand that it would take them a little while to reply, they are a small company after all, so an actual human has to find time to get back to people. 2 weeks makes sense, in that context. As to the rest of it, just. Wow. That's very surprising to me.
Without having been a part of the conversation myself, it's hard for me to fully assess the situation. But if it were me, I would reach back out to them. I know that they wouldn't want anyone to end up with damaged products or to have a bad experience with them as a company.
It might not result in a refund, discount, or credit, but it might provide you some closure. I would probably say something along the lines of: "This was an experience I had with your company and I felt really let down. I'm hoping this can be a learning experience and that we can work together to try to resolve this."
Couldn't hurt. 🤷♀️
I wonder if anyone's tried midori I have some grid notebooks from a few years back and I just pulled them out to use it.
I‘m using the Midori Cotton paper for my printed inserts and it behaves very well with FP ink. Other Midori paper is too smooth for me and way too yellow. The Cotton Paper gives a nice feedback, nibs do not slid around on this paper and the color is more into white than yellow.
a few people have suggested them so it's been added to my list as is travelers notebook because I think they are the same company or use the same paper.
Thank you for that insight:) it's always nice to see what others like and why.
What bugs me the most about this, is how rare the Aura Estelle Daily type of layout is. Meaning everything grouped by months + a minimalistic feel.
I have found alternatives, but Papertess Designs also uses TRP and has the same issues. Just Scribble doesn't ship to the EU, as she said the new consumer safety requirements are too much for one person to handle. Which is 100% understandable. Burde is a Swedish company, but their paper is as cheap as the planners, so the quality is horrendous. I've been trying to find out if Filofax is actually FP friendly, as with a binder you could customize the layout. Hemlock & Oak seems like the only true alternative, though so far I haven't seen any pen tests.
It will be interesting to see what happens, and what comes out as the 2026 lineups emerge in the summer and autumn.
BTW on the bad pages in my Aura Estelle trying to remove washi tape rips out a layer of the paper. This is not how washi behaves, and is deffinitely not how TRP used to perform. I'm similarly getting bleed through with rubber stamping inks, while TRP used to handle those fine. The ghosting is also worse now.
I think that's why I'm having the most issue honestly. I love the layout I have and it really works for me so it's hard to switch to something that doesn't have everything I want in a layout. I might have a work around for places like just scribbles I have a friend who gets a us post address that they then ship to her in the UK, she gets a lot of items so I'm not sure on the cost but I can ask her what the service is called if you want, just let me know. Same UK friend is using a Filofax with her fountain pens and hasn't had any issues. I'm holding back on Hemlock and Oak for the same reason I don't want to buy another planner just to have it not work. Same on the washi and stamping I have two little work around for them. With the washi I'm using undo if I really have to move it, not ideal but it works. For stamping I've actually found using my water based tombows for the ink works the best, haven't had any bleed through as of yet. Someone else said stamping on something else first worked for them but I'm not very good at that. Hope that helps.
Try Kinbor
someone else mentioned them today. I hadn't heard of them at all so I'm for sure going to test them out.
Honestly, I think the paper closest to old Tomoe River paper (at least for fountain pen usage (it's all I use so it's all I can account for)) is View Corona paper, but no one is using it in bound planners so it's only an option if you're using a ring planner.
I don’t think I’ve heard of that paper but I am for sure going to look into it. Ring planners are popular this year so that’s something for us all to consider. I just googled it and saw pen addicts review. It looks really impressive I wonder why no one has thought to use it.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I'm guessing because tomoe river was tried and true that everyone just jumped onto Sanzen without giving it (View Corona) a try. With people having so much trouble with sanzen paper, there will be some shops that look for paper alternatives.
I feel you, my tendency is to avoid the planners that have the Sanzen TRP but I am so stubborn that I am basically forcing myself to use them. I am in the spot that I refuse to buy another planner for 2025 not knowing how any of them will perform with ink. I could switch pens but the joy of using my fountain pens would be gone so that is absolutely not an option either. I have Sterling Ink, Aura Estelle and Just Scribble. All have the same problems and it is random. I do believe that Sanzen has a huge problem and making excuses for this is not working for me. Okay, so you won’t refund the planners I get that for these smaller companies but what is Sanzen doing to fix it? I am looking forward to your review of the Harriet Wright. What a total and complete mess! 💕
Exactly!!! I feel so bad for the smaller companies that are going to be blamed and they really are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The repercussion are so much more than this year for them. I kept telling my self it's not that bad you have spend way to much on these to give up on them, and I love the layout! but I don't know that I can stick with it and I enjoy my fountain pens so much I don't want them to not get used. Total and complete mess sums it up perfectly. Thank you for leaving a comment it helps to know we are not alone or over reacting (ok I might be but at least I know it's not just me).
Even in turning the pages I dislike the hobonichi. (And I had committed and bought 3 different sizes). 😳. I am going back to the B6 Cafe Notes. They are the closest to Tomoe River paper. The writing experience is fantastic and the feel and audible turn of the page is delightful. (Probably sounds weird to some) Everything I am looking for in a notebook is in the B6 notes. It advertises Tomoe River paper and it still is. ❤
That doesn't sound weird to me at all. As a kid I would steal my grandmothers old bible that had these super thin pages just so I could flip through it beause I loved the sound and feel of the paper. I was a weird kid lol. Is thise the Cafe Notes? www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/04/notebook-review-nanami-cafe-note-b6-slim-grid/ That's wonderful, I wonder if they had a stock pile of the older paper.
@ Yes! The Cafe Notes has a similar sound and feel to the Bible pages. ❤️However, the grid has more of that lovely feeling than the lined does. My daughter had the lined last year and I have always used the grid. The lined paper does have a different sound and feel to it than the grid. So if you don’t mind grid, that’s THE one to try. ❤️
Are you talking about Café notes by Nanami paper? If so it’s Sanzen
I'll recommend Crena Spark paper (星火纸) which is also a lightweight paper. I'm using a 5-year journal made with this paper. I did not see any feathering or bleeding so far. However, it's a bit hard to purchase this.
I don’t have that paper on my list yet what planner are you using? I want to make sure to add it to the list I’m making. There are more paper options than I realized out there which gives me hope that a good replacement can be found.
@@MyMagicalPlanner It's 5-year journal from Crena. Crena does make their own paper and notebook.
Try Sakae iroful paper. They use to make the Tomoe River paper before Sanzen. Ha! I wrote that before I finished watching! iroful comes in loose sheets, too.
That's really good to know. I need them to make a planner now lol...hmm I wonder if I could print on it, I see an experiment in my near future.
Tomoegawa was the original Tomoe paper manufacturer. Sakae was the maker of notebooks with that paper.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I know! I asked Journey planners if they would consider it in an email and they never responded. I would think you could print on it. I have the notebook so I haven't tried.
@@dtmama You are right! I should have said notebook.
Did anyone had an opportunity to test the Hibino planner? I would appreciate any insight
Is that the midori one? I'm going to try and do some research today based on peoples interest to see what papers might be helpful. If it's not the midori one can you send me a link so I make sure I'm looking at the right one?
@ it is the midori one. It’s so beautiful and I would love to try it but it’s hard to find… it has 2 A6 pages per day so it’s a bit thick but if it performs I will hunt it down :)
Hibino uses TRP as well. I just met a person who was upset at how their paper works with fountain pens.
I reached out to SI, since this was my second SI planner, and the other one had no issues, and my Cousin before that had no issues and made me a TRP lover, especially the grid size, and that I could get a great planner layout. Soooooo disappointed that this year's planner is a sloppy mess... Same pens, same ink. They issued me a partial refund, which I appreciate as they didn't have to, but I genuinely feel that Sanzen needs to sort it out. SI was accommodating the popular choice of paper, only to have it change to the point where it's no longer accurately defined. Fountain pen friendly, my patootie! I'm using a Pilot VP in fine, and Platinum Carbon Black. If anyone has any suggestions for a great black ink, apparently I'm going to have to be open to changing my ink until this at least next year, because I am NOT purchasing and setting up a new planner. Sincerely, Disappointed 😒
I'm glad she got back to you. It has to be such a headache for all these companies. It is really sad to see the paper die like this. It might have been easier on all of us if they had just stopped making it and found a new alternative (well maybe I don't know). As for fountain pen inks I haven't found one yet I know my Pilot iroshizuku take-sumi (black ink) which is my favorite seems to have the most issues so far or maybe it's just that I use it the most. As far as non fountain pen inks I know my uni Jetstream is the best with the paper I've found which is a ballpoint with a oil based ink. The website says that it's not compatible with all water based inks but I don't know any oil based fountain pen inks. If there is an oil based ink that would probably be the best I think. I'm also guessing we need a drier ink and from looking around at dry black ink recommendations it looks like a lot of people suggest Pelikans Brilant Black. It's under $10 for a bottle on Amazon so I think I'll give it a try. Let me know if you have any luck and I'll try to do the same.
@@MyMagicalPlanner I know! Small companies, doing their best to run honest businesses with transparency and the best of intentions... Hopefully someone will hear the cries of this amazing community and help to find the solution. I know I won't be giving up my fountain pens or my planners! Thank you for the suggestion! I will give the Pelikan a shot. I am terrified to try the Pilot Iroshizuku inks on this paper because I have used them quite a lot and they do seem very wet. Thank you for making this video. I felt validated 😄. Take care, and best of luck!!
Thank you for this. It has been horrible
Your welcome. Your comment makes me want to give you a hug. I'm sorry your dealing with this as well.
Would highly recommend MD paper (from Midori). They come in the Travelers Notebooks but also in other form factors too. I believe it’s cream but it’s my favorite paper to write on that helps eliminate a lot of the shadowing and bleed through from fountain pens and dark gel inks.
I really appreciate your suggestion! It’s always helpful to hear what works for others, and I’m excited to give MD paper a try! I'm making an order of some other papers and will make sure I include a Travelers Notebook. I want to make a part two to share all the additional paper/planners people are suggesting.
Wonderland. 222 planners this year used old batch of tomoe river paper
I love the planning community and all, but you all need to calm down. Why would anyone let paper, notebooks or stationery cause them anxiety? Just use a different pen. I love fountain pens, paper, notebooks, journals and planners as much as the next person, but I just adjust my writing instrument accordingly. If it’s not fountain pen friendly I use my Zebra Sarasa pens instead. Please stop freaking out over paper.
@@kailahmom1 I appreciate your point of view but unfortunately it’s not limited to fountain pens most of my other pens also bleed through the paper. Forget using dot markers, highlighters, mild liners. I get less bleed through with my fountain pens overall. If it was as simple as not using a fountain pen I think I could get past it but it really is more you can see my tomoe river pen test video for that. This is about finding a new solution. But it’s also a fact of being told that a paper is made for fountain pen use and buying a product with that expectation that is also part of the issue. But I also understand what matters to me may not be what matters to you. As for the anxiety part for a person who struggles with pretty significant anxiety (as in a medical diagnosis) saying this shouldn’t cause them anxiety is very shamming. I’m happy that it doesn’t cause you issues and I wish I was the same but honestly I’m broken so it dose. My planner is my life line to keeping my anxiety in check and when that’s not working life can be overwhelming especially in a house full of kids who have anxiety, adhd, autism, ocd and host of other quirks. Change is hard here and I realize that’s my issue but I also feel let down by a product that I had grown to depend on. I’m really glad you’re not having problems but please don’t discount people who are because it may be more than you see.
This is our hobby. It’s important to us. Just use a different pen? I buy this paper and these expensive planners to use my fountain pens in. Judgy Judgerson. 😝🙄
Maybe it wouldn’t be a big deal if it was a $15 planner but Hobonichi boasts the best paper for fountain pens and charges a premium price for their products. I am not directly affected by this issue with any of my notebooks, but I would be very disappointed if I were and I’m worried for the planner small businesses that could lose a lot of money with this.
Yeah, even my ballpoint pen is bleeding through in this year's planner. That's a problem. You should expect better performance from expensive paper than what you can buy at Wal-Mart.
@ so true! My 0.3 pens I think are doing ok for the most part if that helps and uni jetstream .5 and using stickers helps because you can write on them instead. I wish this wasn’t a thing.