JAPANESE PAPER / GSM / B2B
Japanese paper comparison: GSM is a starting point, not a substitute for testing
Buyers frequently compare 52gsm, 68gsm, 75gsm, 100gsm and 127.9gsm Japanese papers. Different mills, surface treatments and intended uses matter as much as basis weight. This independent buyer guide separates commercially quoted paper grades from development-stage enquiries and proprietary notebook-brand papers.
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Compare Japanese paper by grade and purpose
| Paper grade | Reference weight | Typical project use | Important sourcing caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomoe River S / トモエリバーS | 52 / 68 g/m² | Lightweight planners, journals | Confirm grade, colour, sheet size and current supply. |
| iroful / イロフル | 75 g/m² | Ink-focused writing and stationery | Consumer grade does not prove bulk-sheet availability. |
| b7 Natural / b7ナチュラル | 100 / 115* g/m² | Natural-white printing, book text | Project enquiry weights; rough-coated printing paper. |
| Marshmallow CoC / マシュマロCoC | 127.9* g/m² | Smooth multi-purpose printing | Check actual grade and order-specific certification documents. |
| View Corona / ビューコロナ | — | Thin printing and high-page-count publishing | Available weights and grades need confirmation. |
| Kinmari V / キンマリV | 52.3 / 64 / 81.4 / 104.7 / 127.9 / 157 g/m² | Uncoated printing and book text | Published reference grades are not fixed stock. |
| Japanese OCR paper / OCR用紙 | 83.7 / 96.5 / 104.7* g/m² | Development-stage document and form projects | Development targets, not fixed commercial inventory. |
* Asterisk: project enquiry or development values, not guaranteed availability.
What does a Japanese paper buyer need to confirm?
- Finished product, page count, printing and writing instruments
- Exact named grade, shade, grams per square metre (gsm), thickness and opacity needs
- Parent-sheet size (for example 1091×788, 939×636 or 880×625 mm), grain direction and cutting plan
- Current sample, lead time, order quantity, certification documents and export destination
Common paper comparison questions
Is 52gsm Tomoe River S always better than 68gsm?
Neither is universally better. A lighter paper may reduce book weight, but the exact grade, writing performance, show-through, handling, binding and availability must be checked with real samples.
Are iroful 75gsm and Tomoe River S interchangeable?
No. iroful is marketed for ink expression, while Tomoe River S is often evaluated for lightweight planners. Test both papers with the exact nib, ink, printing method and page design.
Is b7 Natural the same category as fountain-pen paper?
No. It is classified as a rough-coated printing paper. It may be considered for stationery, but writing and print performance need product-specific testing.
Do published manufacturer weights mean FUKUSEI has stock?
No. Published specifications, past project references and current stock are different. FUKUSEI confirms current supply, minimum quantity, lead time, grain, certification and export terms before quoting.