About Midori
Overview
Midori is a prominent Japanese stationery brand recognized for its commitment to minimalist aesthetics, high-quality writing instruments, and premium paper goods. Founded in 1950, the company initially specialized in letter paper and envelopes before evolving into one of Japan’s most respected names in the stationery industry. Currently owned by Designphil Inc., Midori has gained international acclaim for creating products that seamlessly blend elegant design with practical functionality.
History
The brand was established as Midori Shokai Co., Ltd. in Japan in 1950. The name Midori (緑) translates to “green” in Japanese, selected to represent vitality and growth. Its inaugural product line consisted of writing paper and envelopes adorned with a courier motif. Over the decades, the company diversified its offerings to include notebooks, diaries, sketchbooks, greeting cards, planners, and various other paper-based items.
Key milestones in the company’s history include:
- 1950: Establishment of Midori Shokai Co., Ltd.
- 1952: Commencement of manufacturing business diaries for corporate clients.
- 1960s: Introduction of undated diaries and multi-year journals, which became signature products.
- 1970s–1990s: Expansion into decorative stationery, office supplies, stickers, paper clips, and writing accessories.
- 2006: Launch of the original TRAVELER’S notebook, which later spun off into its own brand.
- 2007: Corporate name changed to Designphil Inc., while retaining Midori as the flagship stationery brand.
- 2008: Release of the acclaimed MD Notebook, featuring specially developed MD PAPER 1.
Philosophy
Midori’s product development is guided by the principle of enriching daily life through thoughtful design. The brand prioritizes:
- Simplicity and usability
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable writing experience
- Functional design with minimal decoration
- Traditional Japanese craftsmanship merged with modern aesthetics
Rather than chasing transient trends, Midori focuses on creating timeless products designed for everyday use.
Product Categories
Midori offers an extensive range of stationery items catering to students, professionals, artists, and fountain pen users. Many products feature understated colors, clean layouts, and practical details.
Paper Products
- MD Notebooks
- Letter paper
- Envelopes
- Memo pads
- Sticky notes
- Journals
- Diaries
- Planners
Writing Accessories
- Bookmarks
- Index tabs
- Rulers
- Correction tape
- Clips
- Pen cases
Decorative Stationery
- Stickers
- Washi-themed paper products
- Greeting cards
- Seasonal stationery
- Decorative clips
Office Supplies
- Desk accessories
- Organizers
- Filing products
- Storage items
MD PAPER and MD Notebook
One of Midori’s most significant innovations is MD PAPER, a proprietary material developed over several decades. It provides a smooth writing experience with minimal feathering or bleed-through, making it highly favored among fountain pen enthusiasts.
Introduced in 2008, the MD Notebook utilizes this paper within a minimalist framework characterized by:
- Thread-stitched binding that allows the book to open flat
- Cream-colored pages designed to reduce eye strain
- Absence of unnecessary cover graphics
- Durable construction suitable for daily use
The MD series has since become one of the brand’s flagship product lines.
TRAVELER’S Notebook
In 2006, Midori launched the refillable leather TRAVELER’S notebook, targeting travelers, creatives, and journaling enthusiasts. This system features interchangeable inserts secured by elastic bands, allowing users to customize their notebooks with planners, sketchbooks, or blank pages.
As the product gained global popularity, it was separated into its own distinct brand, TRAVELER’S COMPANY, though it remains under the umbrella of Designphil Inc. 2
Design Style
Midori is distinguished by a design philosophy rooted in Japanese aesthetics, emphasizing:
- Minimalism
- Functional elegance
- Soft, natural color palettes
- High-quality paper
- Durable craftsmanship
- Attention to detail
The brand places significant importance on the tactile experience of its products, including paper texture, binding quality, and writing comfort.
Global Presence
While headquartered in Japan, Midori products are distributed internationally through stationery retailers, bookstores, department stores, and online platforms. The brand has cultivated a strong following among:
- Fountain pen users
- Bullet journal enthusiasts
- Artists
- Designers
- Writers
- Students
- Travelers
Its notebooks and paper products are frequently recommended within the global stationery community for their reliability and refined design.
Parent Company
Midori operates as a brand of Designphil Inc., a Japanese company specializing in design-focused stationery and lifestyle products. In 2007, the parent company adopted the Designphil name while continuing to market Midori as its core stationery brand.
Legacy
With over seven decades of operation, Midori has established itself as one of Japan’s best-known stationery brands by combining craftsmanship, functional design, and high-quality materials. Iconic products such as the MD Notebook and the original TRAVELER’S notebook have influenced modern stationery culture worldwide, earning the brand a reputation for understated excellence and enduring usability 3
