TIPS et al.

To anyone who has read my texts on the Tokyo International Pen Show (TIPS) over the years, it will come as no surprise that I am not particularly fond of the format. My main complaint —allow me to reiterate— is that, despite its name, TIPS is not truly a pen show, but rather a stationery salon where companies —makers, retailers, artisans— gather to showcase their products. Occasionally, you may come across some used pens, but they are far from being the main attraction of the event.

However, the show works—and it works very well—with thousands of visitors attending each edition. So, all is well, and the concept, for the most part, is unlikely to change. The problem, though, is that its formula is simple—and easy to replicate. And that is exactly what’s happening.

TIPS 2024.

TIPS is built on the idea of attracting all kinds of businesses related to stationery. You then gather them in one room and hope people will come. And they do!

In a country like Japan, with its rich stationery culture, this model is easy to reproduce. Bungu Market, Shumi-no Bungu Matsuri, and Bungu Joshi are just some of the stationery events held in Tokyo throughout the year—sometimes even multiple times a year!

Bungu Market in Ota ward in Tokyo. January 2025. This event is celebrated 4 times per year, and there are other Bungu Market events in other locations—Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto... .

Bungu Joshi in June 2025 (https://youtu.be/pApUJqImr1c?si=-HXWmzS4Ed22tp_z). Twice a year event.

Shumi-no Bungu Matsuri. Organized by the magazine Shumi-no Bungubako. July 2025. Photo courtesy of Inktraveler.

TIPS may have been the early bird that caught the worm, but it is no longer unique. Both visitors and locals now have the option to choose which event to attend, and they are no longer bound to being in Tokyo in November to see the latest in stationery. Time will tell whether the market is large enough to sustain so many shows.

Jinhao 82 ― Private Reserve Dakota Red

Bruno Taut
July 25th, 2025
etiquetas: Tokyo, evento, mercado