Tsubame Memo Block Plain blank

The Tsubame Memo Block (N8002) is a small-format pocket notebook measuring 75 × 120 mm, featuring 80 sheets of Japanese Foolscap paper from Tsubame – a cream-white, acid-free writing paper with 81.4 g/m² that contains no optical brighteners and is therefore particularly easy on the eyes. The blank, line-free surface offers complete freedom for notes, sketches, layouts, and quick thoughts. Each sheet can be cleanly and residue-free removed from the block.

Special Features

• Foolscap paper, 81.4 g/m², acid-free: The cream-colored paper contains no fluorescent dyes – it is gentle on the eyes during long writing sessions and does not yellow. The surface features a subtle traditional laid finish: not mirror-smooth, but not rough either, allowing pen nibs from fine to medium widths to glide safely and with control.
• No bleed-through, no fraying: Fountain pen inks – even wet, color-saturated shades – do not spread on this paper. The ink sets with clear definition, resulting in sharp line edges and legible handwriting.
• Quick drying time: The Foolscap paper dries quickly despite its smooth finish – a rare advantage in fountain pen paper that significantly reduces smudging of freshly written text.
• Lining with water-based ink: Page lining (here: none, blank) is printed in the traditional mesh-screen method using water-based ink that is chemically neutral to fountain pen inks – no reaction, no washing out of lines.
• Adhesive binding, individually removable: Each of the 80 sheets can be cleanly separated from the block individually – ideal for sharing notes, pasting into journals, or carrying as a loose notepad in your wallet.
• Pocket format 75 × 120 mm: Fits in any jacket pocket or paperback cover. Small enough for on-the-go use, large enough for a complete note or small sketch.

Application & Tips

• Fountain pens with fine to broad nibs: The Foolscap paper responds evenly to fine, medium, and broader nibs. With very wet inks and broad nibs, wait a moment – while drying time is quick, a moment of patience pays off with heavily pigmented or shimmer inks.
• Gel rollers and ink rollers: Work equally well; the slightly textured surface provides enough resistance for a pleasant writing feel without scratching.
• Pencils and colored pencils: The laid paper texture accepts graphite evenly and erases well without the surface tearing.
• Sketches and layouts: The blank page is suitable for quick thumbnails, typography drafts, or small-format calligraphy practice – tear off and compare side by side.
• Journaling and pasting: Removed sheets can be incorporated into bullet journals or notebooks using standard glue, washi tape, or double-sided tape. The 81.4 g/m² paper is thick enough that it won't wrinkle when pasted.
• On-the-go use: The block fits in a shirt pocket or alongside a smartphone in a wallet case. With a short fountain pen or fine gel roller, you can quickly capture what matters anytime.

For Paper Enthusiasts

Tsubame Foolscap paper is a laid paper – when held to light, the characteristic rib pattern of the screen structure becomes visible, giving the sheet subtle visual depth. The weight of 81.4 g/m² is deliberately above typical 70 g/m² notepad paper: the result is a noticeably firmer sheet that barely shows through on the back with fountain pen inks and doesn't tear when removed. The absence of optical brighteners keeps the cream tone of the paper stable – no yellowing under UV light, no color cast under artificial light.

Technical Specifications