Yamamoto Notebook Ro-Biki See-through Series - Iwahada

The Yamamoto Ro-Biki notebook "See-through Series – Iwahada" is a Japanese pocket notebook in a slim 91 × 210 mm format with a semi-transparent cover that allows you to see the contents of the notebook. "Iwahada" – literally rock skin – refers to the characteristically textured, slightly rough paper surface of the cover, which feels noticeably different from the smooth kraft paper of the Ro-Biki Basic series. Inside, you'll find the proven Yamamoto paper "New Chiffon Cream", which works equally well for fountain pens, dip pens, ballpoint pens, and pencils.

Special Features

• Semi-transparent "See-through" cover: Unlike the classic kraft paper cover, this cover allows you to see inside the notebook – the current contents remain visible from the outside without having to open the notebook. Practical for anyone who keeps multiple notebooks handy and wants to know at a glance which one is the right one.
• "Iwahada" texture: The structured, granular surface of the cover is reminiscent of natural stone – matte, cool to the touch, with subtle tactile resistance. The texture takes wear marks differently than wax paper: less shine, more character in the surface itself.
• Yamamoto "New Chiffon Cream" paper (80 g/m²): The cream-colored inner paper is smooth enough that fountain pens and dip pens glide without resistance, yet firm enough to hold ink coverage without show-through. Wetter inks need some drying time, but they won't bleed. Well-suited for fine to medium-width writing nibs.
• Thread binding: The thread binding keeps the pages together permanently and allows the notebook to lie completely flat – the notebook stays open without needing to hold it with your hand.
• Slim pocket format (91 × 210 mm): The portrait format fits in an inside pocket or a Traveler's Notebook cover (passport size) and can be held in one hand at the same time.

Application & Tips

• Fountain pen: The "New Chiffon Cream" paper responds very well to water-based fountain pen inks – colors appear rich and clear. With a fine or medium-width nib, you get sharp, clear handwriting. Wet inks and broad nibs also work, but require 20–30 seconds of drying time.
• Dip pen and calligraphy: The smooth, slightly creamy surface allows for clean pen control. For calligraphy practice with steel nib and ink, the format is ideal: long enough for vertical letter sequences, narrow enough that you don't need to skip lines.
• Traveler's Notebook integration: The format 91 × 210 mm corresponds to the common Passport/Regular size of many Traveler's Notebook covers – the notebook can be used directly as a refill.
• Daily pocket notebook: For quick notes, shopping lists, sketches, and thoughts on the go – the portrait format allows more lines per page than a square pocket format.
• Pencil and colored pencil: The slightly textured "Iwahada" texture of the cover is also suitable for rubbing techniques or as a tactile distinguishing feature when multiple notebooks are in your bag.

For Paper Enthusiasts

Yamamoto Paper was founded in 1972 in Sakai, Osaka and is known as a paper wholesaler with direct access to Japanese paper mills. The Ro-Biki line emerged from this industry expertise: the inner paper "New Chiffon Cream" with 80 g/m² is not a standard off-the-shelf paper, but a grade selected by Yamamoto itself and tested for the writing characteristics of fountain pens and dip pens. The "See-through Series" replaces the opaque kraft paper cover with a semi-transparent material featuring the "Iwahada" embossing – a surface that develops its character not through aging, but is defined from the start by its texture. The paper inside is not document-permanent; for archival-critical content, document-permanent fountain pen or pigment inks are recommended.

Technical Specifications