Celebrating 50 Years of the Iconic Campus Notebook

The Campus Notebook is one of KOKUYO’s most beloved products, and in 2025, it celebrates an incredible milestone—its 50th anniversary! First launched in 1975, the Campus Notebook has been a trusted companion for students, professionals, and creatives alike. Loved for its unbeatable quality and thoughtful design, it’s a true icon in the world of stationery.

In this blog, we’re taking a nostalgic journey through the Campus Notebook’s history, uncovering the secrets of its lasting appeal, and exploring the exclusive 50th-anniversary designs that blend tradition with fresh, exciting visuals.

History of Campus Notebook

From Classic to Contemporary: The Campus Notebook’s Evolution

1975: Where It All Began

Campus Notebook made its debut in 1975, introducing a revolutionary "perfect binding" method. This cutting-edge approach replaced the traditional thread binding, creating a notebook that was durable and easy to use. It quickly became a must-have for students across Japan.

1983: Design with a Purpose

The 1980s brought a focus on making Campus even more user-friendly. Bold labeling of ruled lines (7mm-ruled and 6mm-ruled) was added to the cover, so users could identify their preferred format at a glance. A new logo was also created, featuring a design that was both familiar and timeless. Campus Notebooks quickly gained fans among working professionals, making it a must-have even beyond the classroom.

1991: A Colorful Refresh

To stand out in an increasingly competitive market, Campus introduced vibrant colors and a daring vertical logo design. This fresh look elevated its status as a stationery trendsetter, giving customers something both practical and stylish.

2000: Built to Last

As the market trended toward lower-cost notebooks, Campus doubled down on quality. After extensive material research, a tear-resistant spine tape was introduced, ensuring the notebook could withstand busy schedules and heavy use.

2011: Smooth Writing, Eco-Friendly Ideals

The fifth generation of Campus came with two major upgrades: a revamped spine tape for smoother writing and updated ruling for better usability. KOKUYO also introduced environmentally friendly paper, proving that sustainability and premium quality can go hand-in-hand.

Campus 50th Anniversary in 2025

To mark 50 amazing years, KOKUYO has released special anniversary designs in collaboration with Japanese illustrator, Hikaru Ichijo! The anniversary notebooks feature bold, dynamic visuals that capture a sense of vitality and creativity, reflecting everying the Campus Notebook stands for. The commemorative notebooks also feature an exclusive 50th-anniversary logo — making these notebooks a collector’s dream!

Why the Campus Notebook is Still a Favorite

What makes the Campus Notebook so special? Even with just three simple components—the cover, inner paper, and spine tape—Campus is a masterclass in attention to detail. With each update over the years, Campus has evolved without ever losing its charm.

From students sketching their first ideas, to professionals creating their next big creative project, the Campus Notebook has been there every step of the way. To remain a beloved brand for everyone, the Campus series will continue to evolve—expanding its stationery lineup to inspire and support the next generation of thinkers, creators, and dreamers.