Today, we’re diving into the much-loved KOKUYO Campus notebook, a staple in Japan’s stationery scene. We’ll be taking a closer look at some of the most recommended sizes for all your note-taking needs.
When you think of KOKUYO, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the Campus notebook with its signature blue lines. As of January 2025, there are actually 9 different size options available, ranging from A4 to A7! Here’s the breakdown: A4, B5 Extended, Semi B5, A5, B6, B5 Half-size, A6, B7, and A7.
Sizes like A4 and Semi B5 give you plenty of space to write freely, making them perfect for sketches, diagrams, or brainstorming sessions. A5 strikes the perfect balance between portability and enough space to jot down your ideas, while smaller sizes like A6, B7, and A7 are super portable and handy for taking notes on the go.
With so many options, it might leave you wondering, ‘Which one should I choose?’ No worries—we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll highlight 4 sizes we recommend based on their specific uses.
Semi B5
The most popular size on the KOKUYO online store is the Semi B5.
This size is perfect for portability—not too big to carry around but with enough space to write comfortably. It’s the go-to size for students in Japan as it’s the same size as textbooks and official documents, making it the most popular option for studying.
For comparison, in the U.S., letter size (around A4) or legal size are common, but Semi B5 is a more compact alternative that’s great for studying and super easy to carry. This size is perfect for learning a new language, taking university notes, or studying for exams.
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A4
The largest option in the KOKUYO Campus notebook series is the A4 size. What sets this size apart is its huge writing space and versatility. When you open it up, you’ve got an expansive A3-sized spread in front of you, making it perfect for organizing ideas, sketching out plans, and brainstorming. It’s ideal for mind maps and creative thinking. The wide space lets you lay out your thoughts however you like, and you can even use bigger sticky notes to visually organize to-do lists or schedules. Moving or adding sticky notes is easy as well.
If you need to create charts, graphs, presentation drafts, or sketches—anything that benefits from a bit of extra space—this size is perfect!
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A5
These days, A4 is the go-to size for most official documents, so A5, which conveniently fits folded A4 documents, has become a popular choice. What makes A5 great is its perfect balance of practicality and compact size.
It’s small enough to fit in your bag with ease but still provides enough space for comfortable writing.
Despite being portable, it offers plenty of room to get your thoughts down. A5 is the sweet spot between convenience and usability, making it ideal for daily use. It pairs perfectly with the A5 Jibun Techo if you want an extra journal to accompany your planner. For anyone who loves keeping a daily journal or jotting down quick notes, this is the golden option.
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B6 Half
The Half size is similar to the B6, but with the width and height reversed.
You're probably thinking - why do that? Well, it’s designed with people who use tablets or laptops in mind. The idea is to give you enough space to keep your laptop on your desk while still spreading out your notebook without the keyboard getting in the way! When you use a larger notebook like B5, it can push your keyboard too far out of reach. But with the B5 Half size, you can keep the notebook close while typing away.
It’s not just great for pairing with your laptop—it’s also compact enough to slip into your pocket. Perfect for quick phone memos, jotting down meeting notes, or capturing spontaneous ideas on the go!
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I hope this breakdown has helps take the intimidation out of choosing from the wide variety of sizes. With these insights, you should now feel more confident in finding the perfect KOKUYO notebook that suits your needs!
