When you write on the first page of a new notebook, don’t you feel a moment of calmness just a little bit?
Also, a pen that you took several minutes to choose to convey your feelings to a loved one.
Just that makes your usual work and daily life about 5% more enjoyable.
Stationery that accompanies our daily lives brings a small positivity that goes beyond being just a tool.
The large stationery specialty store "Usagiya" has been providing a space that can be called a "theme park for stationery" for 30 years.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary since the opening of "Usagiya Kurashiki" in November 1995, a commemorative event "Birthday Fair 2025" was held in November 2025.
At this milestone, we spoke with Kyoko Izawa, from the Brand Management Department, about the journey of the operating company KURABUN Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "KURABUN"), the values that Usagiya has cherished, and the outlook for the future.
The Story of KURABUN and Usagiya that Started in Kurashiki
KURABUN, which operates Usagiya, is a company based in Kurashiki.
For the company, which has expanded the possibilities of stationery while being rooted in the community, the opening of Usagiya Kurashiki in 1995 marked the beginning of its journey as a large stationery specialty store.
The name "Usagiya" comes from the fact that the president of KURABUN, Masanobu Izawa (George Izawa), who established this business, was born in 1951 (Showa 26), the "Year of the Rabbit".
The easy-to-remember name "Usagiya" also reflects the desire to be a place that is "easy to drop by" while being a large stationery specialty store.
After that, KURABUN strengthened its role as a "base for disseminating stationery culture" while advancing store expansion and the development of original products, not just retail.
At the origin of this was the challenges and trial and error at Usagiya Kurashiki.
The Solid Relationship with the Community Seen at the 30-Year Milestone
30 years since the opening.
The journey has not been smooth. The emergence of large commercial facilities and rapid digitalization have significantly changed the environment surrounding stationery.
Nevertheless, the reason Usagiya has not stopped its progress lies in the "sense of distance with the community".
In recent years, Usagiya has consciously expanded its connections with the community through collaborations with local companies and participation in regional events.
Through these efforts, they have increasingly realized that local people cherish and support their community.
The many "congratulations" received at the "Birthday Fair 2025" for the 30th anniversary was an event that manifested the relationships formed.
Real Experiences that Only a Specialty Store Can Provide
What Ms. Izawa repeatedly emphasized was the value of "being able to try".
In a modern world saturated with functionality, the appeal of stationery cannot be conveyed by numbers or specifications alone.
The slight stability of the pen tip, the flow of the ink, the sound and feel when writing. These are things that can only be understood by actually holding them.
At Usagiya Kurashiki, many products can be tried out.
Additionally, concierges are assigned to high-end writing instruments, and all staff continuously improve their knowledge through daily study sessions and tests.
"Specialized knowledge" and "hospitality".
I felt that the accumulation of these two factors is the reason why KURABUN and Usagiya have continued to be chosen as "real" (authentic).
Beloved by the community, Usagiya Kurashiki has reached its 30th anniversary.
We spoke with Kyoko Izawa from the Brand Management Department about the journey of 30 years and the outlook for the future.
Data on Usagiya Kurashiki
| Name | Usagiya Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 508 Sasao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-8989 |
| Website | Usagiya |
