“Excitement and joy through stationery”
The large stationery specialty store “Usagiya,” located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, has delighted stationery lovers with its extensive selection and warm hospitality. Rooted in the local community, it continues to be loved by many people.
As of 2025, it operates five stores in Okayama Prefecture and one in Hiroshima Prefecture. What kind of store is Usagiya, which continues to share the appeal of stationery through its diverse selection and original projects?
Focusing on Usagiya Kurashiki, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November 2025, this article introduces Usagiya’s history, its passion for stationery, its various initiatives, and its vision for the future.
The information presented is as of the article’s publication in February 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Usagiya?
Usagiya is a large stationery specialty store operated by KURABUN Co., Ltd., which sells stationery and office equipment and handles office design and construction.
The name apparently comes from the fact that 1951, the year the president of KURABUN was born, was the Year of the Rabbit.
On November 1, 1995, Usagiya Kurashiki opened when KURABUN’s retail division was made independent.
Following three renovations in 2004, 2012, and 2022, the store now includes the cafe Georges Lapin, a relaxing space where local customers can unwind while shopping.
Incidentally, “Georges Lapin” is French and literally means “George the Rabbit.”
- Kurashiki store
- Okayama store
- Konan store
- Okayama East store
- Kurashiki West store
- Fukuyama South store
The Georges Lapin cafe is available only at the Kurashiki, Okayama, and Fukuyama South stores.
Inside the store
As you enter the bright store, you’re immediately overwhelmed by its approximately 42,000 stationery items. The excitement is unstoppable.
Also catching your eye are the many gentle wood-grain details. The space is enveloped in warmth and offers a soothing place to relax.
Thoughtful touches make it easy to find what you’re looking for
A floor map at the entrance makes it easy to understand the store layout. The products are divided into eight broad areas by category.
- Diary
Planners and other items - Event
Calendars, seasonal gifts, hands-on activity corner, and more - Pen&Ink
Writing instruments, fountain pens, ink, and more - Adult
Glass pens, leather goods, lifestyle accessories, handkerchiefs, and more - Junior
School backpacks, baby products, character goods for young children, origami, stickers, and more - Teen
Pencil cases, binders, notebooks, and more - Office
Office supplies, label printers, shredders, calculators, files, and more - Hobby
Sticky notes, letter sets, art supplies, and more
The in-store cafe “Georges Lapin”
The store includes the cafe Georges Lapin. It’s a space unique to Usagiya, where you can take a break while enjoying stationery at your leisure.
The fact that it’s “a cafe inside a stationery store” might make you want to linger, but takeout is also available.
Many students also seem to use the cafe to study for exams. It’s so popular that time limits are imposed during exam periods.
Georges Lapin Kurashiki is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last orders at 7:30 p.m.).
Original products
In addition to regular products, Usagiya offers appealing original products that delight stationery lovers.
Original writing instruments
These include original fountain pens with names sure to appeal to Okayama residents, and original inks in a wide range of colors to inspire creativity.
Ink names include the “Bicchu Sou-shoku Series,” “Stars of Bisei,” and “Shimotsui Octopus.” Apparently, all the names are chosen by staff.
Collaborations with local businesses
Collaboration products with businesses representing Kurashiki, such as Kurashiki Udon “Bukkake” Furuichi and Kikkodo, are another feature unique to Usagiya. The product range conveys a love for Kurashiki and attracts local residents.
One example is a collaboration ballpoint pen with Marugo, famous for its tabi boots. A ballpoint pen bearing the name of a business representing Kurashiki seems like something you’d be proud to own.
There are also stationery items inspired by Fujito Manju, a traditional sweet representing Kurashiki, making them ideal souvenirs.
It’s easy to see why so many visitors come from outside the prefecture.
Usagiya Kurashiki has shared the joy of stationery while cherishing its ties to the community, and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November 2025.
We spoke with Izawa Kyoko of the Usagiya Division’s Brand Management Department and Yuruki Saori, chief of the Usagiya Kurashiki store, who shares the joy of stationery, about Usagiya’s history, its passion for stationery, its various initiatives, and its vision for the future.
Usagiya Kurashiki Store Information
| Name | Usagiya Kurashiki Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 508 Sasaoki, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-8989 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. The order cutoff at the attached cafe “Georges Lapin” is 7:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Open year-round except New Year’s Day and inventory days |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Usagiya |
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