Paper
Japanese binding describes the way a notebook is sewn. A Japanese-bound notebook can also be bound by hand: the two descriptions are not opposites. The notebooks by 23janvier at Ourooh are made in south-west France.
At a glance
Maker: 23janvier
Place: South-west France
A5 size: 14.6 × 20.8 cm
Inner paper: 90gsm fine-grain cream paper
Japanese-bound notebooks: 44 folded pages
What is Japanese binding?
The sewn detail along the spine is part of the construction. On the Botanical Garden Japanese-Bound A5 Notebook and Black Cypress Japanese-Bound A5 Notebook, the stitching remains visible beside the printed cover.
Both are made by hand in France. Here, “Japanese-bound” refers to the binding style, rather than the country where the notebook was made.
How many pages are there?
These notebooks have 44 folded pages of cream paper. The folded construction gives the book its volume. Page counts vary between notebook ranges, so check the individual listing when comparing a sewn notebook with a pocket book or another A5 format.
How do the covers differ?
The covers use handmade cotton paper at 220gsm. Botanical Garden brings a botanical pattern; Black Cypress has a darker, more graphic cover. The paper and sewn binding are shared features, so the choice can come down to the cover you would like beside you while writing.
Which notebook should I choose for everyday use?
Start with where you will use it. An A5 notebook offers room for notes, lists and light sketches at a desk. A smaller format is easier to keep in a pocket or bag. Then look at the page layout and binding on the product page, rather than assuming every notebook opens or feels the same.
How should a natural-paper notebook be cared for?
Keep it dry and away from prolonged direct sunlight. Handle cotton-paper covers with clean, dry hands, and leave space in a bag to protect their edges.