MIDORI was founded in 1950 as Midori Shokai Co., Ltd. in Japan. The name Midori (緑) means “green” in Japanese and was chosen to symbolize the vitality and growth of plants. Its first products were writing paper and envelopes featuring a courier motif. Over time, the company expanded into notebooks, diaries, sketchbooks, greeting cards, planners, and other paper goods. 2

Some major milestones include:

• 1950 – Midori Shokai Co., Ltd. is established.
• 1952 – Begins manufacturing business diaries for corporate customers.
• 1960s – Introduces undated diaries and multi-year journals, which become signature products.
• 1970s–1990s – Expands into decorative stationery, office supplies, stickers, paper clips, and writing accessories.
• 2006 – Launches the original TRAVELER’S notebook, which later becomes its own brand.
• 2007 – The company changes its corporate name to Designphil Inc., while retaining MIDORI as its flagship stationery brand.
• 2008 – Releases the acclaimed MD Notebook, built around its specially developed MD PAPER. 3

MIDORI develops products around the idea of enriching everyday life through thoughtful design. The brand focuses on:

• Simplicity and usability
• High-quality materials
• Comfortable writing experience
• Functional design with minimal decoration
• Traditional Japanese craftsmanship combined with modern aesthetics

Rather than following trends, MIDORI emphasizes timeless products intended for daily use. 4

MIDORI offers a wide range of stationery products, including:

Paper Products

• MD Notebooks
• Letter paper
• Envelopes
• Memo pads
• Sticky notes
• Journals
• Diaries
• Planners

Writing Accessories

• Bookmarks
• Index tabs
• Rulers
• Correction tape
• Clips
• Pen cases

Decorative Stationery

• Stickers
• Washi-themed paper products
• Greeting cards
• Seasonal stationery
• Decorative clips

Office Supplies

• Desk accessories
• Organizers
• Filing products
• Storage items

Many products feature understated colors, clean layouts, and practical details that appeal to students, professionals, artists, and fountain pen users. 5

One of MIDORI’s most celebrated innovations is MD PAPER, a proprietary paper developed over decades to provide a smooth writing experience with minimal feathering and bleed-through, making it especially popular among fountain pen enthusiasts.

The MD Notebook, introduced in 2008, showcases this paper in a minimalist notebook with:

• Thread-stitched binding that opens flat
• Cream-colored pages to reduce eye strain
• No unnecessary cover graphics
• Durable construction for everyday use

The MD series has become one of the brand’s flagship product lines. 6

In 2006, MIDORI introduced the refillable leather TRAVELER’S notebook, designed for travelers, creatives, and journal enthusiasts. The notebook system features interchangeable inserts held together by elastic bands, allowing users to customize it with planners, sketchbooks, or notebooks.

As its popularity grew internationally, the product line was separated into its own brand, TRAVELER’S COMPANY, while remaining under Designphil Inc. 7

MIDORI is recognized for a distinctly Japanese design philosophy characterized by:

• Minimalism
• Functional elegance
• Soft, natural color palettes
• High-quality paper
• Durable craftsmanship
• Attention to small details

Its products often emphasize tactile experience, including paper texture, binding quality, and writing comfort.

Although based in Japan, MIDORI products are sold internationally through stationery retailers, bookstores, department stores, and online shops. The brand has developed a strong following among:

• Fountain pen users
• Bullet journal enthusiasts
• Artists
• Designers
• Writers
• Students
• Travelers

Its notebooks and paper products are frequently recommended within the global stationery community for their reliability and refined design. 8

MIDORI is a brand of Designphil Inc., a Japanese company specializing in design-focused stationery and lifestyle products. In 2007, the company adopted the Designphil name while continuing to market MIDORI as its core stationery brand. 9

Over more than seven decades, MIDORI has become one of Japan’s best-known stationery brands by combining craftsmanship, functional design, and high-quality materials. Products such as the MD Notebook and the original TRAVELER’S notebook have influenced modern stationery culture worldwide, earning the brand a reputation for understated excellence and enduring usability. 10

1. About MIDORI™ | MIDORI | Japanese Design Stationery Company
2. A HISTORY of MIDORI | About MIDORI™ | MIDORI | Japanese Design Stationery Company
3. ミドリ – MIDORI – 「デザイン文具」の総合メーカー
4. A HISTORY of MIDORI | ミドリについて | ミドリ – MIDORI – 「デザイン文具」の総合メーカー
5. ミドリについて | ミドリ – MIDORI – 「デザイン文具」の総合メーカー
6. MIDORI | Japanese Design Stationery Company
7. Company Profile | ポテンショメータ・エンコーダの株式会社緑測器ポテンショメータ・エンコーダの株式会社緑測器.
8. 企業情報 ｜ 株式会社MIDORI
9. MIDORI – 미도리 한국 공식 홈페이지 | 회사 소개
10. 会社案内｜ミドリ安全グループと世界を繋ぐ｜ヴェルデトレイディング株式会社