NB1949
Letters, stickers, gift envelopes — paper goods made to carry your feelings.
NB1949 (NB Co., Ltd.) is a Japanese stationery manufacturer creating paper goods based on original planning and in-house designs. The company was founded in 1949 as a paper products wholesaler, and later evolved into a manufacturer in 1984. Its lineup spans letter paper and envelopes, short-note pads, postcards, greeting cards, stickers and message cards, sticky notes, shikishi boards, diaries and household books, as well as gift envelopes (kinpu) and small "pochibukuro" envelopes. From everyday notes to formal occasions, it supports moments where a handwritten message matters.
Why We Love It
A nice way to start is with seasonal letter paper or a compact "hitofude" note pad. Keep it short — just a line or two can feel thoughtful. Add a small sticker or a subtle decoration, and the page instantly looks warmer. For formal occasions, it helps to check the guidance on choosing celebration or condolence envelopes and pick a kinpu that matches the situation. It's also fun to use matching items as a set — letter paper, small envelopes, and stickers in the same series. Some items clearly state "Made in Japan," such as mizuhiki stickers, mizuhiki bands, and certain sticky notes — great little souvenirs too.
PROFILE About the Company / Workshop
NB1949 began in October 1949 as a paper products wholesaler, and NB Co., Ltd. was established in 1958. Over the years, the range of paper goods expanded, and in October 1984 the business developed from distribution into manufacturing — marking the start of full-scale original stationery making.
In the chairman's message, the company notes a belief that a business grows by bringing joy to people, and that after becoming a manufacturer it aimed for "a partner that creates kindness toward tomorrow," focusing closely on quality. That direction is reflected in the steady, everyday usefulness of its paper goods.
Even in a digital-first era, the company highlights the value of handwritten letters — pressure and handwriting can convey feelings beyond text alone. It frames letters as "analog communication," where the act of writing and choosing paper becomes part of the message.
The company sells products nationwide through retail stores, department stores, and agents. It is based in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, operates a distribution center in Adachi-ku, and has sales offices in Sapporo, Osaka, and Fukuoka — supporting both daily stationery and formal paper items.
Its history includes the founding of FORON Co., Ltd. in 1987 for cards and kinpu products, becoming part of Japan Creative Platform Group in 2017, and integrating FORON into NB Co., Ltd. in the same year — showing how the brand's paper categories have grown over time.
A wide range, from letters to formal gift envelopes
The lineup covers practical and decorative letter paper, fountain pen-friendly paper, envelopes, postcards, short-note pads, memo sheets, shikishi boards, sticky notes, greeting cards, message cards, stickers, and more. It also includes kinpu and other envelopes used for ceremonial occasions.
Series-driven designs that keep growing
New product catalogs and series updates are released over time. You'll find different moods — from warm Japanese patterns to calm floral cards and planner-friendly stickers with a semi-transparent, matte feel.
Items labeled "Made in Japan" are part of the selection
Some products explicitly indicate Japanese origin, including mizuhiki stickers and mizuhiki bands, as well as certain sticky notes marked "Made in Japan." Clear labeling makes it easier to choose with confidence.
Practical guidance for letters and ceremonial envelopes
In addition to products, there is information on how to write letters and how to choose celebration or condolence envelopes, helping you pick the right paper item for the right moment.
LINKS Official Links / Social Media
- Official Website https://nb1949.co.jp/
- Online Shop https://nb1949.net/
- Contact Form https://nb1949.co.jp/contact/
- X (Official) https://twitter.com/nb_co_official
- Company Profile https://nb1949.co.jp/company/
- Stockists (sample list) https://nb1949.co.jp/shop/
- How to Write Letters https://nb1949.co.jp/letter/