Taking out a beloved woven basket, Yataro Matsuura revealed a collection of well-used Smythson books that have accompanied him through the years. Not only are the Featherweight pages filled with precious memories Matsuura shared how each book wove itself into his daily life, taking on stories of its own.

“I first became interested in British crafts, such as pottery and handmade goods, around 1990. When I visited London at the age of 35, I wanted to experience them first hand, and ordered everyday items like shirts, umbrellas, and hats from renowned shops. One of them was Smythson of Bond Street.”

“Britain has a culture that values traditionally handcrafted objects. Smythson, too, creates products made with the care of artisans, so it has always been a brand I admired.”

He still uses the small notebook he picked up during that trip. What first drew him was the elegant habit of tucking it into a jacket pocket – a refined gesture he saw as distinctly British.

“It’s perfectly designed to fit in a pocket. I thought it was such a graceful custom, something you don’t see in Japan. Back then, I found myself drawn to the practice of always writing things down by hand, of capturing thoughts on paper.”

Today, while his schedule is managed digitally for practicality, his everyday reflections still go into a Smythson notebook.

The phrase "Everyday Stationery" resonates with Matsuura. To him, it embodies “the spirit of cherishing bespoke essentials and using them every day.”

“When you’ve experienced the quality yourself, you want to share it with someone else. It makes me happy to think that the person receiving it might be moved in the same way I was. With that feeling in mind, I’ve given Smythson as a gift whenever there’s been an occasion. When I founded my own company, I ordered notebooks engraved with the company name and gave them to employees. That notebook is still something I treasure today.”

“It was Koji Ozaki, the manager of Bar Radio, who first introduced me to Smythson. When I was 20, that bar in Aoyama was a gathering place for intellectuals and fashion insiders. Ozaki had impeccable taste – we were introduced through a mutual acquaintance. I had just returned from America and was probably a bit overconfident. He told me, ‘There are important things in life, from manners to how you hold your chopsticks, so go and learn them.’”

“Ozaki used to say, ‘In this world, there are only three things: the real, the fake, and the imitation.’ He emphasised the importance of having the ability to distinguish between them.”

Meeting Ozaki changed Matsuura’s life. Just as he was introduced to Smythson through him, Matsuura says he learned everything, his values, his way of seeing, from Ozaki.

“That’s why, whenever I hold a Nile Blue notebook like this, I’m reminded of where I came from and how far I’ve come. The paper doesn’t let ink bleed through or show on the other side, and I’ve always loved that iconic blue. It’s become something essential, a tool that supports my life. Keeping such objects close and using them every day – it’s a way of living. Even a simple daily planner, once filled, becomes a personal book. Inside, it is my true self, a quiet kind of acceptance that reconnects me with who I am. I learned that from the many wonderful people I’ve met. Writing by hand, preserving memories – it’s how I leave proof of the life I’ve lived.”

Just as explorers and writers once travelled the world with a Panama Diary in hand, Smythson remains a trusted travel companion to this day.

One of Matsuura’s travel essentials is the multi-zip case, with its vibrant zippered pockets that keep foreign currency, receipts, and tickets neatly organised, easing the stress of travel. The passport cover, handcrafted from high-quality cross-grain leather, is both beautiful and practical, with dedicated compartments for a passport and boarding pass. Together, these elegant companions bring order and style to life on the move.

Having even a single, well-crafted item, thoughtfully made with time and care, can bring a sense of calm to a busy life, subtly transforming how you experience your daily routine.

The Ultra-Slim Briefcase in Bottle Green is a perfect example. With its refined, minimalist silhouette, it offers both elegance and function, neatly fitting a laptop and documents, and featuring a shoulder strap for easy movement.

Crafted from cross-grain calf leather, its minimalist design seamlessly complements any outfit, adding a touch of sophistication. Soft yet structured, it’s a timeless piece for those who value both style and practicality.