Home / Reviews / Midori MD Notebook

Midori MD Notebook Review — Minimalist Perfection in Paper Form

Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Midori MD Notebook understands minimalism. Produced by Midori, the same Japanese company behind the Traveler's Notebook, the MD series strips away everything non-essential. What you get is a pure writing experience. No gimmicks. No frills. Just really good paper in a thoughtfully designed package. I have been using one for a while, and here is what I think.

Key Features

• MD Paper (80 gsm): Midori's proprietary "MD" (Midori Diary) paper is cream-colored and lightly textured. It is smooth enough for effortless writing but has enough tooth to give you feedback. The cream color is easier on the eyes than bright white, and it adds warmth to the page.
• Minimalist Design: Simple cardstock cover with a paper belly band featuring the MD logo. No branding on the front cover itself. The spine has fabric-reinforced binding that lays flat.
• Thread-Stitch Binding: Each signature is thread-stitched. The notebook opens completely flat on any page. The binding is durable and won't crack with use.
• Size Options: A5 (most popular), A6 (pocket-sized), and B6 Slim (narrower than A5, good for carrying around).
• Ruling Options: Blank, lined, and grid. The grid is a subtle 5 mm light blue. I found it visible enough to write straight but unobtrusive while reading.

Pros

• Exceptional fountain pen performance — shows ink shading and sheen beautifully without bleeding
• Beautiful, minimalist aesthetic — the understated cover and cream paper are elegant
• Lays completely flat — the thread-stitched binding is top-notch
• B6 Slim size is unique and practical — narrower than A5 but still has room to write
• Cream paper is easy on the eyes — less glare than bright white paper
• Subtle grid ruling — helpful for writing straight without being distracting

Cons

• Thin cardstock cover — shows wear quickly; doesn't protect pages as well as hardcovers
• Not for wet writers — very wet fountain pens (broad nibs) may ghost slightly
• Limited page count — 80 pages (40 sheets) goes fast for prolific writers
• Price per page is higher than Campus — you pay for the MD paper experience
• No ribbon bookmark — seems like an odd omission; add your own

Paper Performance

I tested MD paper with a variety of pens to see how it holds up:

• Fountain pens (Fine and Medium): Exceptional. Ink dries at a reasonable speed. Shading inks show their full character. No feathering, no bleed-through.
• Fountain pens (Broad and stub): Very good. Some ghosting with very wet nibs, but no bleeding. Drying time increases noticeably.
• Gel pens (all brands): Excellent. Smooth, consistent lines with no skipping or feathering.
• Tombow brush pens: Good. Some ghosting but no bleeding. The paper holds up to moderate water use.
• Highlighters: Excellent. No bleed-through and minimal show-through.

Who Is the Midori MD Notebook Best For?

• Fountain pen users — this is some of the best notebook paper for fountain pens at any price
• Minimalists — the clean design fits those who appreciate simplicity
• Journalers — the cream paper and tactile experience make daily journaling feel special
• Writers — the A5 size works well for long-form writing sessions
• Travelers — the B6 Slim fits in a bag or large pocket nicely

Price & Where to Buy

• Midori MD A6: $10–$15
• Midori MD B6 Slim: $12–$18
• Midori MD A5: $15–$22
• MD Cotton (limited edition): $20–$28

Available on Amazon and at Japanese stationery retailers.