No matter the task, I always start with pen and paper.
While I acknowledge the convenience of digital tools, my first step is always to hold a pen.
Whether preparing a presentation or drafting a proposal, it begins with a notebook.


Watching lines and letters take shape on the page sparks a cascade of ideas.
Even if the notes are messy and disorganized, there’s something about starting with paper that feels more natural and liberating.
Perhaps it’s my contrarian nature, resisting constraints and structure.
Or maybe it’s simpler: I love stationery.
Holding a new pen or notebook fills me with excitement, as if the act of gathering tools itself fuels my creative energy.


Recent studies have supported this affinity for handwriting.
Research by Dr. Pam Mueller of Princeton University and Dr. Daniel Oppenheimer of UCLA found that students who took notes by hand understood and remembered information more deeply than those who typed.


Handwriting is not just a way to record—it places demands on the brain, promoting deeper understanding and creative thought.



One of handwriting’s greatest appeals is its freedom. On a computer, you’re bound by fonts and formats.
On paper, anything goes.
Lines can stray, letters can wobble—it doesn’t matter.
Paper is a space where thoughts flow unimpeded, and the imperfections themselves spark creativity.
Even the blank spaces speak, carrying a richness that no digital screen could replicate.



A recent National Geographic article from October 2024, The Science of Handwriting, delves into how handwriting activates the brain and enhances memory.
If you’re curious, it’s worth reading.


The emotional power of handwriting is another fascinating aspect. According to research by NTT Data Institute, handwritten communication conveys a sense of “time and care” to the recipient.
This effort leaves a positive impression, allowing the reader to connect deeply with the writer.
Every stroke of the pen, every subtle imperfection, carries the writer’s emotion.
In an increasingly digital world, handwriting’s warmth shines even brighter.


This is why we incorporate handwriting into our seminars.
Writing on traditional washi paper goes beyond learning—it’s an experience.


The theme of a seminar I recently attended was “Sossen Suihan（率先垂範）”


Grinding ink, feeling the brush glide across the washi, and watching the ink seep into the paper—each step invites a deeper connection with the words.
The process transforms the act of writing into an exploration of the spirit behind the text.
Handwriting is more than just a tool for recording.
It’s a way to rediscover our minds, emotions, and connections with others.
The next time you open a notebook, consider the warmth and potential of handwriting.


It might just be the beginning of a quiet revolution at the tip of your pen.


So, let’s take the first step.
On your way home, stop by a stationery store and pick out a pen and notebook.


From that moment, your revolution begins.

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