Sakura of America, maker of Pigma Micron precision pens and Gelly Roll gel pens, today announced five new stationery innovations: color-shifting glitter ink, eco-friendly fineliners, pastel retractable pens, and premium notebooks and sketchbooks. The launch arrives along with a growth of a more off-line lifestyle that has people packing "analog bags" filled with pens and paper to reach for instead of their phones, junk journaling videos rack up billions of views on TikTok and bullet journaling search interest surpasses every other notebook trend.
The product lineup includes Gelly Roll Shimmer (completely new-to-market color-shifting glitter ink), Pigma Micron Eco (the first eco-friendly version of the brand's precision fineliner made with 75% recycled materials), Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel (opaque pastel ink in retractable format), and Sakura Notebooks & Sketchbooks (the company's U.S. debut of premium paper goods). All the products started shipping in February 2026.
"We're seeing a fundamental shift in how people spend their creative time," said Casey Roberts Singh, Associate Director of Innovation & Consumer Insights at Sakura of America. "Gen Z is hosting group craft nights instead of scrolling. Millennials are rediscovering hobbies they loved in middle school. Everyone's looking for ways to disconnect from screens and reconnect with tactile, hands-on making. These launches give them the tools to do exactly that."
Gelly Roll Shimmer: Color-Shifting Glitter Ink Technology
Sakura's Gelly Roll Shimmer introduces color-shifting glitter ink that reveals different hues depending on viewing angle and light, a technology that doesn't exist anywhere else in the stationery market.
Each of the six Shimmer colors contains multiple color shifts: copper to gold to green in a single pen, or baby pink to peach to rose gold in another. The semi-transparent, fade-resistant ink works on any color paper but delivers stunning results on black paper, making it ideal for handmade cards, scrapbooking, gift tags, and craft projects.
Key features:
- Six color-shifting glitter ink colors
- Works on black and white paper
- Fade-resistant and water-resistant
- Available in 6-pack and coordinated 3-packs
Pigma Micron Eco: Sustainable Precision Pen with 75% Recycled Materials
The Pigma Micron has been the professional standard for architects, illustrators, and technical artists for 40 years. Now, Pigma Micron Eco brings that same archival-quality precision in an eco-friendly pen made with 75% recycled materials.
The Mindful Green barrel is constructed from 100% recycled resin sourced specifically for its non-porous, airtight properties to protect ink integrity. Packaging is 100% recyclable paperboard made with 15% recycled content. Performance remains identical to the original: same airtight construction, same precision nibs, same archival pigment ink.
Key features:
- 75% recycled materials (100% recycled resin barrel)
- Available in black archival ink
- Five popular nib sizes: 005, 01, 03, 05, 08
- Ideal for drawing, illustration, journaling, and technical work
Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel: Opaque Pastel Ink in Convenient Format
Sakura expands its Gelly Roll Retractable family with Moonlight Pastel. The pens have an opaque, pastel-hued gel ink that works on both black and white paper in a convenient click-to-write format with no caps to lose.
The six pastel colors are offered in three configurations: a 6-pack, Bloom 3-pack (periwinkle, pink, yellow) and Garden 3-pack (orange, green, blue).
Key features:
- Opaque pastel ink works on dark and light paper
- Retractable design (no caps)
- Perfect for planners, bullet journals, and card-making
Sakura Notebooks & Sketchbooks: Japanese-Inspired Premium Paper Goods
For the first time in the U.S. market, Sakura introduces 25 notebooks and sketchbooks featuring Japanese craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Each hardcover notebook is designed to pair with Sakura's precision pens and creative inks.
Premium features include 140 GSM acid-free paper (thicker than standard notebooks), hardcovers in nine colors with Japanese cultural meanings, lay-flat stitch binding, elastic closure bands, and interior storage pockets. The collection includes ruled notebooks, dot-grid notebooks for bullet journaling, and sketchbooks with cream or black paper.
Each color carries a Japanese name and cultural story: Pine Needle (evergreen resilience and harmony with nature), Japanese Camellia (elegance and devotion), and Plum Blossom (hope and renewal), among others.
Key features:
- 140 GSM thick, acid-free paper
- Lay-flat binding for drawing and writing
- Nine colors with Japanese cultural meanings
- Ruled, dot-grid, and plain paper options
- A5 and pocket sizes available
Availability & Pricing
Where to buy:
- Amazon.com (starting early March 2026 for pens; April 2026 for notebooks and bundles)
- Michaels stores
- Blick Art Materials
- Specialty stationery retailers nationwide
Pricing:
- Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel 6-pack: $17.49
- Gelly Roll Shimmer 6-pack: $12.69
- Pigma Micron Eco 5-pack: $18.42
- Pigma Micron Eco 3-pack: $11.05
- Sakura Notebooks: Starting at $7.99
- Sakura Sketchbooks: Starting at $7.99
About Sakura of America
Sakura of America has been a leader in writing instruments and art materials for over 40 years. The company invented the Gelly Roll gel ink pen (the world's first gel pen) and created the Pigma Micron precision fineliner — the professional standard for artists, architects, illustrators, and designers worldwide. Sakura is committed to innovation that serves creators at every level, from professional artists to bullet journalers to students. The company is headquartered in Hayward, California, and is a subsidiary of Sakura Color Products Corporation of Osaka, Japan. For more information, visit www.sakuraofamerica.com or follow @SakuraOfAmerica on Instagram.
Media Contact
Lisa Dini
lisa@lisadini.com
