Spring is in the air, and that means two things: a city draped in the pink of cherry blossoms -- hey, pink is the new black, so get with it; and the start of a new school year. So I'll concentrate this month's picks on a few items that will make you more productive with a touch of a style.

Being something of a stationary aficionado, this is not the first time a paper collection has featured in this space. Those on the lookout for writing materials should seriously consider previously covered products from Craft Design Technology, as well as KOKUYO's An line. But it wouldn't really feel right to start a "back to school" column without including at least one collection, so here you are: MUCU's notebooks and memo pads have been popping up in stores around Tokyo, and it's easy to see why. Similar to Muji offerings, MUCU's line is seriously plain -- and I mean that as a compliment -- with only the product's manufacturing data stamped on as an aesthetic flourish.

(0422) 59-0316; [email protected]; mucu.jp