Production of the ever-so popular Tomoe River paper might come to an end in 2021.
The fountain pen community has been speculating on the discontinuation for months. Tomoegawa, the manufacturer, has not announced it so we reached out to them to understand what was really going on.
In February this year, we decided to stop the operation of 9MC in September this year due to low demand and production of Tomoe River Notebook(52g and 68g) series will be discontinued.
Tomoegawa
A representative from Tomoegawa confirmed via email that they will cease operation of the machine (9MC) used to manufacture the paper in September 2021. Both 52g and 68g Tomoe River paper will be discontinued as a result.
Sakae Technical Paper, distributor of Tomoegawa’s Tomoe River Paper, released an End of Sale notice in April.
Loosely translated: due to the discontinuation of production of base paper, they will halt distribution after stocks run out.
Products listed in the notice:
- Dot grid 52gsm
- Loose sheet 52gsm
- Hardcover notebook 52gsm, 68gsm
- Softcover dot grid 52gsm
- Paper pad 52gsm
- Loose sheet (dot grid) 52gsm
No final decision yet
We are currently considering produce [sic] Tomoe River series on other machines. We will announce as soon as new Tomoe River is decided.
Kaneko, Tomoegawa representative
If they do produce Tomoe River on a different machine, there is no guarantee that it will be exactly the same as the “original” Tomoe River paper. As a matter of fact, it has not been the same since 2020, when they first changed their manufacturing process. Unfortunately, another change is coming in 2021 for the Tomoe River series and its fate will remain unknown until further notice.
Don’t fret. Tomoe River paper products are still available in the market so get it while you can.
Your best resource about Tomoe River's future: Jesi answers all your questions about Tomoe River. Source: The Well Appointed Desk
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