Your planner is great and I love it. I think many in the community understand that it is not shop owners fault that the paper is not up to quality standard. I appreciate your transparency and the fact that you are talking about this ❤
This is so wonderful- unusual to have an owner be so open and honest and it is a breath of fresh air! I have been frustrated with this paper this year in several brands, and I totally don’t blame the brands - I am sure it is heartbreaking! I’m excited to see what your 2026 planners will be!!
Thank you for your kind words and support, I appreciate it! I think I owe you an email too! I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. I'll get back with you this weekend!
You and I have already talked a bit about this but it is great to hear a little more about it from a business owner standpoint. My heart goes out to you because I KNOW you spent time testing papers and doing everything you were supposed to do and you got shafted with their poor paper performance. I filmed my video talking about it earlier this week and I am glad to get more info from you about the issues before I edit mine so I can include more info as well. As a consumer, this is make or break for a lot of us being able to purchase TRP planners in the future. As an "influencer" (oh, how I hate that term lol), I spend hundreds on planners every year and it's crucial for my own business to be able to share great planners. I can't spend that kind of money as a gamble because I got majorly burned this year. I purchase from many planner companies and ran into quite a few issues and it's only the first month. It's going to be a loooong year of not loving my planner paper. I really appreciate you and other planner companies vouching for us as consumers and telling them flat out that their paper is garbage (well in nicer words). I even mentioned in my video that will come out next week, I don't blame the planner companies as this is entirely a Sanzen issue. I am so sad for you guys and my heart goes out to you. It's just so unfortunate. Like you, I will be majorly pivoting for 2026 and NOT purchasing Sanzen TRP unless I see some huge guarantees that there are vast improvements. Considering the 2026 planners will go into production mid-year, I just don't foresee drastic improvements happening for 2026 unless companies pivot to another paper with better consistency.
Thanks for the update! I am really glad you’re looking for replacements for the TRP. I love the planner and use it every day, but there have been a few pages that bleed through with an extra fine nib. It just the consistency that’s annoying. I can’t wait to see what you have coming!
I appreciate your diligence and thoughtfulness ❤ I have your plans in A6 (that i adore), two NI commom planners from SI, a pocket from papertess designs, and 2 hobonichi weeks. Every single one has been hit or miss! Some pages are great in them, and others bleed and have terrible ghosting. I know this is an issue out of everyone's control and that it affects all of us in the planner community. I absolutely love all my planners and playing with them to figure out what works best for me. After ruining multiple pages in multiple planners, the find even my energel clena has issues. So ive pivoted and am using uniball 0.38 and 0.5 jetstream and multipens, stickers and stamps amd am.not having nearly as much trouble. Please do not feel guilty or upset, your planner is amazing, you have totally filled a gap I have had with rhe planmers onthe market I just had to pivot from my inital plan I am a little bummed about not being able to use all my favorite pens, higlighters etc. Yet in the grand scheme of things, using a quality ballpoint over my fountain pen is not the end of the world. Im going to order your planner next year regardless, but like that, you are seeking alternative paper options for next year. ❤ thank you for all you do. Keep it up, as you have amazing products and customer service, and that is what will keep us all ordering and coming back 😊 ❤ big hugs to you!!
Thank you for your kind words and support, and I'm glad you are enjoying your planners. I'm so happy you love the planner! And I'm excited to share new things to come with you!
Thank you so much for being transparent. I've been using the A5 Just Plans this month, and I've been lucky enough to only run into one "bad" page so far. I use fine and extra fine fountain pens and haven't had too many problems other than occasional feathering from inks that are too wet. I can't wait to see whatever you find to replace the TRP.
Fingers crossed you continue to have a smooth experience with your A5, and I'm super excited about new paper options too! Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you for being so open and transparent about what has been happening. I love your planner .. have the A5 vertical and horizontal and the functionality is amazing!! Looking forward to see what else you have to come!😊
Thank you for letting us know! At this point I think the first person to make a tshirt that says “I survived the 2025 Paper Saga” might become a millionaire? Too soon? Maybe? 🤔 I am just getting on with it, if I run into a bad page I just tape another piece of thin paper over it and move on. I am not happy that everybody is having problems, and I feel for everybody, but that seems easier to prove than having just a few people having a random problem? All is good! 👍🏻 💕
Oh T-shirts would be awesome. But what if I created stickers? That's an idea right? I think I'll work on that. some die cut stickers to at least make it all more bearable!!! I love your perspective. Yes I'm definitely happier knowing we are all suffering thru the inconstancies than it just be my shop for sure. And knowing that many of the planners are fine and many pages are ok too. It's frustrating but definitely something we can survive and then we can rock it in the new paper!!!
@ Duh, what a great idea, I would purchase stickers in a heartbeat! 😂 Yeah, just keep writing is my motto and if something messes up, stick something on top of it? 😂 All is well! 👍🏻 💕
Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I love your horizontal planner and am learning which pens and inks work best. I have enjoyed Iroful paper notebooks but don’t know if that is an option for your planner next year. Whatever you decide I will be a repeat customer!
I am glad to hear you are enjoying the horizontal layout! I do have some Iroful paper I've been playing with but can't say yet if that's an option available. But I'm having fun playing with the papers in the meantime. I think I'll do some videos of paper play soon! Thank you so much for your support too and I'm so glad to have you as a customer Nancy!
I’ve totally noticed the inconsistencies, but do not blame you at all. I hope you make peace with the issue as it’s abundantly clear that you are doing all that you can to rectify the issue and that’s all that we could ever hope for with a shop owner. Thanks for your transparency!! ❤
Yes, I’m bummed the paper isn’t what it should be but still works and functional - using it daily and loving it in multiple planners from my shop and others. So at least it’s usable. And I have high hopes for next year. Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
I'm glad they're working to fix this in the future. I'm using a ballpoint pen, not even a fountain pen, the same exact pen I was using last year, and I can see a huge difference in the amount of ghosting between my 2024 Common Planner and my 2025 Common Planner.
Yes it's very sad that even with a ball point there are noticeable differences and I definitely wanted to acknowledge the issue and share what I'm doing to help with that. I'm sorry that you are experiencing more ghosting but I'm glad that you are still enjoying your planner. Catherine's planners are lovely.
Thank you for this video! I’m loving my A6 in spite of the paper and I’m a definite fan of your products and will continue to look forward to all the new stuff to come. I will return to this A6 for next year as well because of the great layout. 😊
I'm really glad you're enjoying the layout - I'm very happy with how they've turned out and I'm excited for things to come. Thank you for your support!!
Thank you so much for posting this honest and lovely video. I purchased a 2025 Hobonichi Cousin and I cannot even use it with ANY of my pens without bleeding. It has been very disappointing and I had to switch to a H&O begrudgingly. I hope next year is better and I plan to pick up one of your planners next year as well. ❤
I'm so sorry to hear about the Cousin paper issues; I've heard that from several people. H&O does make beautiful planners and they have a new thinner paper coming out that I'm excited to try out myself (paper nerd here). I appreciate your kind words and support!!!
It’s not even just book to book - page to page…. I’ve got issues in my Hobo where the top of a page is fine and then suddenly the middle of the page feathers and bleeds like crazy! Not the best introduction to the brand tbh 👀
That's definitely not the introduction you want to a planner and I can see why that would be disappointing. I'm so very sorry! I know this is terribly frustrating and I definitely don't want it to turn you off to the amazing planners we've got in the community. But hopefully for 2026 you'll be able to get a planner that's beautiful, functional and has consistent paper. That's my goal at least!
@ on the plus side, it’s created a lot of conversation and actually widened the circle of creators I’m seeing 😉 Really liked your video. It’s obvious you’ve put a lot of work into this! Gotta say as well (as a Comms professional) that how you’re dealing with this issue is about 1000% better than Hobonichi - a massive brand with what would no doubt be a sizeable PR department. I hope you give yourself a pat on the back for that. Happy to sub and see where the year takes you 😃
I love the layout of the A6 horizontal. I'm working to find the perfect pen and ink combo. I appreciate that you are keeping us informed about the quest for better paper.
Thank you for your transparency and expressing sympathy for ALL of us impacted. I believe it's a small market and we are all in this together, but how to approach a concern customers are experiencing makes a difference among the planner/journal producers. I've watched you talk about paper quality and pens for years, so I can imagine how much you care and how frustrating this is. I wanted to buy your product because I've learned a lot from what you share with us on your channel. The Plans book ended up serving a different purpose from initially envisioned but regardless, I hope you keep making products. FYI out of many I've tried, the only one fountain pen / ink combo that works without a fail across the board 2025 Sanzen TRP products (I have Plans, Sterling ink, a few hobonichis) is Platinum blue black / lavender black in fine nibs. Iron gall inks seem to work much better, I plan on exploring more of them.
I’m so glad to hear you have found a solution that works for you. I've been trying a lot of different pens and inks! I'm definitely going to get some Lavender Black and test that out. It's been on my list for a while since I love Platinum and love purple ;) And I truly appreciate your kind words and support of my channel and my planners!!
I have your planner, I absolutely love it so far. I have a broad fp pen wity green ink that has excessive ghosting so I just stopped using it haha. I stick with safer inks now with mediums and no broads, and dont use markers as much. I just switched my pens up and use lighter inks, colored pencils and no stamps with black ink. Thank you for taking the time to improve it even more!!! im so happy I bought your planner, knowing that you always got our backs with reason
Thank you so very much! I am so glad you are enjoying the planner and are willing to change up the pen/ink combo to find one that works best so you can use it and love it! Truly appreciate your support!
You are a true professional and I appreciate how you are handling this. I echo what so many others have said, we know this is not your fault. How you communicate with us, shows your level of commitment and integrity to your community. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for us!! ❤
I'm hoping this year provides a bigger diversity of FP friendly options for people to use going forward. I loved the Sanzen 52gsm TRP but we got burned by having everyone's eggs in that basket. I'm particularly intrigued to try the new 70gsm paper that Hemlock and Oak announced.
Yes that was a main driver for me wanting to not use 52gsm TRP for 2025 - because everyone is using it. But due to quality issues with papers and also availability of paper I had no choice. But for 2026 definitely will be providing alternatives in my shop. It is hard because there aren't a lot of non-proprietary FP friendly papers and some that are available aren't cost effective. But there's definitely some good options that I'm testing. I did see the new H&O paper announcement. I'm glad they are offering a thinner paper option and hope folks like it. Definitely a goal one day to be big enough to develop my own paper that checks all the boxes.
I like your planner. I’m a month in with the A5 size and haven’t had too much of a problem. I noticed it more with pilot inks. I used extra fine, fine and medium fountain pens.
Thanks for this video and I completely understand the frustration. But I don’t blame shops … it’s just an all around issue we have to deal with this year. Hopefully the manufacturer will fix the issues!
Thanks for making this video and sharing your efforts to help the situation. I hope they fix their quality control problems as their standards clearly don’t match what customers expect. I don’t want to change my pens to fit their paper when I can just use different paper.
I totally get that, and I'm hoping they'll be able to fix their consistency. Their paper was good before (though could always be even better to get closer to the original TRP). So we will keep pushing better paper quality and also consistency in all batches. Thanks for watching.
I am using your planner solely. I love the layout, the functionality. Honestly pretty much everything. But having been in just about every other brand of planner over the past 40 years this year the paper isn’t up to past standards. But because I love your planner so much I can live with the minor paper imperfections. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year.
I’ve only noticed that a new pen over shadowed. I do think there is a difference between the newer 52 GSM of the past and this years but have been lucky so far and have had no problems with your planners, faded Chronicle, The Rosey Life Planner, or Sterling Ink - I assumed it was a difference in the pen. Thanks for being diligent
Thank you for all the information! I've books from a couple of different shops, as well as a Hobonichi. They were all affected, and I don't see how any of you all could have predicted it. Especially you, as I've watched all the testing you've done, and then to find you even tested post production. I think everyone understands this rests solely on Sanzen, and I very much doubt I will be using a planner with their paper next year, so I'm anxious to see what you end up with. I have a page in my Hobo where a BALLPOINT bled through!! And I must differ a bit on usability. If I wanted just a planner to use a ballpoint in - I would have purchased a couple of much less expensive ones. I fully expect to be able to use fountain pens in my planner, so I guess I see it as only semi-functional lol. (This is my Hobo I'm talking about, plus a Sterling Ink that was also affected).
Yes semi-functional vs usable is probably a better way to say it. I was really referring to the majority of the books where at least gel pens work and we aren't forced to a ballpoint pen or pencil (I hate pencil LOL). I've been lucky that I haven't had many books as bad as your Hobonichi where it was not usable but in those instances I made it right with the customer with a replacement etc. I totally get that it should work with fountain pens given the paper used in the planners and the price of the planners and I agree those not working is not ok. But at least if I can use a gel pen I'm happy for planning (journaling not so much) because I do enjoy a gel pen and often use them out and about just because I don't want to lose my expensive FPs LOL. But it should all work and that's what I've been expressing to them - to drill it into them that our expectation is that all the things should work all the time. People aren't just using pencil (ewe I hate pencils LOL). Thank you so much for watching, taking the time to comment and also your support!
This is my first year using a Tomoe River Planner. Terrible timing to make the switch. Lol. I switched to the Just Scribble planner from Hemlock and Oak because of your layout! I was using the weekly and daily planners which while beautiful were SO bulky and one of my goals this year was to minimize so I was looking at planners that combined weekly and daily and I really wanted a horizontal weekly view. Your planner won. I was a little nervous for the switch but I am absolutely loving it so far. I use a Pilot VP Medium nib in my planner and pages 1-63 were beautiful. Minimal ghosting just lovely. I hit page 64 which is the start of a new sheaf of pages and I was like "oh that's what everyone is complaining about! 😬" Definitely inconsistent! But I don't blame you at all and I will continue to use it as it's really been the perfect layout for me. I can handle a little ghosting and bleed through. I'm a functional planner anyway and not concerned with it looking beautiful. I'm sorry that you ran into these issues with your first planner.
So glad you love the planner and it's exciting that it brought your two planners together for a smaller profile. I am sorry to hear about the inconsistent paper quality especially after making it so far in without issue but so appreciate your understanding! Thank you for your support.
I know those shifts in the 2024 paper and the 2025 in the Hobonichi Cousin is even worse. I bought papertess designs and spent a good amount of money. Then realized they were using Sanzen paper. I tried a take a note and the 68 gsm works really well but I needed some thing that had the Hobonichi cousin layout and so I resorted back to the happy planner. They have a rare layout that is called lined planner. It’s pretty much very similar to Hobonichi’s weekly layout, but in the classic size. Super disappointed in sanzen quality. I easily spend over $500 on planner items because of it.😢
I'm sorry you've had to deal with that, and I'm so glad you were able to find a solution that works for you for now. And hopefully in 2026 you'll enjoy the paper I use and will find a home with Plans in Vertical. Another potential option to checkout is Hemlock and Oak. They have an 80lb paper...but are releasing this summer some products in a new 70lb paper they've developed. I'm excited for what their brand is doing as well. They are amazing!
I love the paper that the PAL planner used this year. Last year i believe was mio paper from kokuyo. I liked that but it was a little thin for my taste. I'm not sure what Bushimen used this year but it's a nice thick 79 gsm with a toothy feel.
It is a very nice paper. It is a little bit thicker than last year's so definitely made their planner a little thicker but it performed nicely in my paper testing. I'm definitely looking at papers that other brands use - though some are proprietary and so they can't used. But I'm looking at all sorts of options. Thanks for sharing your love for the PAL.
Oh wow thanks for this I was unaware, that may be what is going on with me I have had these issues from page to page in my just plans A5 and thought that it was pens then thought I was crazy when I used pens again and no issues. At least I know I am not crazy, lol.
You're not crazy! It's been frustrating trying to figure it out and I'm sorry Plans has caused that struggle for you. But I'm excited to offer different paper options in the future.
I really feel for the small shop owners who are probably taking the worst hit with the biggest risk because of Sanzen’s lack of quality control standards (or lacking quality control for what they say their paper is going to do.) I’m glad to hear that you and others are shopping around for new paper to use next year. I’m personally done with TRP-S and am unwilling to risk another $100 on the two planners I use daily “hoping” that in 2026, the paper will be consistently good and perform as advertised. This may sound harsh, but quite frankly, I don’t know if I believe what Sanzen is telling you and the other small planner companies. When they refuse to make good on a product that is shown to be defective with saying, basically, “oh, didn’t we tell you that our quality control is to make it at least as good as knock off brand Mead loose leaf, while charging Gucci prices?” (Sorry…I’m frustrated.) I also believe that the hype around TRP has been so high for so long, that people think it’s the only paper that could possibly be the sun, moon and stars of paper (quite frankly, I still prefer Rhodia to TRP, but Rhodia’s planners aren’t laid out how I want, and the paper is intensely cream.) In my quest to find more papers out there than…well, if you don’t like TRP then use Midori, again, Midori makes gorgeous, beautiful paper and fabulous products…but for a planner, I don’t want cream. However, as I’ve been looking and looking, I’ve discovered there are many papers out there that are really great and have a lot of fabulous qualities about them that I enjoy. Some are actually really inexpensive as well! So, I would encourage people to try out different papers on their own, if they are able to, if to reduce their frustration levels if nothing else. I’ve been lucky so far with my small independent planner with TRP-S, but I haven’t used it a lot with fountain pens (slow start…but the A6 is so far, so good with Energel which was one of the problem gel pens…among most gel pens…and it is not super heavy flowing, dries fast, etc, and mine is .04. No issues. So, regardless of whatever promises Sanzen makes, I’ll believe it when I see it…and quite frankly, until they get a good 5 years under their belt of providing the quality they promise, I’m not risking my money on that roulette wheel. My best wishes to you and all of the independent small businesses out there facing this. I worry that people’s livelihoods, dreams, accomplishments will be ruined by something totally out of their control, and I’d encourage people to try and stick with their independent if you feel comfortable with their choice of paper for 2026 or you feel comfortable with the rationale for them choosing TRP-S again due to Sanzen’s reported/demonstrated improvements.
I completely understand how you feel Molly on all accounts. As much as I love TRP I play in a lot of papers and love a lot of them. One of the reasons I wanted to not use 52gsm for 2025 was because everyone is doing it and I know there's more options and want to make those available. There are some limitations in that not all paper available for us to use in notebooks and looseleaf is available for manufacturing planners - either due to proprietary restrictions or availability issues or cost issues. But I've got quite a few great options I'm testing. And I am leery of Sanzen's promises honestly because I don't always trust others to do what I want and expect LOL but also because getting them to really hear and see the issue thru language barriers is hard. But I will defer my true assessment for a bit as I want to see how something else has turned out to get a better idea. But even if they did miraculously make the paper perfect I don't plan to use it for 2026 planners...because using a different paper will set me apart and expand all our horizons. Thank you so much for watching and for your honest comments and your support!
Honestly I disagree. I’ve been using 52gsm paper for 8 years and never had these issues with any of these pens and markers and highlighters. Even with Sanzen’s 52gsm which I used for almost three years. I do not think we are expecting too much. We are expecting it to perform as it was designed and also as it has always performed. TRP is known for being a paper for fountain pen enthusiasts since it launched in the 80s and so people are rightfully disappointed. Especially when basic gel and ballpoint pens are bleeding thru paper.
I appreciate you! The bad batches are so random, but i think of a lot of us understand its not each shops fault. You did everything you could to meet the standards. Your planners are beautiful and im personally working on setting up your A6 for my on the go 🫶 thank you for looking out for all of us!
I'm so glad you are working on using your A6! I hope you love to for an on-the-go. I’m definitely enjoying mine. Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
Thank you so much for your video! I appreciate it so much! It is so disappointing that Hobonichi took responsibility for the 5 year having issues, but didn’t think any other planners had issues, which makes no sense! It’s the same paper, so how could it not affect ALL of the planners! I am really looking forward to hearing more abiut other papers from you because you are always so detailed. I hope you can release some more notebook sizes like b6 or B6slim or even a6. But I know you are still a small business and you can’t make everything. lol. Thank you for all you do!
Your planner is great and I love it. I think many in the community understand that it is not shop owners fault that the paper is not up to quality standard. I appreciate your transparency and the fact that you are talking about this ❤
Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate it! 💖 And I'm SO glad you love your Plans A6! I love seeing it on your channel and IG!
This has been the best explanation of the situation that I have heard. Thank you.
You are so welcome! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
This is so wonderful- unusual to have an owner be so open and honest and it is a breath of fresh air! I have been frustrated with this paper this year in several brands, and I totally don’t blame the brands - I am sure it is heartbreaking! I’m excited to see what your 2026 planners will be!!
Thank you for your kind words and support, I appreciate it! I think I owe you an email too! I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. I'll get back with you this weekend!
You and I have already talked a bit about this but it is great to hear a little more about it from a business owner standpoint. My heart goes out to you because I KNOW you spent time testing papers and doing everything you were supposed to do and you got shafted with their poor paper performance. I filmed my video talking about it earlier this week and I am glad to get more info from you about the issues before I edit mine so I can include more info as well. As a consumer, this is make or break for a lot of us being able to purchase TRP planners in the future. As an "influencer" (oh, how I hate that term lol), I spend hundreds on planners every year and it's crucial for my own business to be able to share great planners. I can't spend that kind of money as a gamble because I got majorly burned this year. I purchase from many planner companies and ran into quite a few issues and it's only the first month. It's going to be a loooong year of not loving my planner paper.
I really appreciate you and other planner companies vouching for us as consumers and telling them flat out that their paper is garbage (well in nicer words). I even mentioned in my video that will come out next week, I don't blame the planner companies as this is entirely a Sanzen issue. I am so sad for you guys and my heart goes out to you. It's just so unfortunate. Like you, I will be majorly pivoting for 2026 and NOT purchasing Sanzen TRP unless I see some huge guarantees that there are vast improvements. Considering the 2026 planners will go into production mid-year, I just don't foresee drastic improvements happening for 2026 unless companies pivot to another paper with better consistency.
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time and I hope you can find some amazing planner options for the year ahead. Look forward to your video.
Thanks for the update! I am really glad you’re looking for replacements for the TRP. I love the planner and use it every day, but there have been a few pages that bleed through with an extra fine nib. It just the consistency that’s annoying. I can’t wait to see what you have coming!
I'm glad you are loving the planner, and I agree, the paper isn't quite what we hoped for sure. But I'm excited for what's to come!
I appreciate your diligence and thoughtfulness ❤
I have your plans in A6 (that i adore), two NI commom planners from SI, a pocket from papertess designs, and 2 hobonichi weeks. Every single one has been hit or miss! Some pages are great in them, and others bleed and have terrible ghosting.
I know this is an issue out of everyone's control and that it affects all of us in the planner community. I absolutely love all my planners and playing with them to figure out what works best for me.
After ruining multiple pages in multiple planners, the find even my energel clena has issues. So ive pivoted and am using uniball 0.38 and 0.5 jetstream and multipens, stickers and stamps amd am.not having nearly as much trouble.
Please do not feel guilty or upset, your planner is amazing, you have totally filled a gap I have had with rhe planmers onthe market I just had to pivot from my inital plan I am a little bummed about not being able to use all my favorite pens, higlighters etc. Yet in the grand scheme of things, using a quality ballpoint over my fountain pen is not the end of the world.
Im going to order your planner next year regardless, but like that, you are seeking alternative paper options for next year.
❤ thank you for all you do. Keep it up, as you have amazing products and customer service, and that is what will keep us all ordering and coming back 😊 ❤ big hugs to you!!
Thank you for your kind words and support, and I'm glad you are enjoying your planners. I'm so happy you love the planner! And I'm excited to share new things to come with you!
Thank you so much for being transparent. I've been using the A5 Just Plans this month, and I've been lucky enough to only run into one "bad" page so far. I use fine and extra fine fountain pens and haven't had too many problems other than occasional feathering from inks that are too wet. I can't wait to see whatever you find to replace the TRP.
Fingers crossed you continue to have a smooth experience with your A5, and I'm super excited about new paper options too! Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you for being so open and transparent about what has been happening. I love your planner .. have the A5 vertical and horizontal and the functionality is amazing!! Looking forward to see what else you have to come!😊
Thank you for your support! I'm so glad you are enjoying the planners!!!
Your planner is the perfect planner for me and I have loved it regardless of the paper inconsistencies. You are amazing, thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much for your support! It means a lot to me!
Thank you for such a refreshingly open and honest discussion about this issue!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.
Thank you for letting us know! At this point I think the first person to make a tshirt that says “I survived the 2025 Paper Saga” might become a millionaire? Too soon? Maybe? 🤔 I am just getting on with it, if I run into a bad page I just tape another piece of thin paper over it and move on. I am not happy that everybody is having problems, and I feel for everybody, but that seems easier to prove than having just a few people having a random problem? All is good! 👍🏻 💕
Oh T-shirts would be awesome. But what if I created stickers? That's an idea right? I think I'll work on that. some die cut stickers to at least make it all more bearable!!!
I love your perspective. Yes I'm definitely happier knowing we are all suffering thru the inconstancies than it just be my shop for sure. And knowing that many of the planners are fine and many pages are ok too. It's frustrating but definitely something we can survive and then we can rock it in the new paper!!!
@ Duh, what a great idea, I would purchase stickers in a heartbeat! 😂 Yeah, just keep writing is my motto and if something messes up, stick something on top of it? 😂 All is well! 👍🏻 💕
Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I love your horizontal planner and am learning which pens and inks work best. I have enjoyed Iroful paper notebooks but don’t know if that is an option for your planner next year. Whatever you decide I will be a repeat customer!
I am glad to hear you are enjoying the horizontal layout! I do have some Iroful paper I've been playing with but can't say yet if that's an option available. But I'm having fun playing with the papers in the meantime. I think I'll do some videos of paper play soon! Thank you so much for your support too and I'm so glad to have you as a customer Nancy!
I’ve totally noticed the inconsistencies, but do not blame you at all. I hope you make peace with the issue as it’s abundantly clear that you are doing all that you can to rectify the issue and that’s all that we could ever hope for with a shop owner. Thanks for your transparency!! ❤
Thank you so very much! Your words mean so much to me!
Thank you for sharing! It’s so crazy this year. You did a lot of testing so definitely think there was nothing you could have done better. 💜💜💜
Yes, I’m bummed the paper isn’t what it should be but still works and functional - using it daily and loving it in multiple planners from my shop and others. So at least it’s usable. And I have high hopes for next year. Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
I'm glad they're working to fix this in the future. I'm using a ballpoint pen, not even a fountain pen, the same exact pen I was using last year, and I can see a huge difference in the amount of ghosting between my 2024 Common Planner and my 2025 Common Planner.
Yes it's very sad that even with a ball point there are noticeable differences and I definitely wanted to acknowledge the issue and share what I'm doing to help with that. I'm sorry that you are experiencing more ghosting but I'm glad that you are still enjoying your planner. Catherine's planners are lovely.
Thank you for this video! I’m loving my A6 in spite of the paper and I’m a definite fan of your products and will continue to look forward to all the new stuff to come. I will return to this A6 for next year as well because of the great layout. 😊
I'm really glad you're enjoying the layout - I'm very happy with how they've turned out and I'm excited for things to come. Thank you for your support!!
Thank you so much for posting this honest and lovely video. I purchased a 2025 Hobonichi Cousin and I cannot even use it with ANY of my pens without bleeding. It has been very disappointing and I had to switch to a H&O begrudgingly. I hope next year is better and I plan to pick up one of your planners next year as well. ❤
I'm so sorry to hear about the Cousin paper issues; I've heard that from several people. H&O does make beautiful planners and they have a new thinner paper coming out that I'm excited to try out myself (paper nerd here). I appreciate your kind words and support!!!
Appreciate the transparency and acknowledgment so much. Wishing you all the best with future plans.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
It’s not even just book to book - page to page…. I’ve got issues in my Hobo where the top of a page is fine and then suddenly the middle of the page feathers and bleeds like crazy! Not the best introduction to the brand tbh 👀
That's definitely not the introduction you want to a planner and I can see why that would be disappointing. I'm so very sorry! I know this is terribly frustrating and I definitely don't want it to turn you off to the amazing planners we've got in the community. But hopefully for 2026 you'll be able to get a planner that's beautiful, functional and has consistent paper. That's my goal at least!
@ on the plus side, it’s created a lot of conversation and actually widened the circle of creators I’m seeing 😉 Really liked your video. It’s obvious you’ve put a lot of work into this! Gotta say as well (as a Comms professional) that how you’re dealing with this issue is about 1000% better than Hobonichi - a massive brand with what would no doubt be a sizeable PR department. I hope you give yourself a pat on the back for that. Happy to sub and see where the year takes you 😃
@ thank you so very much!!!
I love the layout of the A6 horizontal. I'm working to find the perfect pen and ink combo. I appreciate that you are keeping us informed about the quest for better paper.
You are so welcome! And I'm glad you are loving the layout. I'm very happy with how it turned out.
Thank you for your transparency and expressing sympathy for ALL of us impacted. I believe it's a small market and we are all in this together, but how to approach a concern customers are experiencing makes a difference among the planner/journal producers. I've watched you talk about paper quality and pens for years, so I can imagine how much you care and how frustrating this is. I wanted to buy your product because I've learned a lot from what you share with us on your channel. The Plans book ended up serving a different purpose from initially envisioned but regardless, I hope you keep making products.
FYI out of many I've tried, the only one fountain pen / ink combo that works without a fail across the board 2025 Sanzen TRP products (I have Plans, Sterling ink, a few hobonichis) is Platinum blue black / lavender black in fine nibs. Iron gall inks seem to work much better, I plan on exploring more of them.
I’m so glad to hear you have found a solution that works for you. I've been trying a lot of different pens and inks! I'm definitely going to get some Lavender Black and test that out. It's been on my list for a while since I love Platinum and love purple ;)
And I truly appreciate your kind words and support of my channel and my planners!!
I have your planner, I absolutely love it so far. I have a broad fp pen wity green ink that has excessive ghosting so I just stopped using it haha. I stick with safer inks now with mediums and no broads, and dont use markers as much. I just switched my pens up and use lighter inks, colored pencils and no stamps with black ink. Thank you for taking the time to improve it even more!!! im so happy I bought your planner, knowing that you always got our backs with reason
Thank you so very much! I am so glad you are enjoying the planner and are willing to change up the pen/ink combo to find one that works best so you can use it and love it! Truly appreciate your support!
You are a true professional and I appreciate how you are handling this. I echo what so many others have said, we know this is not your fault. How you communicate with us, shows your level of commitment and integrity to your community. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for us!! ❤
Thank you so much, I am truly grateful for your support.
I’m using your A6 and I didn’t get the best paper, but the layout you created is so amazing I’m not too upset about it.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support! I'm so glad you are enjoying the layout of the A6!
I'm hoping this year provides a bigger diversity of FP friendly options for people to use going forward. I loved the Sanzen 52gsm TRP but we got burned by having everyone's eggs in that basket. I'm particularly intrigued to try the new 70gsm paper that Hemlock and Oak announced.
Yes that was a main driver for me wanting to not use 52gsm TRP for 2025 - because everyone is using it. But due to quality issues with papers and also availability of paper I had no choice. But for 2026 definitely will be providing alternatives in my shop. It is hard because there aren't a lot of non-proprietary FP friendly papers and some that are available aren't cost effective. But there's definitely some good options that I'm testing. I did see the new H&O paper announcement. I'm glad they are offering a thinner paper option and hope folks like it. Definitely a goal one day to be big enough to develop my own paper that checks all the boxes.
I like your planner. I’m a month in with the A5 size and haven’t had too much of a problem. I noticed it more with pilot inks. I used extra fine, fine and medium fountain pens.
I'm glad you haven't had too much trouble with it and I'm glad you are enjoying the planner!
Thanks for this video and I completely understand the frustration. But I don’t blame shops … it’s just an all around issue we have to deal with this year. Hopefully the manufacturer will fix the issues!
Absolutely!
Thanks for making this video and sharing your efforts to help the situation. I hope they fix their quality control problems as their standards clearly don’t match what customers expect. I don’t want to change my pens to fit their paper when I can just use different paper.
I totally get that, and I'm hoping they'll be able to fix their consistency. Their paper was good before (though could always be even better to get closer to the original TRP). So we will keep pushing better paper quality and also consistency in all batches. Thanks for watching.
I am using your planner solely. I love the layout, the functionality. Honestly pretty much everything. But having been in just about every other brand of planner over the past 40 years this year the paper isn’t up to past standards. But because I love your planner so much I can live with the minor paper imperfections. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year.
Vanessa, thank you for your support and your understanding about the paper issues!
Have you tried the Sakae iroful paper? I have it in a notebook but it is available in looseleaf.
Hi Nancy :) Yes I have some looseleaf of their paper and enjoy it. I'll be playing with it more this spring :)
@@JustScribble I love it too, I just wish it was thinner like TRP.
I’ve only noticed that a new pen over shadowed. I do think there is a difference between the newer 52 GSM of the past and this years but have been lucky so far and have had no problems with your planners, faded Chronicle, The Rosey Life Planner, or Sterling Ink - I assumed it was a difference in the pen. Thanks for being diligent
Thank you so much for your support and I'm glad you've been lucky with the paper! I hope you are loving all your planners this year!!
Thank you for all the information! I've books from a couple of different shops, as well as a Hobonichi. They were all affected, and I don't see how any of you all could have predicted it. Especially you, as I've watched all the testing you've done, and then to find you even tested post production. I think everyone understands this rests solely on Sanzen, and I very much doubt I will be using a planner with their paper next year, so I'm anxious to see what you end up with. I have a page in my Hobo where a BALLPOINT bled through!! And I must differ a bit on usability. If I wanted just a planner to use a ballpoint in - I would have purchased a couple of much less expensive ones. I fully expect to be able to use fountain pens in my planner, so I guess I see it as only semi-functional lol. (This is my Hobo I'm talking about, plus a Sterling Ink that was also affected).
Yes semi-functional vs usable is probably a better way to say it. I was really referring to the majority of the books where at least gel pens work and we aren't forced to a ballpoint pen or pencil (I hate pencil LOL). I've been lucky that I haven't had many books as bad as your Hobonichi where it was not usable but in those instances I made it right with the customer with a replacement etc. I totally get that it should work with fountain pens given the paper used in the planners and the price of the planners and I agree those not working is not ok. But at least if I can use a gel pen I'm happy for planning (journaling not so much) because I do enjoy a gel pen and often use them out and about just because I don't want to lose my expensive FPs LOL. But it should all work and that's what I've been expressing to them - to drill it into them that our expectation is that all the things should work all the time. People aren't just using pencil (ewe I hate pencils LOL). Thank you so much for watching, taking the time to comment and also your support!
Thank you for caring! Blessings
You're so welcome! Thank you for your support.
This is my first year using a Tomoe River Planner. Terrible timing to make the switch. Lol.
I switched to the Just Scribble planner from Hemlock and Oak because of your layout! I was using the weekly and daily planners which while beautiful were SO bulky and one of my goals this year was to minimize so I was looking at planners that combined weekly and daily and I really wanted a horizontal weekly view. Your planner won. I was a little nervous for the switch but I am absolutely loving it so far. I use a Pilot VP Medium nib in my planner and pages 1-63 were beautiful. Minimal ghosting just lovely. I hit page 64 which is the start of a new sheaf of pages and I was like "oh that's what everyone is complaining about! 😬" Definitely inconsistent!
But I don't blame you at all and I will continue to use it as it's really been the perfect layout for me. I can handle a little ghosting and bleed through. I'm a functional planner anyway and not concerned with it looking beautiful. I'm sorry that you ran into these issues with your first planner.
So glad you love the planner and it's exciting that it brought your two planners together for a smaller profile. I am sorry to hear about the inconsistent paper quality especially after making it so far in without issue but so appreciate your understanding! Thank you for your support.
I know those shifts in the 2024 paper and the 2025 in the Hobonichi Cousin is even worse. I bought papertess designs and spent a good amount of money. Then realized they were using Sanzen paper. I tried a take a note and the 68 gsm works really well but I needed some thing that had the Hobonichi cousin layout and so I resorted back to the happy planner. They have a rare layout that is called lined planner. It’s pretty much very similar to Hobonichi’s weekly layout, but in the classic size. Super disappointed in sanzen quality. I easily spend over $500 on planner items because of it.😢
I'm sorry you've had to deal with that, and I'm so glad you were able to find a solution that works for you for now. And hopefully in 2026 you'll enjoy the paper I use and will find a home with Plans in Vertical. Another potential option to checkout is Hemlock and Oak. They have an 80lb paper...but are releasing this summer some products in a new 70lb paper they've developed. I'm excited for what their brand is doing as well. They are amazing!
Just big hugs from me. I know this has been so hard for shop owners. ❤❤
I appreciate it! 💖💖
I love the paper that the PAL planner used this year. Last year i believe was mio paper from kokuyo. I liked that but it was a little thin for my taste. I'm not sure what Bushimen used this year but it's a nice thick 79 gsm with a toothy feel.
It is a very nice paper. It is a little bit thicker than last year's so definitely made their planner a little thicker but it performed nicely in my paper testing. I'm definitely looking at papers that other brands use - though some are proprietary and so they can't used. But I'm looking at all sorts of options. Thanks for sharing your love for the PAL.
Oh wow thanks for this I was unaware, that may be what is going on with me I have had these issues from page to page in my just plans A5 and thought that it was pens then thought I was crazy when I used pens again and no issues. At least I know I am not crazy, lol.
You're not crazy! It's been frustrating trying to figure it out and I'm sorry Plans has caused that struggle for you. But I'm excited to offer different paper options in the future.
You are a wonderful person!
Aw, you are too sweet! 💖 Thank you!!
I really feel for the small shop owners who are probably taking the worst hit with the biggest risk because of Sanzen’s lack of quality control standards (or lacking quality control for what they say their paper is going to do.) I’m glad to hear that you and others are shopping around for new paper to use next year. I’m personally done with TRP-S and am unwilling to risk another $100 on the two planners I use daily “hoping” that in 2026, the paper will be consistently good and perform as advertised. This may sound harsh, but quite frankly, I don’t know if I believe what Sanzen is telling you and the other small planner companies. When they refuse to make good on a product that is shown to be defective with saying, basically, “oh, didn’t we tell you that our quality control is to make it at least as good as knock off brand Mead loose leaf, while charging Gucci prices?” (Sorry…I’m frustrated.) I also believe that the hype around TRP has been so high for so long, that people think it’s the only paper that could possibly be the sun, moon and stars of paper (quite frankly, I still prefer Rhodia to TRP, but Rhodia’s planners aren’t laid out how I want, and the paper is intensely cream.) In my quest to find more papers out there than…well, if you don’t like TRP then use Midori, again, Midori makes gorgeous, beautiful paper and fabulous products…but for a planner, I don’t want cream. However, as I’ve been looking and looking, I’ve discovered there are many papers out there that are really great and have a lot of fabulous qualities about them that I enjoy. Some are actually really inexpensive as well! So, I would encourage people to try out different papers on their own, if they are able to, if to reduce their frustration levels if nothing else. I’ve been lucky so far with my small independent planner with TRP-S, but I haven’t used it a lot with fountain pens (slow start…but the A6 is so far, so good with Energel which was one of the problem gel pens…among most gel pens…and it is not super heavy flowing, dries fast, etc, and mine is .04. No issues. So, regardless of whatever promises Sanzen makes, I’ll believe it when I see it…and quite frankly, until they get a good 5 years under their belt of providing the quality they promise, I’m not risking my money on that roulette wheel. My best wishes to you and all of the independent small businesses out there facing this. I worry that people’s livelihoods, dreams, accomplishments will be ruined by something totally out of their control, and I’d encourage people to try and stick with their independent if you feel comfortable with their choice of paper for 2026 or you feel comfortable with the rationale for them choosing TRP-S again due to Sanzen’s reported/demonstrated improvements.
I completely understand how you feel Molly on all accounts. As much as I love TRP I play in a lot of papers and love a lot of them. One of the reasons I wanted to not use 52gsm for 2025 was because everyone is doing it and I know there's more options and want to make those available. There are some limitations in that not all paper available for us to use in notebooks and looseleaf is available for manufacturing planners - either due to proprietary restrictions or availability issues or cost issues. But I've got quite a few great options I'm testing. And I am leery of Sanzen's promises honestly because I don't always trust others to do what I want and expect LOL but also because getting them to really hear and see the issue thru language barriers is hard. But I will defer my true assessment for a bit as I want to see how something else has turned out to get a better idea. But even if they did miraculously make the paper perfect I don't plan to use it for 2026 planners...because using a different paper will set me apart and expand all our horizons.
Thank you so much for watching and for your honest comments and your support!
THANK YOU!!!!
You're very welcome! 😊
My cousin is good. My 5 year got replaced and is fine. My Papertess isn’t great, but workable. I’m over it. I think next year will fine.
Workable is a good word. Most of the planners are good or workable -- a few duds. Thankful yours got replaced. Here's to a great 2026 planner lineup!
Maybe yall might be expecting too much from 52gsm paper
Honestly I disagree. I’ve been using 52gsm paper for 8 years and never had these issues with any of these pens and markers and highlighters. Even with Sanzen’s 52gsm which I used for almost three years. I do not think we are expecting too much. We are expecting it to perform as it was designed and also as it has always performed.
TRP is known for being a paper for fountain pen enthusiasts since it launched in the 80s and so people are rightfully disappointed. Especially when basic gel and ballpoint pens are bleeding thru paper.
I appreciate you! The bad batches are so random, but i think of a lot of us understand its not each shops fault. You did everything you could to meet the standards. Your planners are beautiful and im personally working on setting up your A6 for my on the go 🫶 thank you for looking out for all of us!
I'm so glad you are working on using your A6! I hope you love to for an on-the-go. I’m definitely enjoying mine. Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
Thank you so much for your video! I appreciate it so much! It is so disappointing that Hobonichi took responsibility for the 5 year having issues, but didn’t think any other planners had issues, which makes no sense! It’s the same paper, so how could it not affect ALL of the planners!
I am really looking forward to hearing more abiut other papers from you because you are always so detailed. I hope you can release some more notebook sizes like b6 or B6slim or even a6. But I know you are still a small business and you can’t make everything. lol. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for your kind words and your support! And I think you’ll be excited for some things coming this year.
@@JustScribble oh I’m so glad to hear. You are the best!