📖The Story Behind Traveler’s Company

A Notebook That Became a Movement

What if a notebook wasn’t just stationery — but a space to rediscover yourself?

In 2006, something simple but powerful was born in Japan: the Traveler’s Notebook. Made with a leather cover from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and paired with refillable inserts, this modular journal wasn’t designed to impress — it was designed to evolve with you.

And people all around the world fell in love.

✈️ A Notebook That Travels With You

Originally launched with just five refill types, the Traveler’s Notebook quickly became a cult favorite among writers, artists, and wanderers alike. Its unique design — customizable, refillable, and ruggedly beautiful — made it perfect for recording every kind of journey: across oceans, or across the soul.

By 2009, the passport size was added — a compact companion for pockets and purses.

In 2010, new tools joined the adventure: Brass Products and Spiral Ring Notebooks — functional and timeless. These additions expanded the ecosystem, giving creators even more ways to express and document life. (I’m so crazy about them, OMG)

And then came the shops.

🏠 A Whole World Built Around a Notebook

In 2011, the first Traveler’s Factory opened in Nakameguro, Tokyo — a sanctuary for lovers of paper, leather, and intentional living. It wasn’t just a store; it was a home for this slow-living philosophy. More locations followed, including at Narita Airport and Tokyo Station.

In 2015, a symbolic change happened: Traveler’s Notebook officially branched off from its original parent company, Midori, becoming its own brand — TRAVELER’S COMPANY — to fully embody the lifestyle it was inspiring worldwide.

The heart of this notebook?
Freedom. Creativity. Imperfection. Presence.

✍️ A Personal Journey in Every Page

The Traveler’s Notebook was born not just from a love of paper, but from a deeply personal place. Its creator once felt disconnected, awkward, unsure. Until a simple notebook helped him find peace — and a space to be himself. He wrote, sketched, pasted, dreamed. Even when the lines weren’t perfect, they felt right.

“This notebook takes in my incompleteness,” he said.
And that’s what made it beautiful.

We’ve all been there — searching for stillness, clarity, connection.
This notebook didn’t just offer pages. It offered permission (I love that part so much!).

🧼 And What About Midori?

Midori, the parent brand, is a legend in its own right.

Since the 1960s, they’ve been crafting MD Paper — a writing surface so smooth and responsive that people compare it to... tofu. (Yes, tofu!)

Why? Because just like tofu, it’s simple yet complex, pure yet precise. It honors the smallest detail — how a pen glides, how a thought flows. Whether you're drawing or journaling, Midori paper makes the experience feel sacred - from entering at the store, to touching its products.❤️

They offer two types of paper — Cream and Cotton — each designed for a different kind of emotional rhythm. And their notebooks are intentionally understated, letting your voice take center stage.

💛 Why I Created Kedori

When I discovered the Traveler’s Notebook and Midori’s paper world, I was enchanted — but I also knew that not everyone can invest in these imports, also because they were hard to find!

So I created Kedori — my own take on the refillable, travel-style notebook.
Inspired by Japan. Made by hand. Built with care.

✅ Long-lasting.
✅ Customizable.
✅ Soft cardstock & tissue covers (instead of leather).
✅ Optional paper or plastic pockets.
✅ Two sizes: Regular & Passport.
✅ Blank, lined, grid or junk inserts.

It’s a notebook you’ll want to carry everywhere — and yes, you can refill it for every new season of your life.

I wanted to offer something more affordable, personal, and still meaningful — because I believe the act of writing or documenting your life shouldn’t require luxury… just love (You might know by now I’m obsessed with notebooks and stationery, right?).

🌸 The Heartbeat of a Movement

From Japan’s quiet design philosophy to your own handwritten thoughts, the spirit of these notebooks has always been about freedom.

Freedom to explore.
Freedom to feel.
Freedom to create.

Kedori notebooks are my way of passing that freedom forward — affordable, lovingly, locally, and with a message behind every layer of tissue and thread.

If you’ve ever dreamed of slowing down, reflecting more, or creating something beautiful… Reach out anytime for custom orders: contact@kellengondo.com.

Have a nice trip — inside and out.

With love and gratitude

Kellen