5 Reasons To Get The Kakusta Pen Case

Most pen cases just sit in your bag. The Kakusta by Sonic does something different. It's a pen case when you're traveling and a pen stand when you're working. It actually won the Pen Case Award at the Japanese Stationery Awards 2024, which tells you something about how well Japanese stationery enthusiasts think it solves a real problem.

Here's where Sonic got it right. They offer the Kakusta in normal, wide, and slim variants. The wide version has increased storage capacity compared to the standard model, which is good if you're carrying markers, highlighters, or a larger collection. The slim version takes up less desk space and works if you only need a few pens within reach. The regular size sits in the middle.

I started with the normal size and it handles about 8-10 standard pens comfortably. When I'm carrying fountain pens or thicker markers, I switch to the wide version. This matters because most portable stands are either too small to be useful or too bulky to actually want to carry around. Having options means you can pick what fits your actual situation.

The Kakusta is made from silicone, which seems like an odd choice until you use it. It's soft enough that it won't scratch your desk or the inside of your bag. It's also quiet when you set it down or pack it up, unlike hard plastic cases that clatter around. The material has some grip to it too, so the stand doesn't slide across your desk.

Silicone also means the case is flexible. You can squeeze it into a bag pocket that might not fit a rigid case. When it's set up as a stand, though, it holds its shape just fine. After more than a year of being stuffed in backpacks and messenger bags, mine shows minimal wear. The material hasn't torn or lost its shape.

The slim triangular stand doesn't take up much space, so it won't get in the way even on a narrow desk. This is the main advantage over just dumping your pens in a cup or leaving them loose. The Kakusta gives you organized access without eating up your workspace.

When you're done, you fold it back up and toss it in your bag. The whole thing takes maybe three seconds to set up or pack away. I work from different locations regularly, and being able to set up a proper pen stand in seconds makes a bigger difference than I expected.

For anyone who works in different locations or moves between desk and bag regularly, the Kakusta addresses something most pen cases ignore. You get portability and desktop organization in one object. Traditional pen cases stay closed in your bag. Desktop pen holders stay on your desk. The Kakusta works as both.

It's the kind of design that makes you wonder why more pen cases don't work this way. Simple idea, solid execution, and it genuinely improves how you interact with your tools throughout the day.

How many pens does the Kakusta hold? The normal size comfortably holds 8-10 standard ballpoint or gel pens. The wide version can handle more or accommodate thicker pens like markers and chunky fountain pens. The slim version works well for 4-6 pens.

Does it work with fountain pens? Yes. I regularly use mine with fountain pens. The silicone material is gentle enough that it won't scratch barrels, and the 60° angle keeps capped pens secure. For larger fountain pens, the wide version gives you more room.

Is it durable enough for daily use? After over a year of daily use in various bags, mine is still in excellent condition. The silicone hasn't torn, the magnets work as well as they did new, and the case still holds its shape perfectly when set up as a stand.

How does it compare to a traditional pen case? Traditional cases keep pens protected in your bag but require you to dig through them when you need something. The Kakusta gives you the same portability but transforms into a stand that lets you see and access everything at once. It's particularly useful if you work in multiple locations throughout the day.