This ¥10,000 Japanese Pen Promises To End Your Procrastination

If you’ve ever bought a fancy notebook hoping that the color-coded pages would magically help you get your life together, Kokuyo has news for you. The “Otona no Yaruki Pen”—or Motivation Pen for Adults—is designed to encourage productivity. Retailing for ¥9,900 (roughly $65), it’s surprisingly effective at inspiring users to get their work done in an age filled with constant distractions.

At a Glance

• Product: Otona no Yaruki Pen
• Price: ¥9,900 (approx. $65)
• Launch Date: May 12, 2025
• Origin: Based on the success of the Shukudai Yaruki Pen for kids
• Functionality: Tracks study time and rewards users
• Target Audience: Adults seeking motivation

From Kids to Adults: The Evolution of the Motivation Pen

The concept behind the Motivation Pen originated from Kokuyo’s earlier product, the “Shukudai Yaruki Pen,” which was aimed at children and first released in 2019. This pen became a surprise hit, selling better than expected as kids found it helpful for their homework. Adults, feeling a bit sheepish, started purchasing the pen for themselves, discovering that the same motivational hacks could effectively assist them in their own endeavors, whether it was studying for exams or tackling work projects.

Enhanced Features for the Adult User

Recognizing a growing market, Kokuyo developed a more sophisticated version of the pen tailored for adults. The Motivation Pen is lightweight, weighing only 8 grams, and can easily clip onto a variety of writing utensils, including pens and pencils. Users simply sync the pen with the official Kokuyo app to get started.

As users write, the pen logs their study time and lights up to indicate different “levels of effort”. It even rewards users with digital goodies, creating a gamified experience that encourages productivity. Within the app, users can interact with a turtle avatar that they can dress up, play a board game that advances as they study, and collect “Nakama Cards” from anonymous users, fostering a sense of community among fellow procrastinators.

The Psychological Edge

The Motivation Pen’s success is not just about its technological features; it also taps into the psychology of motivation. Kokuyo discovered that many adults studying for challenging exams often feel isolated. Unlike children, who receive encouragement from teachers and parents, adults may lack that external support. The Motivation Pen addresses this gap by providing small bursts of encouragement and accountability, making the often tedious task of studying feel more rewarding.

A Surprising Launch and Reception

When Kokuyo launched the Motivation Pen on the crowdfunding platform Makuake in January 2025, the company anticipated modest interest. To their astonishment, over 3,600 backers contributed, raising ¥35 million—almost 70 times their initial goal. Following this success, the pen was released for general sale on May 12, 2025, on Kokuyo’s official site, as well as major platforms like Amazon and Rakuten. The product has since garnered hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied users.

Real Users, Real Results

While some may dismiss the Motivation Pen as a gimmick, the feedback from users suggests otherwise. Thousands of individuals have reported that the pen significantly enhances their productivity. In a world where distractions like Netflix and social media are prevalent, investing ¥10,000 in a pen that nudges you toward studying may prove to be a worthwhile expense.

Reader Q&A

How does the Motivation Pen work?

The pen tracks your writing and study time, lights up to indicate progress, and rewards you with digital incentives through the accompanying app.

Is the Motivation Pen effective for all age groups?

While it was designed for adults, the motivational principles behind the pen can appeal to anyone looking to boost their productivity, regardless of age.

Where can I purchase the Motivation Pen?

The Motivation Pen is available on Kokuyo’s official website, as well as on platforms like Amazon and Rakuten.

In conclusion, the Otona no Yaruki Pen represents a unique intersection of technology and psychology, aiming to combat procrastination in a creative way. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or simply trying to stay focused on work tasks, this innovative tool might just be the motivational boost you need.