KOKUYO Neo Critz: The Stand-Up Pen Case Explained
The KOKUYO Neo Critz is a Japanese fabric pen case that stands upright and turns into a pen stand when you unzip it and fold the top half down. KOKUYO lists the Regular (F-VBF180) at 85 × 50 × 195 mm in polyester over a polypropylene core, at ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax; retailers say it holds about 14 pens.
On this page
Product facts
- Product
- KOKUYO Neo Critz Pen Case, Regular Size (F-VBF180)
- Brand
- KOKUYO
- Brand origin
- Japan
- Made in
- Cambodia*
- Material
- Polyester fabric, PP (polypropylene) core
- Released
- 2006*
- Price range
- $$$5–20 per case
Notes on these facts
- Made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.. Made in Cambodia: per KOKUYO's own global online store for F-VBF180-2 (Navy × Blue) and F-VBF180-3 (Blue × Navy). The same store lists the Marucru as made in China, so origin can vary by model; check the label. Source. Released: Per Impress Kaden Watch's 2013 review, which says KOKUYO has sold the Neo Critz since 2006; we found no KOKUYO statement of the year.
- Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
- KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz (F-VBF180) at 85 × 50 × 195 mm (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in), in polyester with a PP (polypropylene) core.
- The Large size (F-VBF181) is 90 × 55 × 205 mm (3.5 × 2.2 × 8.1 in) and, KOKUYO says, fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler.
- The rounder Marucru (F-VBF185) is 90 × 50 × 195 mm and holds about 15 pens, according to KOKUYO.
- KOKUYO's global store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue (F-VBF180-2) and Blue × Navy (F-VBF180-3) as made in Cambodia, and the Marucru as made in China.
- KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax for the Regular and ¥1,900 (about US$12) for the Large.
What is the KOKUYO Neo Critz?
The KOKUYO Neo Critz is a tall zippered fabric pen case that turns into a pen stand on your desk. It is made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd., a stationery company based in Japan.
The standard model is the Regular size (F-VBF180). KOKUYO’s Japanese series page also lists a Large size (F-VBF181), the rounder Marucru (F-VBF185) and the thin Neo Critz Flat (105 × 20 × 195 mm), and Lifehacker Japan has covered earlier spin-offs such as the Neo Critz Mini and Voyage. Impress Kaden Watch says KOKUYO has sold the Neo Critz since 2006.
How does the Neo Critz stand-up mode work?
You unzip the top and fold the top half of the case down over the outside, so the bottom half becomes a cup with your pens standing upright. KOKUYO’s Japanese page puts it as “open the zipper and fold the top half back, and it turns into a pen stand” (ファスナーを開けて上半分を折り返せば、ペンスタンドに早変わり).
KOKUYO lists three design details that make this work:
- A PP (polypropylene) core inside the fabric keeps the walls stiff enough to stand.
- A two-way zipper, so you can open only the top to take something out.
- A front space for small items such as erasers. KOKUYO notes it isn’t a closed pocket, so watch what you put in it.
KOKUYO Neo Critz specs
KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz at 85 × 50 × 195 mm, in polyester with a PP core.
| Spec | Regular (F-VBF180) |
|---|---|
| Maker | KOKUYO Co., Ltd. (Japan) |
| External size (W × D × H) | 85 × 50 × 195 mm (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in) |
| Height in stand mode | Not published |
| Material | Polyester outer and lining, PP core |
| Compartments | Main compartment + open front space for small items |
| Zipper | Two-way |
| Capacity | Not published by KOKUYO; up to 14 pens per The Journal Shop, 12–15 per a Pen Addict reviewer |
| Weight | 36 g per The Journal Shop |
| Colors (code suffix) | Black × Black (-1), Navy × Blue (-2), Blue × Navy (-3); Navy dot (-6) being phased out |
| Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥1,800 (about US$11); ¥1,450 (about US$9.20) for the navy-dot -6 |
| JAN, Navy × Blue | 4901480323336 |
| Made in | Cambodia (F-VBF180-2 and -3, per KOKUYO’s global store) |
Size, material, colors and prices come from KOKUYO’s Japanese product pages, which add that sewn products can vary slightly in size. The Pen Addict reviewer described the fabric as nylon over a foam core, while KOKUYO lists polyester with a PP core; we use KOKUYO’s description. KOKUYO marks the F-VBF180-6 (navy dot) color as ending while stocks last.
Neo Critz vs Large vs Marucru: what’s the difference?
The Large is 10 mm taller and 5 mm wider and deeper than the Regular; the Marucru is the Regular’s height with a rounder, 90 mm wide body.
| Regular | Large | Marucru | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | F-VBF180 | F-VBF181 | F-VBF185 |
| Size (W × D × H) | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | 90 × 55 × 205 mm | 90 × 50 × 195 mm |
| Capacity | About 14 pens (retailer) | About 20 pens (retailer) | About 15 pens (KOKUYO) |
| Fits an 18 cm ruler | Not stated | Yes, per KOKUYO | Not stated |
| Weight | 36 g (retailer) | About 47 g (retailer) | Not published |
| Extras | — | Zipper doubles as a handle | Rounded top, synthetic leather pull and back panel |
| Price (Japan, before tax) | ¥1,800 (about US$11) | ¥1,900 (about US$12) | ¥1,700 (about US$11) |
| Made in | Cambodia (F-VBF180-2, -3) | Not stated | China (Warm Gray) |
The Large’s capacity and weight are from the Japanese retailer Komeri. KOKUYO marks the Marucru Warm Gray as ending while stocks last, so some colors may be hard to find; it describes the Marucru’s fabric as a heathered weave with a patterned lining.
We didn’t find an official KOKUYO model called “Neo Critz Wide”. If you see one, check its model number against the table above.
How does the Neo Critz compare to the LIHIT LAB Teffa and EASTHILL cases?
The Neo Critz is the only one of the three that becomes a pen stand; the LIHIT LAB Teffa opens flat like a book and the EASTHILL case holds far more.
| KOKUYO Neo Critz (Regular) | LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style | EASTHILL Big Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Standing pouch, converts to pen cup | Opens like a book | Zippered box-style pouch |
| Size | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | 200 × 50 × 120 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 4.7 in) | 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (220 × 105 × 65 mm) |
| Capacity | About 12–15 pens | About 12–14 pens (LIHIT LAB) | Up to 50 pens (Reviewed) |
| Stands up as a pen stand | Yes | No | No |
Teffa figures are from LIHIT LAB; EASTHILL figures are from Reviewed. Pick the Neo Critz if desk space is tight and you want your pens upright while you work. Pick the Teffa if you want everything sorted into slots, or the EASTHILL if you need to carry a lot.
Which Neo Critz should you choose?
Choose the Regular for a typical pen-and-eraser kit, the Large if you carry a full-length pencil or a ruler, and the Marucru if you prefer a softer, rounder look.
- Regular (F-VBF180): 195 mm tall; the standard everyday size.
- Large (F-VBF181): 205 mm tall and 55 mm deep; KOKUYO says it fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler.
- Marucru (F-VBF185): same height as the Regular, rounder body, about 15 pens.
If you also need somewhere to put pens like the Pilot G2 or uni-ball ZENTO Signature, measure the longest one: the Regular is 195 mm tall on the outside, so very long pens and new pencils fit better in the Large. If you’d rather have a slim case that lies open as a tray, see KOKUYO’s C2 pen case. To protect just three fountain pens inside a bag, a plush Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy is the slimmer choice.
Where is the KOKUYO Neo Critz made?
KOKUYO’s own global online store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue (F-VBF180-2) and Blue × Navy (F-VBF180-3) as made in Cambodia. The same store lists the Marucru as made in China. KOKUYO is a Japanese company, but its Neo Critz cases are made outside Japan, and the country can vary by model.
We found no reliable source for where the Large size (F-VBF181) is made, so check the label on the case or its packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How does the KOKUYO Neo Critz stand up?
Open the zipper around the top, then fold the top half of the case down over the outside. KOKUYO says this turns the case into a pen stand, with the pens standing upright in the bottom half.
How big is the KOKUYO Neo Critz?
KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz (F-VBF180) at 85 mm wide, 50 mm deep and 195 mm tall (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in). The Large size (F-VBF181) is 90 × 55 × 205 mm. KOKUYO doesn't publish the height in stand mode.
How many pens fit in a Neo Critz?
KOKUYO doesn't publish a count for the Regular size. The Journal Shop says up to 14 pens and a Pen Addict reviewer fit 12 to 15. KOKUYO says the Marucru holds about 15 pens, and the Japanese retailer Komeri lists the Large at about 20.
What is the Neo Critz made of?
KOKUYO lists the outer fabric and lining as polyester, with a PP (polypropylene) core that lets the case keep its shape and stand up. The Marucru adds a synthetic leather zipper pull and back panel.
Where is the KOKUYO Neo Critz made?
KOKUYO's own global online store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue and Blue × Navy as made in Cambodia, and the Marucru as made in China. We found no source for the Large, so check the label on the one you buy.
What is the difference between the Neo Critz Regular, Large and Marucru?
The Regular is 85 × 50 × 195 mm. The Large is 90 × 55 × 205 mm, fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler, and its zipper doubles as a handle. The Marucru is 90 × 50 × 195 mm with a rounded top, synthetic leather accents and room for about 15 pens.
Is the Neo Critz better than the LIHIT LAB Teffa book-style pen case?
They suit different uses. The Neo Critz is a tall single pouch that doubles as a pen stand. The LIHIT LAB Teffa opens like a book with several compartments, but it does not stand up as a pen cup.
How much does the KOKUYO Neo Critz cost?
KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax for the Regular and ¥1,900 (about US$12) for the Large; the navy-dot Regular being phased out is ¥1,450 (about US$9.20). Prices outside Japan are set by importers.
Sources
- ネオクリッツ ペンケース 外寸法/W85×D50×H195 ネイビー×ブルー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF180-2, ¥1,800 before tax, polyester and PP, two-way zipper, front space is not a pocket, JAN 4901480323336)
- ネオクリッツ ペンケース ネイビードット柄×ネイビー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF180-6, ¥1,450 before tax, marked to end when stock runs out; color codes -1 to -6)
- ネオクリッツ ラージサイズペンケース ネイビー×ライトブルー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF181-2, 90 × 55 × 205 mm, pencil and 18 cm ruler, zipper handle, ¥1,900 before tax)
- ネオクリッツマルクル ペンケース ウォームグレー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF185-2, 90 × 50 × 195 mm, about 15 pens, ¥1,700 before tax)
- ネオクリッツ (KOKUYO Japan series page: Regular, Large, Flat and Marucru lineup and prices)
- KOKUYO Store: Neocritz Tool Pencase F-VBF180-2, Navy × Blue (country of origin Cambodia)
- KOKUYO Store: Neocritz Tool Pencase F-VBF180-3, Blue × Navy (country of origin Cambodia)
- KOKUYO Store: Pencase Neocritz MARUCRU F-VBF185-2 (dimensions, about 15 pens, country of origin China)
- コメリ: コクヨ ペンケース ネオクリッツ ラージサイズ F-VBF181-2 (Komeri: about 20 pens, about 47 g)
- The Journal Shop: Kokuyo NeoCritz Pencil Case (up to 14 pens, 36 g)
- The Pen Addict: Kokuyo Neo Critz Pencil Case Review (May 11, 2017)
- Impress Kaden Watch: KOKUYO Neo Critz review (on sale since 2006; Japanese)
- Lifehacker Japan: Neo Critz lineup (Mini, Voyage, Flat; Japanese)
- bungu.store: Neocritz Marucru Pen Case (about 15 pens)
- Reviewed: The best pen and pencil cases (EASTHILL dimensions and capacity)