The 10 Best Japanese Pencils

When it comes to the world of stationery, Japan is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. From pens to notebooks, Japanese paper captures the essence of elegance and functionality. In this blog post, we will delve into the realm of pencils and explore some of the best Japanese pencils that have won the hearts of artists, writers, and enthusiasts worldwide. Get ready to discover the artistry unleashed with these 10 remarkable writing tools.

• 1. MUJI Polycarbonate Mechanical Pencil W - Rubber Grip
• 2. Pilot's Dr. Grip Play Border Shaker mechanical pencil
• 3. Tombow Mechanical Pencil - Monograph 0.5mm
• 4. Tombow Mono 100
• 5. Uni Mitsubishi 9800
• 6. Zebra DelGuard
• 7. Pentel GraphGear 1000
• 8. Pilot S20
• 9. Kuru Toga Roulette
• 10. Pilot Color Eno

MUJI Polycarbonate Mechanical Pencil W - Rubber Grip

Muji is a famous Japanese retail brand founded in the 1980s. They offer a range of products, including appliances, food, furniture, and stationery. One of their best selling pencils is the Muji Polycarbonate mechanical pencil which has been praised as a light pencil that is good for drawing and writing. You would need to buy lead refills for the pencil because it comes with just 2 extra leads. However, they don’t break easily. The rubber grip also makes it easy to use so that after extended use, it won’t hurt your fingers. It also has a small eraser at the end of the pen for you to clean up mistakes. 

Pilot's Dr. Grip Play Border Shaker mechanical pencil

This pencil is called the border shaker because the lead is extended when people shake the pencil instead of letting go and clicking down on the cap (although that works too). The rubber grip is also soft, which is ideal for hours of writing, and there is a capped eraser too. It is perfect for people with arthritis that need to write for a long time. Another cool thing about this pencil is that it is customizable as the 3 colors of the grip can be arranged in any order, and the upper part of the pencil is a clear insert that you can decorate with stickers or paint. It is not just functional, it is an excellent gift for many occasions and office parties plus, it comes in pink, blue, green, and black colors. 

Tombow Mechanical Pencil - Monograph 0.5mm

Another highly effective shaker pencil is the Tombow Mechanical Pencil, and as you may have noticed, it comes in different exciting colors. The shake mechanism is effective in helping users continue working without interruption, and it comes with a lock to prevent accidental extension. It is also lightweight with a comfortable grip. Unfortunately, there is no rubber grip, but it is still sturdy. The pencil has an eraser that can be refilled, and the clip is a second way to extend the lead. 

Tombow Mono 100

The Tombow Mono 100 is a legendary pencil revered for its exceptional quality. It was launched back in 1967, and it has a fill line of hardness ranging from 10H to 10B. With a smooth graphite core and excellent darkness, it effortlessly glides on paper for precise and controlled lines. The unique finish with gold lettering adds a touch of sophistication, making it a favorite among artists, writers, and professionals alike.

Uni Mitsubishi 9800

Mitsubishi was founded in 1887 and is still a respected stationery brand worldwide, but it is unrelated to Mitsubishi Motors. It is best known today for its “uni” brand of quality writing instruments sold worldwide. The Uni Mitsubishi 9800 is a classic wooden pencil renowned for its reliable performance, available in 10B to 8H. It features a firm graphite core that produces consistent lines and prevents breakage. The simple design and sturdy construction make it a dependable choice for everyday writing tasks and note-taking.

Zebra DelGuard

Zebra is a prominent Japanese brand known for its innovation in stationery. The DelGuard advertises itself as an unbreakable pencil with a double spring and patent-pending mechanism that ensures the lead is secure while adding protection. It features a specially designed spring system that absorbs pressure and reduces lead breakage, making it an excellent choice for students and those who write with a heavy hand. There is also an eraser under the pencil cap, and although the grip is not made with rubber, it is textured for easy holding. 

Pentel GraphGear 1000

Pentel's GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil is renowned for its sleek design and superior functionality. I mean, it looks amazing. This pencil has a beautiful metal grip, a retractable tip, and an adjustable lead hardness indicator, providing a great writing experience for architects, engineers, and anyone needing technical drawings. The metal body makes it durable, and the Super Hi-Polymer does not need sharpening because it produces very dark and steady graphics. 

Pilot S20

The Pilot S20 is a mechanical pencil known for its sleek and minimalist design. The wood design feels absolutely fantastic. Its lightweight body and comfortable grip make it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The S20's precise lead advancement and smooth writing make it an excellent tool for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a reliable everyday pencil.

Kuru Toga Roulette

The Kuru Toga Roulette is a mechanical pencil that has revolutionized the writing experience. It is different from other pencils due to the knurled grip. Its unique rotating mechanism automatically rotates the lead as you write, ensuring a consistently sharp point. This feature helps maintain precise lines and reduces the chances of the lead becoming blunt or breaking. The Kuru Toga Roulette is a favorite among students, professionals, and those seeking a consistently sharp point.

Pilot Color Eno

The Pilot Color Eno series offers a delightful twist to traditional graphite pencils. Available in vibrant colors, these pencils allow artists and writers to add a splash of creativity to their work. The best part is not the colors, and it’s actually that  Eno's smooth and pigmented lead is erasable, making it an excellent choice for sketching, highlighting, or adding a pop of color to notes and drawings.

Japanese pencils embody the perfect fusion of artistry, functionality, and innovation. From the legendary Tombow Mono 100 to newer mechanical pencils, they all represent a testament to Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether you are an artist, writer, or stationery enthusiast, these ten best Japanese pencils will inspire your creativity and elevate your writing and drawing experiences to new heights. 

Have you been looking to buy some Japanese stationery? You can check out our ZenPop store for the best stationery deals from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.