Sharp backs Kyoto pencil museum’s first special exhibition
About 80 exhibits trace pencils and calculators, including a visible-mechanism KY SHARP and a British pencil that doubles as a pointer.
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Mechanical-pencil products, technology and the business behind them.
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Pilot gives the Dr. Grip Play Border six new colors for December
Two lead sizes, six colors and a grip you can rearrange: the Japanese release is priced at ¥715 including tax.
Hirosaki turns snow-felled park trees into mechanical pencils
Cherry and red pine from Hirosaki Park become 0.5 mm pencils, including wood from a pine estimated at 260 years old. Each is offered for a ¥15,000 donation.
Aketsubaki reveals the hardware behind its five-year pencil redesign
A mechanism designed for quieter writing, threaded brass support and maker-performed conversion put the engineering beneath Aketsubaki’s decorative barrels in focus.
Handwood readies aluminum rear barrels for its modular pencils
The A6061 rear barrel moves beyond five early samples. Handwood expects to list the incoming batch after lathe adjustment and finishing.
Pelikan’s D400 is set for a 25% price rise in Japan
Maruzen Nagoya lists ¥44,000 from December 1, up from ¥35,200. Its special-order rule makes the date you receive the pencil important.
Steef’s ST Draft Black Model pairs a brass grip with a sliding sleeve
A sliding guide sleeve, revised pushbutton and brass grip feature in the maker’s October 18 reveal. Price and release date are still to come.
Pilot’s ¥495 AIR STEP wins a Good Design Award
A moving guide pipe and a shaped resin spring put the focus on fewer interruptions at the page. The 0.5 mm pencil launched in Japan in November 2025.
Setsu opens a lottery for wood-barrel pencils from ¥5,000
Twelve numbered pencil lots cover seven wood choices in the October 15–18 sale. Setsu discloses outlet grading, random allocation and Japan-only delivery.
Orii’s green Kaweco pencil is back in production
The green brass collaboration sold 200 pencils in a day, its partner says. Another batch is underway, with the sales schedule still to come.
MUJI passes ¥100 billion in operating profit and targets overseas growth
Record annual profit comes with renewed store expansion in North America and Europe, and a target of 1,850 shops worldwide by 2029.
Caran d’Ache puts Geneva in miniature on a blue 0.5 mm pencil
Cream Geneva scenes decorate a blue 0.5 mm pencil in the Toile de Jouy gift set, paired with a ballpoint and listed at CHF67 in Switzerland.
Kokuyo sets November 30 start for its robotic Sendai warehouse
Kaunet’s new distribution hub targets 40% higher productivity, with more locally stocked items and a wider same-day delivery area.
Pentel gives the Orenz Metal Grip a frosted finish
Designed for Modernity brings three muted colors to both 0.3 and 0.5 mm, with Japan sales starting October 23 at ¥1,650 including tax.
Kokuyo approves ¥28 billion for Thien Long acquisition
The proposed takeover pairs acquisition funding with a growing Vietnamese export business—and a multiyear commitment to increase local R&D investment.
Hands announces online sales for its existing knurled-grip Kerry
The black 0.5 mm Kerry is listed at ¥3,800. Hands’ October 9 notice sets an online sales time; a new production run or restock is unconfirmed.
Nohara sets October 21 reservations for 2027 deliveries
The next Japan-only order window covers January–June deliveries. Store sales pause October 14, and no opening hour is fixed.
Zebra gives the M-1700 five clear Fruity colors
The October 9 limited edition adds transparent blue, yellow, pink, green and black to the 0.5 mm Knock Pencil.
Craft A previews a slimmer MP204 for November
A 10 mm grip, a 9.5 mm wooden barrel and November event plans—plus a separate case for spare leads.
Pentel gives SIDE FX four pastel colors in Taiwan
Taiwan’s 0.5 mm SIDE FX gets four limited colors and a refillable twist-up eraser, at 60 New Taiwan dollars per pencil.
Uni puts an aluminum grip on the Jetstream 4&1
A revised body and five colors surround four ballpoints and a 0.5 mm pencil. The ¥1,430 model reaches Japan October 15.
Kaweco’s Lunar Sport pencils get two shades of purple
Light Purple and Shadow Purple arrive October 14, with 0.7 mm pencils in both finishes and a confirmed 3.2 mm clutch version in Shadow Purple.
Stilform’s AEON Gravity puts a magnetic ring in charge of 2 mm lead
The new Kickstarter pencil pairs a sliding-ring control with standard leads, five aluminum colors and a titanium DLC option. Delivery is estimated for December.
Shorty’s Italian-made leadholders arrive at 590 & Co.
Fourteen colors, two clip styles and a 3.15 mm core: the Japanese arrival brings a closer look at Markin’s continuation of the German-born pencil.
Pentel adds white Ain cases, with six options arriving October 23
The refill case gets a lighter look: two lead diameters, three grades and a ¥220 Japanese price, with a few differences worth checking before buying.
590 & Co flags a possible grip revision for the Fixpencil Junior
The Japanese retailer shares a ridged-versus-smooth comparison of Caran d’Ache’s 2 mm leadholder. Which versions change, and when, remain unconfirmed.
Speedgraph puts lead refilling on the side of the pencil
Arctefact’s 0.5 mm preview pairs a side-access reservoir with a ring-operated retractable tip. The mechanism is the attraction; launch terms remain unsettled.
Staedtler brings walnut to the 925 35 with BAUMGRAPH
A walnut barrel, familiar metal drafting hardware and a ¥6,050 Japanese price. A September news sheet points to late-October shipment.
Wingback brings Oxford Blue to its mechanical pencil
A £195 brass pencil, three lead sizes and a 20-micron ceramic coating; Wingback says the first Oxford Blue batch has 25 of each item.
590&Co. commissions a fresh run of Lucio Rossi clutch pencils
The Kobe retailer says it requested renewed production after a two-year break, then travelled to Italy to collect the finished clutch pencils.
Kokuyo commits ¥17.6 billion to its largest logistics hub
The planned Shiga center accounts for about half of a ¥34.5 billion furniture-supply investment program, with operation targeted for 2029.
Snoopy joins Zebra’s Sarasa Clip 2+S on October 13
The limited Japanese release includes a 0.5 mm pencil, with the 2+S priced at ¥660 including tax.
Kakimori adds a wooden pencil with brass built to age
Toshimasa Kawamura’s handmade 0.5 mm pencil joins the collection, with custom brass parts and a ¥22,000 nigaki version.
Staedtler’s 925 75 gets four Bruna colors—and an illustrated window
Kinokuniya’s November collection pairs four ¥990 pencils with a small design twist, ahead of two centenaries in 2027.
Sailor’s October prices double two SHIKIORI pencil ranges
Time Tide rises 40%, Profit 27.3%, and one five-piece eraser pack triples. The exact Japanese prices—and the parts distinction worth checking.
Caran d’Ache’s 849 Horizon pairs a 0.5 mm pencil with sunrise colors
Japan’s ¥12,100 limited gift set brings opposite pink-to-yellow gradients to a ballpoint and mechanical pencil.
Nohara’s gold-finish pencils cost ¥1,100 more
The August increase targets gold-plated hardware. Nohara is separately pointing to late October for reservations covering the first half of 2027.
Hands Shinjuku expands its pen-and-pencil department by 20%
The September 30 reopening brings more space for ballpoints and mechanical pencils, KAYOU+ and Luddite, and hands-on pop-ups.
M&G reopens a 3,500 m² Shenyang flagship with Jiumu
The company calls the refurbished Shenyang location its largest stationery store in China, combining pens and school supplies with Jiumu lifestyle retail.
LAMY’s summer editions bring six colors to its pencil range
Three Japanese retail announcements confirm pencil options across Safari and AL-star.
Platinum gives PRO-USE 171 a pastel turn for October
Silky White and Silky Pink pair matte barrels with pink-gold details; the adjustable drafting mechanism stays.
Barnes & Noble acquires Levenger and plans store rollout
The writing-instrument and stationery brand retains its online range as physical distribution expands.
KITERA’s limited LIFT+ colors get an October 1 retail launch
Gunmetal and navy are priced at ¥2,500 before Japanese tax; KITERA confirmed an October 1 launch through retailers across Japan.
Luddite brings EVERDRAW wood and TechDraw2 parts to Himeji
The October 31–November 1 stationery event will include pencil-focused exclusives, a lead case and custom parts.
Zebra gives the Blen 4+S a Hokkaido-only bird edition
The Shimaenaga design arrived September 28, pairing 0.5 mm ballpoints and a 0.5 mm pencil in a regional souvenir release.
IJ Instruments’ pricing dilemma: one price worldwide, or a US surcharge?
Lindsay Wilson’s August update reveals the shipping-cost choices behind a handmade pencil.
Caran d’Ache’s blue 849 set drops to $56 in its US promotion
A ballpoint and 0.7 mm pencil, a $13.50 reduction, and a September 30 closing date.
TOHO releases Godzilla × Sanrio Kuru Toga at ¥990
The licensed edition adds new artwork to Mitsubishi Pencil’s familiar platform.
Sun-Star opens its first official online store
The Shindbat maker adds a direct sales channel; its opening campaign centers on stickers.
A manga-making story gets five mechanical pencils of its own
Tomostore’s made-to-order Kore Kaite Shine collection includes five ¥660 pencils, with reservations running through November 2.
Pentel’s October prices: Kerry +25%, Orenz Nero +16.7%
The model-by-model changes behind Japan’s October 1 price revision.
PUMA gets three metallic looks on the Kuru Toga KS
Kutsuwa’s ¥990 Japanese editions put red, cyan and dark-blue designs on Mitsubishi Pencil’s 0.5 mm rotating-lead platform.
IWI builds a Japanese retail campaign around an 18-pencil FUSION display
A Taiwanese pencil, a Japanese retail campaign and the value of letting someone try it.
Inside Pilot’s ¥10 billion investment year
The spending behind the catalog—and why pencil collectors should care.
Kuru Toga Dive Full Black ships at a 40% premium
The ¥7,700 Japanese model is a continuing product, with a distinct finish and care requirements.
Kokuyo launches Magic Fit with a six-pocket grip
Six air pockets, a stubborn molding problem and a ¥450 pencil.
Two Flicta multipens, ¥550 apart
KAYOU+’s Standard and Basic share a format. Weight and the grip area help separate them.
Newell opens an Atlanta design center as its Writing business grows
A September investment in design, with the earnings context behind rOtring and Paper Mate’s parent.
Loft adds two exclusive STAEDTLER 925-35 finishes
Black Blue and Black Black are listed at ¥3,300 each in the Japanese autumn campaign.
Rhodia scRipt turns ten in Blue Jeans and Magenta
Two limited colors arrive together, with matching pens and 0.5 mm pencils.
KAYOU+ expands AIMVISION with a ¥1,980 lead case
A 5-gram aluminum case adds a dial, a window and a ¥1,980 price.
Hands adds three mechanical-pencil lines to its 50th-anniversary range
Exclusive GraphGear 1000, DelGuard LX and STAEDTLER 925-35 editions join the August program.
Kokuyo’s stationery sales rise 8.7% as it expands in China
Stationery segment sales reached ¥46.595 billion, including internal transactions, with operating income up 10.0%.
Nagasawa puts a green signature on Kaweco’s Special
A 0.5 mm retailer edition pairs the long octagonal pencil with a key motif.
Mitsubishi Pencil lifts its profit forecast after a stronger first half
Sales rose 10.4%; operating profit grew 28.6%. The company also points to the weaker yen in its revised outlook.
BIC cites mechanical pencils in North American growth
Reported stationery sales fell. The North American commentary still gives pencil readers something to notice.
ORVO II adds automatic feed without chasing heavyweight status
KAYOU+ puts a new mechanism inside a roughly 10-gram pencil.
Tombow adds five Japan-only MONO graph cat editions
Five limited designs join the established mechanical-pencil line at ¥660 in Japan.
KAYOU+ sets a 3,000-unit run for its KOHAKU anniversary collection
A numbered AIMVISION PRO anchors the ¥22,000 five-item set.
Mitsubishi Pencil consolidates Yamagata operations from four sites to two
A July 1 relocation completes another step in the company’s production reorganization.
SEASAR and Pentel announce a ¥5,500 brown Kerry
The collaboration adds a matte cap and translucent barrel, with delivery allocations from July through November.
Mechanical pencils take all three top spots in GetNavi’s vote
Shindbat, AIMVISION PRO and LAMY safari KURUTOGA inside lead a 71-product field.
Kinokuniya plans a Rice Village store, bringing its Houston expansion inside the Loop
A planned second Houston-area location brings a Japanese books-and-stationery retailer closer to central-city shoppers. Its pencil assortment is still to be confirmed.
Flair expands into wooden-pencil manufacturing in Surat
The company’s Surat investment extends its pencil business; the disclosures distinguish sales scale from factory spending.
Myaku-Myaku returns to Kuru Toga—in a quieter palette
The Expo 2025 license gets a June 2026 pencil release, plus matching Jetstream multipens.
Staedtler’s July prices reach drafting pencils, leads and spare parts
The 925 25 rises 12.5%; Night Blue rises 16.7%. The replacement-parts column deserves a look, too.
Platinum schedules its official online store for May 18
A new direct channel for the maker of Pro-Use pencils and multifunction writing instruments.
Pilot’s July price list: S20 rises 15%, S10 about 15.4%
The mechanical-pencil rows—and two replacement-eraser packs worth noticing.
Mitsubishi Pencil turns to Advantage Partners for growth and LAMY integration
The April agreement pairs management support with a planned financing package and a wider supply-chain agenda.
Pentel asks buyers to keep orders grounded in actual use
An April supply notice flags raw-material uncertainty without announcing an immediate stoppage.
Hemingway adds copper and brass anniversary leadholders
Three models in brass and copper, £15,685 pledged, and a July delivery target for the anniversary production run.
AIMVISION PRO receives Red Dot Design Award 2026
The award record credits LONT’s Taku Yahara and identifies the drafting pencil’s construction.
Staedtler’s 92515 Metal combines the grip and nose
The ¥1,320 Japanese drafting pencil adds an integrated metal front end, with four lead sizes in black and two in white.
Pentel becomes Astrum as PLUS plans integration through 2028
The product brand stays. An earlier name change, a 2022 takeover and a shared management structure explain the next step for the company behind it.
