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# Pentel adds white Ain cases, with six options arriving October 23
- URL: https://news.knockology.com/pentel-ain-white-cases-october-2026/
- Published: 2026-10-06T17:38:50.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T17:38:50.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Thomas
- Tags: Products, Pentel, Ain, Pencil leads, Color editions

[Pentel](https://www.pentel.co.jp/?ref=news.knockology.com) is giving its [Ain replacement leads](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/lead%5Fpentel%5Fain/?ref=news.knockology.com) a white case, with six combinations of diameter and hardness due to reach Japanese stationery shops from **October 23**. Each case costs **¥220 including Japanese tax**.

The [October 6 announcement](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20261006/?ref=news.knockology.com) adds white alongside the familiar black case. Pentel’s reason is refreshingly straightforward: people who coordinate their stationery in white or monochrome should be able to match the refill case, too. The change extends the look of a pencil setup to the small item that keeps it working.

## Six choices, with a difference inside

Both diameters get HB, B and 2B, but they do not contain the same number of leads. The 0.3 mm case holds 25; the 0.5 mm version holds 40.

![All six white Pentel Ain cases, showing 0.3 and 0.5 mm in HB, B and 2B](https://news.knockology.com/content/images/2026/10/knockology-20261006-ain-8.jpg)

The complete white-case range. Diameter and hardness stay prominent on the front. Image: [Pentel](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000324.000002857.html?ref=news.knockology.com).

__Japan: white Pentel Ain cases__
| Diameter | Grades    | Leads per case | Price |
| -------- | --------- | -------------- | ----- |
| 0.3 mm   | HB, B, 2B | 25             | ¥220  |
| 0.5 mm   | HB, B, 2B | 40             | ¥220  |

Prices include Japanese tax. White-case product codes begin C283W for 0.3 mm and C285W for 0.5 mm, followed by the hardness.

## A new color for the existing case

Ain launched in 2023\. This release expands its case colors; it does not announce a new lead formulation. The sliding case remains part of the appeal: unlock it with a downward slide, move the top sideways, and take out a lead while holding the case upright.

![Pentel’s four-step diagram: peel off the seal, slide down to unlock, open sideways, and remove a lead while keeping the case upright](https://news.knockology.com/content/images/2026/10/knockology-20261006-ain-case.jpg)

Pentel’s opening instructions, illustrated with the black case. Diagram: [Pentel](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/lead%5Fpentel%5Fain/?ref=news.knockology.com).

Single cases also come in retail sleeves at the same ¥220 price. Three-case packs cost ¥660, which is simply three times the individual price. Those packs cover HB and B in 0.3 mm, and HB, B and 2B in 0.5 mm; the announcement does not list a three-pack of white-case 0.3 mm 2B.

![White Pentel Ain cases alongside individually sleeved cases and three-case retail packs](https://news.knockology.com/content/images/2026/10/knockology-20261006-ain-3.jpg)

Loose cases, sleeved singles and three-packs. The packaging options have different grade coverage. Image: [Pentel](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000324.000002857.html?ref=news.knockology.com).

October 23 marks the start of a gradual Japanese rollout, so shelf dates may differ by shop. The announcement supplies no US launch date or US price.

**Sources:** [Pentel’s October 6 announcement](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20261006/?ref=news.knockology.com); [full release and price list](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000324.000002857.html?ref=news.knockology.com); [Ain product specifications](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/lead%5Fpentel%5Fain/?ref=news.knockology.com).

Discovery credit: [r/sharppencils](https://old.reddit.com/r/sharppencils/comments/1wytzxx/pentel%5Fpentel%5Fain%5F3%5Fand%5F5mm%5F2b%5Fb%5Fand%5Fhb%5Fin%5Fwhite/?ref=news.knockology.com); details checked against the official sources above.