Pentel is giving its Ain replacement leads 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 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.
| 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.
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.
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; full release and price list; Ain product specifications.
Discovery credit: r/sharppencils; details checked against the official sources above.
