Pentel will raise Japanese suggested prices on selected mechanical pencils from October 1, with standard Kerry models increasing 25% and black Orenz Nero models about 16.7%. The revision also covers drafting pencils and replacement erasers.
The company published the notice on August 6 with a model-by-model table. The increases vary considerably between product lines. Official announcement.
The numbers behind the familiar names
These are Japanese manufacturer-suggested retail prices before tax. Percentage changes below are our calculations from Pentel’s listed old and new prices.
| Model or listed group | Before | From October 1 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry, listed standard colors | ¥2,000 | ¥2,500 | +25.0% |
| Orenz Nero, black, 0.2/0.3/0.5 mm | ¥3,000 | ¥3,500 | +16.7% |
| GraphGear 500, 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 0.9 mm | ¥500 | ¥580 | +16.0% |
| Graphlet, listed variants | ¥500 | ¥580 | +16.0% |
| PG5 Graph Pencil, 0.5 mm | ¥800 | ¥880 | +10.0% |
The relevant entries are on page 4 of Pentel’s October revision list. Percentages are calculated from the listed prices and rounded to one decimal place.
The Kerry and Orenz Nero both rise by ¥500, but the proportional change is different because they start at different prices. That is why a single percentage for “Pentel pencils” would be a poor guide to what is happening.
Small parts are in the list, too
The same page includes replacement erasers. Listed examples XE10-W, LCE-5 and PPE-2 move from ¥100 to ¥120: a 20% increase. These are small amounts in isolation, but consumables belong in a discussion of keeping a pencil in use, not just buying the body once.
It is also worth checking the product code, particularly when comparing a shop’s listing with the manufacturer’s table. A familiar family name can cover several variants, packages or special editions.
What this means outside Japan
This announcement establishes Japanese suggested prices. It does not establish a new U.S. price, a retailer’s inventory policy or the exact amount an importer will charge after shipping and other costs.
