Hey there, stationery buffs! Check out these best Japanese mechanical pencils to get your writing or doodling needs sorted! Mechanical pencils are simply convenient to use. You don’t have to keep sharpening it and it’s perfect not just for neat writing but also for technical drawings!
Other than that it’s great to use for fine art drawing as well. And plus, mechanical pencils are much safer to use for children than your regular pencils as the lead of a mechanical pencil isn’t nearly as sharp as a freshly sharpened pencil!
Which Is The Best Japanese Mechanical Pencils?
My team and I tested 20+ Japanese mechanical pencils on the basis of grip, lead size, lead hardness as well as construction. We found Uni Mitsubishi Kuru Toga Advance Mechanical Pen to be the best Japanese mechanical pencil.
Kuru Toga Advance from Uni Mitsubishi is an addictive mechanical pencil that draws us in with its brilliance. One of the best Japanese mechanical pencils, it’s designed with a lead rotating feature called “Kuru Toga Engine”. This practical feature of it makes the lead rotate slowly while you are writing and sharpening the lead. The grip of the pencil is also quite good. It doesn’t slip and so makes writing an easy task.
Best Japanese Mechanical Pencils: Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Mechanical Pencils | Size |
| Uni Mitsubishi Kuru Toga Advance Mechanical Pen | 0.5mm |
| Platinum Mechanical Pencil Oleenu Shield | 0.5mm |
| Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil | 0.3mm |
| Zebra Del Guard Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil | 0.3mm |
| Pentel Smash Mechanical Pencil | 0.3mm |
| Uni Alpha-Gel Shaker Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Zebra M-301 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Pentel Twist Erase Click Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil | 0.3mm |
| Uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Zebra Mini Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Pilot Mogulair Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Uni Kuru Toga Auto Lead Rotation Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Uni Kuru Toga Knurled Grip Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
| Pentel Pilot Fure Sprinter Mechanical Pencil | 0.5mm |
Top Japanese Mechanical Pencils
Uni Mitsubishi Kuru Toga Advance Mechanical Pen
Kuru Toga Advance from Uni Mitsubishi is an addictive mechanical pencil that draws us in with its brilliance. One of the best Japanese mechanical pencils, it’s designed with a lead rotating feature called “Kuru Toga Engine”.
This is an interesting and practical feature; it makes the lead rotate slowly while we are writing and sharpens the lead. Thanks to this wonderful feature, we do not have to worry about uniformity of thinness and color. The grip of the pencil is also quite good. It doesn’t slip and so makes writing an easy task.
Key Features:
- Features the brilliant Kuru Toga Engine, which is a mechanism that rotates the lead while writing and sharpens it
- Uniform thickness and color throughout
- Great grip that does not let the pencil slip from the fingers
- Easy to write with it
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Platinum Mechanical Pencil Oleenu Shield
This mechanical pencil is known for its sturdy grip that fits so well between our fingers. It also absorbs pressure very well. Apart from these wonderful features, the pen also comes with mechanisms meant to protect the lead in case of sudden falls.
It is also pretty easy to write with this pencil. The pencil is light in weight that is perfect if you need to hold it for long hours.
Key Features:
- Sturdy grip that fits perfectly between the fingers
- Absorbs pressure really well
- The mechanisms of this pencil prevent the lead from breaking due to sudden falls
- Easy to write with
- Light in weight
Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil
This best Japanese mechanical pencil has a guide pipe, which acts as a shield for the lead. The lead is not to be extended past this guide pipe, but despite that, Pentel Orenz writes really well. It comes with a metal grip that ensures the pencil does not slip from between the fingers. The attractive design is yet another bonus point that draws us to this mechanical pencil.
Key Features:
- Shields the lead against breakage with the help of a guide pipe
- Writes well, despite the fact that the lead remains within the sleeve
- Metal grip that does not let the pencil slip
- Attractive design
Zebra Del Guard Mechanical Pencil
The main feature of this best Japanese mechanical pencil that makes it so desirable is the ‘Del Guard’ feature. It is a protective shield for the lead, guarding it against strong writing pressures. It also prevents the lead from easy breakage. The grip is also pretty good and does not easily slip from between the fingers.
Key Features:
- Special 'Del Guard’ feature that guards the lead against strong writing pressures
- Prevents the lead from breaking
- Great grip that does not let the pencil slip
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
Graph Gear 1000 from Pentel has a dual layer grip that is comfortable. Apart from this, this best Japanese mechanical pencil also features the double-knock mechanism, which is quite a brilliant thing.
This mechanism allows the pencil tip to fully retract inside the body of the pencil. For all the features that this pencil has, the price is pretty reasonable.
Apart from that, it also has an attractive design. If you are a professional or enthusiast, this is a great pencil to have. You can also remove the pocket clip for convenience.
Key Features:
- Features a comfortable dual layer grip
- Comes with the double-knock mechanism that allows the tip to fully retract inside the pencil body
- Removable pocket clip
- Reasonable price, considering all the features
- Attractive design
- Perfect pencil for professionals and enthusiasts
Pentel Smash Mechanical Pencil
Pentel Smash has a high-performance rating that works so well for drafting purposes. The slim shaft has enough weight and a balanced center of gravity. With these features, writing with this best Japanese mechanical pencil is quite a comfortable experience. You can write with this pencil for hours without feeling any pain or discomfort.
Key Features:
- High in performance
- Great for drafting purposes
- Light in weight
- Balanced center of gravity
- Comfortable experience
- Does not cause pain or discomfort
Uni Alpha-Gel Shaker Mechanical Pencil
The Alpha-Gel Shaker from Uni has a squishy soft grip, its most famous feature, which makes writing with it a pleasurable experience. Another intriguing feature is the ‘Shaker’ option. With this feature, you can shake the pencil to extend the lead. To convert this best Japanese mechanical pencil into a shaker pencil, simply change the setting by pushing the top cap all the way down. With this fun pencil, you can shake, squish, and click away the boredom.
Key Features:
- Features the famous squishy soft grip that makes writing with this pencil a comfortable and pleasurable experience
- Comes with the ‘Shaker’ option, which lets you extend the lead by shaking the pencil
Zebra M-301 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil
This best Japanese mechanical pencil lets you enjoy a precise and enjoyable writing experience with its fine lead. The M-301 from Zebra features a lightweight, durable stainless steel barrel with a non-slip grip that increases your comfort and stability while writing. The style and look of this pencil is quite attractive.
Key Features:
- Precise and enjoyable writing experience
- Lightweight
- Features a durable stainless steel barrel
- Comes with a non-slip grip that increases stability
- Attractive look and design
Pentel Twist Erase Click Mechanical Pencil - Best Japanese Mechanical Pencils
This best Japanese mechanical pencil features a side-click lead advance, along with a transparent barrel design that looks quite attractive. The latex-free comfort grip ensures that writing becomes a comfortable and pleasurable experience. The pencil comes with a large and long-lasting twist-up eraser that is refillable. The Pentel super Hi-Polymer HB lead does not need any sharpening. It delivers a clear and dark line.
Key Features:
- Features a slide-click lead advance
- Attractive transparent barrel
- Latex-free comfort grip that makes writing with this pencil comfortable
- Large and long-lasting twist-up eraser that is refillable
- Comes with Pentel super Hi-Polymer HB lead
- Lead does not need any sharpening
- Delivers a clear and dark line
Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil
The Dr. Grip pencil has a very fine tip that is great for precision. It has a high-quality grip that makes the pencil comfortable to hold for hours; it also does not let the pencil slip from between your fingers. It also comes with the ‘Shaker Function’, which lets you extend the lead by shaking the pencil. The design is also pretty and attractive.
Key Features:
- Has a fine tip that is great for precision
- High-quality grip that does not let the pencil slip from between your fingers
- Comfortable to hold the pencil for hours
- Comes with the ‘Shaker Function’ that lets you extend the lead by shaking the pencil
- Attractive and pretty design
Uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil
Apart from the excellent design that draws us in, this best Japanese mechanical pencil has so many features that make it one of the best choices. The ergonomically designed pencil has a very comfortable metal grip. It comes with a ‘roulette’ mechanism that keeps the lead rotating while you write. This mechanism is great as it ensures you get a fresh tip every time you write.
Key Features:
- Excellent and attractive metal body
- Ergonomic design
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Excellent metal grip that does not let the pencil slip
- Comes with a ‘Roulette’ design that rotates the lead while writing; this ensures you get a fresh tip every time
Zebra Mini Mechanical Pencil
This slim mechanical pencil is easy to carry and convenient to use. The mini pencil is great for writing in memo pads and mini notebooks. If you want something compact and tiny, this is the pencil you may want to consider. The metal body design of this best Japanese mechanical pencil is sleek and easy to use!
Key Features:
- Slim mechanical pencil
- Easy to carry
- Convenient to use
- Great for writing in memo pads and mini notebooks
- Attractive metal body
Pilot Mogulair Mechanical Pencil
The Mogulair by Pilot is one with a simple but attractive design. It has a retractable tip, allowing you to add as much pressure as you like. The grip of this best Japanese mechanical pencil, however, is quite simple and does not really hold our fingers in place. As a result, you may find your fingers slipping while writing.
Key Features:
- Simple design that looks attractive
- Retractable tip
- Allows you to add as much pressure as you would like
Uni Kuru Toga Auto Lead Rotation Mechanical Pencil
This set of best Japanese mechanical pencils contains 3 auto lead revolution mechanical pencils. You likewise get a five-colors Sticky Notes. The pencil is structured in such a way that the lead turns while writing. This mechanism hones the lead, giving you completely even tip each and every time. It also protects the lead and prevents it from breaking. The eraser that accompanies it is additionally very incredible. It wipes out impeccably and has a top to cover it.
Key Features:
- Set comes with 3 auto lead revolution pencils
- Also comes with a 5-colors Sticky Notes
- Has a lead rotating mechanism that hones the lead while writing, giving you even tip each and every time
- Keeps the lead safe and prevents it from breaking
- Incredible eraser that wipes out impeccably and has a top to cover it
Uni Kuru Toga Knurled Grip Mechanical Pencil
This is a best in class designed pencil that gives an exact and smooth writing experience. It includes the well known pivoting lead system, which keeps the lead honed and gives you a similar fineness each and every time. It additionally forestalls the breakage of the lead. The pink body is a limited edition version, so grab it while you can.
Key Features:
- Gives an exact and smooth writing experience
- Includes the well known pivoting lead system
- Keeps the lead hones and gives you a similar fineness every time
- Prevents the breakage of the lead
- Limited edition pink body
Pentel Pilot Fure Sprinter Mechanical Pencil
The Fure Sprinter Mechanical Pencil features a slim and sporty outlook with bright body colors. One of the significant features of this pencil is the shaking mechanism, which extends the lead. With only a shake of the pencil, a sliding interior weight enacts an inward snap component to expand the lead. You no longer need to give up and re-grasp the pencil each time you need to broaden the lead. This best Japanese mechanical pencil includes a pocket clip and an eraser at the top.
Key Features:
- Slim and sporty design with bright body colors
- Comes with the shaking mechanism, which extends the lead
- Includes a pocket clip and an eraser
Ohto Conception Mechanical Pencil
The Ohto Conception Mechanical Pencil is a high-quality writing instrument that is perfect for those who value precision and design.
The pencil is sleek and modern-looking, with a minimalist design that is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates simple and elegant aesthetics.
One of the standout features of this mechanical pencil is its unique lead advancement system, which uses a "double knock" mechanism to advance the lead.
This system ensures that the lead is always ready for use and prevents breakage or other issues that can sometimes arise with traditional mechanical pencils.
The Ohto Conception Mechanical Pencil is also incredibly comfortable to hold and use.
The pencil's grip is made from soft rubber, which provides a secure and comfortable grip that is perfect for long writing sessions.
Additionally, the pencil is well-balanced and easy to control, making it ideal for tasks that require a high degree of precision.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Ohto Conception Mechanical Pencil to anyone who is looking for a high-quality writing instrument that combines style, comfort, and precision.
Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone who values good design, this pencil is sure to impress.
Key Features
- Double knock lead advancement system
- Soft rubber grip
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Well-balanced and easy to control
- Available in multiple colors
- Durable construction
- Refillable
How to Choose the Right Mechanical Pencil for You
Choosing the right mechanical pencil depends on a variety of factors, including your intended use, personal preferences, and budget. Here are some tips to help you choose the right mechanical pencil for you:
- Determine your intended use
Consider how you plan to use your mechanical pencil. Will you be using it for drawing, writing, or both? Different pencils may be better suited for different tasks.
- Consider the lead size
Mechanical pencils come in various lead sizes, including 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm. Thinner leads are better suited for precise writing and drawing, while thicker leads are better for shading and filling in large areas.
- Look for a comfortable grip
A comfortable grip is important for reducing hand fatigue and ensuring a secure and enjoyable writing experience. Look for a pencil with a grip that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Check for durability
Mechanical pencils that are built to last are generally made from high-quality materials and feature sturdy construction. Look for a pencil that can withstand regular use and abuse without showing signs of wear or damage.
- Consider your budget
Mechanical pencils come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Consider your budget and look for a pencil that offers the features and performance you need within your price range.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right mechanical pencil for your needs and preferences.
Benefits of a Japanese mechanical pencil:
Mechanical pencils are great options especially for drawing. Here are a few benefits you need to know:
- Sharp: Mechanical pencils stay sharp unlike wooden pencils. You don’t even have to sharpen them which is why they’re super convenient.
- Erasers included in the pencil: Mechanical pencils have erasers behind them which makes them very easy to use while drawing unlike wooden pencils where they’re mostly without the erasers.
- Ergonomic design: These pencils are well-designed keeping artists in mind and which is why it’s made with good grip and balance.
Sketches outcome: Mechanical pencils produce thin and fine lines as per the requirement. It makes the process of sketching very easy.
Is 0.7 or 0.9 lead better?
For writing, the lead of the pencil should be thick enough so it doesn’t break easily. 0.5mm leads are quite strong and enough for most people. But 0.7mm or 0.9mm leads are better for more heavy-handed people or if you have the habit of putting extra pressure when you write.
Are Kuru Toga Japanese mechanical pencils good?
Kuru Toga mechanical pencil from Japan is an excellent, high-quality mechanical pencil. While this mechanical pencil is the best one to write, it's not a good option for drawing or sketching.
The best Japanese mechanical pencils for you!
These were the best Japanese mechanical pencils that you can consider if you are a stationery buff or if you love mechanical pencils. Check them out today and get the one you find the most convenient for your use.
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