Pentel’s story begins in postwar Tokyo, where visionary entrepreneur Yokio Horie founded the company in 1946 under the name Japan Stationery Limited. Driven by a desire to spark creativity and support education in a recovering nation, Horie began by producing crayons and pastels, tools that embodied both artistic expression and accessibility. His commitment to quality and innovation quickly set the company apart, laying a strong foundation for what would become one of Japan’s most influential stationery brands.
The company rose to international fame in 1963 with the release of the Sign Pen—the world’s first fiber-tipped pen, famously used by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and even taken aboard NASA’s Gemini mission. In 1971, it adopted the name Pentel, a blend of “pen” and “tell,” reflecting its commitment to storytelling through writing tools. Today, Pentel continues to innovate with products like non-permanent markers and the Pocket Brush Pen, all while honoring its legacy of Japanese quality and design.
Pentel’s Most Iconic Products: A Timeline of Innovation and Design
Throughout its history, Pentel has consistently introduced groundbreaking writing and creative tools. In the early years, they launched their first crayons and pastels in 1951, followed by the release of the Pentel Crayon in 1955.
Innovation continued with the world’s first 0.9 mm knock-type mechanical pencil, the Pentel Pencil, in 1960, along with the development of synthetic Hi-Polymer lead that eliminated the need for sharpening. In 1963, Pentel released the iconic Sign Pen, the original fiber-tipped marker that gained global fame and even accompanied NASA astronauts on a Gemini mission.
The 1970s brought a wave of new products, including the green-bodied, water-based Ball Pentel, the precise nylon-bristle Brush Pen, the Stylo plastic fountain pen, and the first Correction Pen in bottle form, released in 1983.
The late 1980s and early 2000s saw the arrival of drafting favorites like the GRAPH1000 and SMASH mechanical pencils, the Hybrid Ballpoint Pen with its hybrid ink that combines the features of aqueous and oil-based pens, and modern staples such as EnerGel and the ultra-fine Orenz mechanical pencil. In recent years, Pentel continues to blend artistry with innovation, expanding its legacy of expressive, durable, and thoughtfully designed tools.
Exploring Pentel’s Iconic Products: A Closer Look
Over the years, Pentel has released many iconic products that have shaped the stationery world. Let’s take a closer look at the stories and features behind some of Pentel’s most beloved creations that are still well-loved today.
EnerGel Infree
The EnerGel Infree is more than just a ballpoint pen; it’s designed to spark creativity and enhance the flow of ideas. With its quick-drying ink, it reduces smudging stress, allowing you to write freely and confidently. The pen glides smoothly on paper, delivering clear, vivid lines that make reviewing notes effortless. Available in sophisticated colors like blue-black and burgundy, the Infree invites professionals to express individuality even in routine tasks. Its transparent barrel reflects a mindset of openness, reminding users to approach communication with sincerity.
Interested? Check out the EnerGel Infree - 10 Colour Set.
Calme
The Calme ballpoint pen is thoughtfully designed to offer a quiet, comfortable writing experience for both users and those around them. Its innovative mechanism reduces the typical “click” sound of the retractable pen by 66%, while softening the tactile feedback to minimize hand impact. Featuring a luxurious leather-textured long grip, the pen fits naturally wherever you hold it, ensuring comfort during extended writing sessions. Equipped with smooth, richly pigmented oil-based ink that resists smudging, Calme combines functionality with elegance. Designed by acclaimed product designer Kazunari Miyake, this pen embodies thoughtful craftsmanship that enhances everyday writing with subtle sophistication.
Interested? Check out the Calme Pen Collection.
Fude Touch Sign Pen
The Fude Touch Sign Pen combines the classic feel of Pentel’s long-selling Sign Pen with the expressive touch of a brush pen. Its flexible tip allows for easy control of line thickness; light pressure creates fine, delicate strokes, while pressing harder produces bold, thick lines. This versatility lets you add stylish flair and natural variation to your handwriting or illustrations. You can even experiment with blending two colors for beautiful gradients or achieve shading effects by layering strokes. Whether writing or filling in small illustrations, the Fude Touch elevates everyday writing into an elegant art form.
Interested? Check out the Fude Touch Sign Pen - 6 Color Set - Adult Dark
The Enduring Legacy of Pentel
Pentel’s journey from a humble postwar stationery maker to a global leader in writing instruments is a testament to the power of innovation rooted in tradition. Whether you’re a student, artist, or professional, Pentel’s thoughtfully designed tools offer both reliability and elegance. As the brand moves forward, it remains committed to blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that every pen and pencil not only tells a story but also shapes the future of writing.
