Did you know that when you pick up a Uni-ball pen or a Jetstream, you’re holding a piece of history? Behind these well-loved writing instruments lies the Mitsubishi Pencil Company, a brand that has been shaping the art of writing for over 130 years.
Founded in 1887 by Niroku Masaki, the company began as Masaki Pencil Manufacturing Company in Tokyo, inspired by Masaki’s fascination with Western pencils he first encountered at the 1878 Paris World Fair. Through years of experimentation and countless setbacks, Masaki succeeded in producing Japan’s very first domestically made pencil, one of the significant milestones that marked the beginning of Japan’s stationery industry.
In 1901, his pencils were officially adopted by Japan’s Ministry of Communications, which is a breakthrough that solidified the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability. To commemorate this achievement, Masaki registered the “Mitsubishi” trademark in 1903, featuring the now-iconic three-diamond emblem derived from his family crest.
Fun Fact: Although they share a similar name and logo, Mitsubishi Pencil Company Limited is not related to Mitsubishi Motors or the larger Mitsubishi conglomerate. In fact, Mitsubishi Pencil registered its famous three-diamond trademark ten years earlier than Mitsubishi Motors Corporation did!
From these humble beginnings, Mitsubishi Pencil grew into a global innovator in writing instruments. The company launched Japan’s first ballpoint pen in 1959 and went on to release a range of groundbreaking products that combined Japanese precision with everyday usability.
Let’s go back in time and explore some of Mitsubishi Pencil’s most iconic creations throughout the years, many of which you can find right here at Shibuya Stationery.
Innovation Through the Ages: Mitsubishi Pencil’s Defining Products
Over the decades, Mitsubishi Pencil has introduced countless innovations that changed the way we write, draw, and create. Some have become cult favorites among stationery lovers worldwide.
Hi-uni Pencil (1958)
A premium wooden pencil designed for ultra-smooth writing and deep, rich lines. Known as Mitsubishi’s flagship graphite pencil since 1958. Made with ultra-refined graphite and clay for even tone, smooth glide, and minimal breakage, perfect for precise, dark writing or sketching.
Who it’s for: Artists, designers, and high-end wooden pencil lovers.
Uni Watercolor Pencils (1971)
Water-soluble colored pencils that let you enjoy both the precision of coloring and the softness of watercolor painting. Designed with a special wax-based core that dissolves easily in water, allowing smooth blending, layering, and watercolor effects with just a touch of a wet brush.
Who it’s for: Ideal for illustrators, art students, and hobbyists who want to create watercolor-style art with the control of a pencil.
Uni-ball Air Rollerball Ink Ballpoint Pen (1979 / Modern Version)
A next-generation rollerball pen that writes as smoothly and lightly as air, adapting effortlessly to your writing pressure and style. Features a pressure-sensitive tip that controls ink flow and line width, allowing smooth strokes, going from fine to bold, without skipping or scratching.
Who it’s for: Ideal for those who enjoy fluid, fountain-pen-like writing with the convenience of a ballpoint.
The POSCA Marker (1983)
Vibrant, opaque markers that deliver bold, poster-color-like ink on virtually any surface. Writes on dark or light surfaces, allows layering without bleed-through, dries water-resistant, and is safe, water-based ink with no strong odor.
Who it’s for: Ideal for artists, crafters, scrapbookers, hobbyists, or anyone looking for versatile, high-impact colors that work on paper, wood, metal, glass, and more.
The Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil (2008)
A mechanical pencil with a unique rotating lead mechanism that keeps the tip sharp for consistently fine, precise writing. The patented “Kuru Toga Engine” rotates the lead with each stroke, maintaining an even point and reducing breakage or uneven wear.
Who it’s for: Ideal for students, note-takers, and anyone who values clean, uniform lines.
For a deeper look at the different Kuru Toga models, check out our blog: Uni Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencils Explained: Standard vs Advanced Upgrade Comparison.
Uni Power Tank (2001)
A pressurized ballpoint pen that delivers consistent ink flow even in extreme conditions, including upside-down or sub-zero environments. Uses compressed air to push ink, allowing smooth writing on any surface or orientation without skipping or clogging.
Who it’s for: Perfect for outdoor workers, field professionals, or anyone who needs reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Uni Alpha-gel (2003)
Mechanical pencils featuring a soft, gel-based grip called Alpha-gel for comfortable, ergonomic writing. Multiple types exist, including slim, shaker, and Kuru Toga engine models. The Alpha-gel grip absorbs finger pressure, providing a soft, stable hold that reduces fatigue during long writing sessions.
Who it’s for: Ideal for anyone who writes extensively or wants a more comfortable, controlled grip.
Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen (2006)
One of Mitsubishi Pencil’s most popular pens, the Jetstream delivers bold, smooth lines with quick-drying, low-friction ink. Available in multiple models with different tip sizes, barrel designs, and ink colors, it ensures consistent, reliable writing without leaks or backflow.
Who it’s for: For everyone who writes extensively and wants smooth, fast, and reliable performance.
Uni R:E - Erasable Gel Pen (2017)
A gel pen with heat-erasable ink that lets you write, erase, and rewrite seamlessly. Uses thermosensitive ink that disappears with friction-generated heat; the built-in lock mechanism on the eraser ensures easy and precise erasing.
Who it’s for: Ideal for students, planners, and professionals who want the flexibility to correct mistakes without the messy look of a correction tape/liquid.
Uni-ball One (2020)
A gel ink pen with innovative “beads-pack” pigment that produces rich, vivid lines that pop and stay memorable. Delivers dark, crisp writing that resists smudging and bleeding, with fast-drying ink perfect for note-taking and study. Available in multiple models and color variations.
Who it’s for: Ideal for anyone who wants clear, long-lasting, high-contrast writing. Colorful variations are perfect for bullet journalers, students, and note-takers.
Uni Jetstream Edge (2020)
An ultra-fine oil-based ballpoint pen with the world’s tiniest 0.28mm ball tip, available in multiple models. Jetstream low-friction ink delivers precise, smooth, fast-drying lines, while the slim point tip and weighted, textured barrel give maximum control for detailed writing.
Who it’s for: Perfect for professionals, students, and artists who need ultra-fine, precise lines for notes, sketches, or technical work.
Crafting the Future, Honoring the Past
Today, Mitsubishi Pencil continues to blend tradition with innovation, creating writing instruments that balance precision, comfort, and style. Their recent integration of the renowned German brand Lamy in 2024 highlights a commitment to both heritage and global excellence. If you’re a stationery lover, expanding your arsenal with items from Mitsubishi Pencil is always a smart choice, they are a tried-and-true, highly innovative company whose products embody over a century of craftsmanship.
