When it comes to Japanese stationery, few names carry as much history and cultural meaning as Tombow. The word “Tombow” translates to dragonfly in Japanese, a creature long associated with strength, courage, and victory. In ancient times, Japan itself was called Akitsu-shima, the “Island of Dragonflies”, and the insect, also known as kachi mushi (“victorious insect”), has been considered a symbol of good fortune.
For Tombow, the dragonfly is more than just a logo; it represents the brand’s deep cultural roots, its commitment to excellence, and its role as a prominent name in Japan’s stationery industry. Tombow has been creating writing tools since 1913, and over the past century, it has become one of the most trusted names in the global stationery market. The company has introduced some of the most iconic tools in Japanese stationery history, from the MONO eraser to its line of clever, design-forward mechanical pencils.
If you’d like to explore Tombow’s history and broader product lineup in more detail, we’ve written about it in a previous post: Exploring the World of Japanese Stationery featuring Tombow.
In today’s blog, however, we’ll be narrowing our focus to Tombow’s mechanical pencils, comparing their different models, highlighting their unique features, and helping you find the right one for your writing or drawing needs.
Signature Features of Tombow Mechanical Pencils
One of the standout qualities across Tombow’s mechanical pencil we carry in our lineup is their built-in twist-type MONO eraser. Unlike the tiny, almost decorative erasers found on many pencils, Tombow equips their models with a practical, high-quality eraser, the same MONO eraser that is well-loved across Japan. This means you can carry just the pencil itself without needing to pack an extra eraser. Another shared feature is Tombow’s clever shaker mechanism, which lets you extend the lead with a quick shake instead of interrupting your grip to click and shake lock to prevent unintentional lead extension. Together, these features, an actually usable eraser and the fast, efficient shaker system, set Tombow mechanical pencils apart as tools designed with real everyday use in mind.
MONO Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil
TheTombow MONO Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil perfectly combines functionality and design, earning international recognition with the 2014 Good Design Award and the 2016 Red Dot Award. The Red Dot jury highlighted its standout features: the twist-type MONO eraser, the shake mechanism for effortless lead advancement, and the shake lock to prevent accidental lead extension, all of which make this pencil both innovative and practical. As the Red Dot Jury put it, the MONO Graph “skillfully combines writing and erasing” with mechanics that make it both innovative and intuitive. For students, professionals, and stationery lovers alike, this pencil is a smart all-in-one tool designed to keep up with fast-paced writing and erasing on the go. We carry three color variants for this model: Classical, Lime Green, and Blue.
MONO Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil Clear
The Tombow MONO Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil Clear brings a playful twist to Tombow’s classic design with its transparent, skeleton-style body and a range of bright, refreshing colors released in 2021. Available in Clear Blue, Clear Purple, Clear Lime, Clear White, Clear Pink, and Clear Mint, these pencils retain all the signature MONO Graph features. The vibrant, easy-to-spot colors make them perfect for young students who tend to misplace their pencils, and for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their life.
MONO Graph Shaker Grip Mechanical Pencil
The Tombow MONO Graph Shaker Grip Mechanical Pencil is an upgraded take on Tombow’s popular MONO Graph series, designed for comfort, control, and style. It features the well-loved twist-type MONO eraser, shaker mechanism, and shake lock, but with an upgrade to a soft rubber grip for extended writing sessions, and a stylish metal clip for everyday use. Available in a soft, elegant color lineup of Ivory, Blue, Greige, and Purple, this pencil is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who wants a premium, comfortable pencil with subtle, sophisticated colors.
Tombow: A Trusted Writing Companion
When it comes to mechanical pencils, Tombow is always a reliable choice. Beloved by students, professionals, and stationery enthusiasts across Japan for decades, their pencils combine thoughtful design, high-quality erasers, and innovative features that make writing and drawing a joy. No matter which model you choose, you’ll have a dependable and enjoyable writing companion by your side. Give a Tombow pencil a try, you won’t be disappointed.
