If you’re someone who is familiar with Japanese stationery, or even just someone who knows mechanical pencils, you’re probably familiar with the household name Kuru Toga. The name “Kuru Toga” combines the Japanese words “kuru” (to turn) and “toga” (to sharpen), perfectly capturing the pencil’s unique mechanism that rotates the lead every time you write, keeping the tip sharp and consistent. This brilliant concept was born from the passion and perseverance of the research and development team at the Research & Development Team at Mitsubishi Pencil.
Through relentless trial, error, and collaboration across departments, the team transformed a great idea into a revolutionary product. Kuru Toga is more than just a mechanical pencil; it’s a labor of love, embodying the dedication and spirit of everyone involved in its creation.
For today’s blog, we want to take a closer look at two popular models of the Kuru Toga pencil: the classic Standard model and the Advanced Upgrade model. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Kuru Toga, we’ll help you understand the differences so you can find the perfect pencil to match your writing style and needs.
Uni Kuru Toga Standard Mechanical Pencil: The Mechanical Pencil That Keeps Your Lead Sharp by Rotating
The Kuru Toga Standard model features the innovative “Kuru Toga Engine,” a mechanism specially developed to focus on the pencil lead tip. Inside the mechanism are three gears working together: the middle gear, connected to the lead, moves up and down using the pressure applied when writing. This movement causes the middle gear and lead to rotate slightly every time you finish a stroke, thanks to the angled engagement with the top and bottom gears.
The biggest advantage of the Kuru Toga mechanism is that it keeps the lead tip pointed at all times, preventing uneven, thick lines and keeping your notes neat and tidy. Additionally, it reduces lead breakage and prevents excess lead dust that often gets smudged everywhere..
Uni Kuru Toga Advanced Upgrade Mechanical Pencil: The Premium Upgrade
If the Uni Kuru Toga Standard model already solves the common problems of mechanical pencils by keeping the lead sharp and consistent, you might wonder why Mitsubishi Pencil felt the need to develop the Uni Kuru Toga Advanced Upgrade.
The answer lies in the pursuit of even greater precision and user experience. While the Standard model rotates the lead every 40 strokes to maintain a sharp tip, the Advanced Upgrade takes this innovation a step further with its new "W Speed" mechanism, which rotates the lead twice as fast, every 20 strokes! This means the lead stays sharper, longer, allowing for even finer and more consistent lines without interruption.
Beyond speed, the Advanced model also upgrades the internal mechanism with metal components, delivering smoother, more reliable performance. It introduces a sliding lead sleeve that moves along with the lead as it shortens, protecting it during writing and retracting fully when not in use to prevent damage or accidental pokes in your pocket or pencil case.
Uni Kuru Toga Standard vs. Advanced Upgrade: A Comparison
The Uni Kuru Toga Standard is the more affordable option in the series, making it perfect for students, casual note-takers, or anyone who wants the Kuru Toga rotation technology without a high price tag and more bells and whistles. Its lightweight plastic body is also ideal for those who prefer a pen or pencil that feels almost effortless to hold, reducing hand fatigue during long writing sessions. The lighter weight also makes it easier to carry around in pencil cases.
The Uni Kuru Toga Advanced Upgrade is perfect for those who want smoother, faster lead rotation and a consistently sharp pencil tip. With its noticeably heavier body compared to the standard model, it offers a satisfying weight that appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial writing instrument. Combined with its enhanced internal mechanism, the Advanced Upgrade delivers a premium feel in both comfort and performance.
Whichever model you choose, each offers the unique Kuru Toga mechanism that keeps your pencil lead sharp and ready. This means you can enjoy smoother, clearer writing with consistent lines, no matter which pencil fits your style or needs best. Whether you prefer a lightweight, colorful option or a more premium, heavier feel with faster lead rotation, the Kuru Toga ensures a better writing experience every time.
