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 pencil?
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.
Scribbling some quick notes or drawing some artwork, mechanical pencils are the way to go as they’re lightweight, easy to grip and can hold a neat smooth line to highlight something or simply draw!
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Check out the best Japanese mechanical pencils below!
Best Japanese Mechanical Pencils: Quick Summary
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencil here!
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
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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
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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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencils here!
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencils here!
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencils here!
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencils here!
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencil here!
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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencil here!
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencil here!
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
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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
Check out this best Japanese mechanical pencil here!
How to Choose the Right Mechanical Pencil for You:
Here’s a quick buying guide to choose the best mechanical pencil for yourself:
- Grip: Grip is the most important thing about your mechanical pencil as you’re going to draw with it. Make sure it has an ergonomic design that perfectly fits and balances between your fingers.
- Lead size: Lead size determines how the drawing will turn out. The usual sizes are 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm. The smaller it is, the sharper and finer lines will be. If you want thick bold lines then go for larger lead sizes.
- Lead hardness: Lead or graphite hardness is used to determine the details in your sketching. Softer graphite can create smooth lines and smudge easily which is great for shading purposes.
- Pencil construction: Make sure the mechanical pencil is made with high quality material that’s also durable. Metal pencils are way better than plastic pencils as the latter tend to break and distort easily.
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.
Japanese Mechanical Pencil: FAQs
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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Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.