Company

Mitsubishi Pencil & Unicosmo

Our History

1887 Founded

Niroku Masaki established the Masaki Pencil Manufacturing Company in Naito Shinjuku, laying the foundation for what would later become Mitsubishi Pencil in 1952.

Having been inspired by wooden pencils he discovered at the 1878 Paris World Fair, he devoted himself to years of research and development, eventually achieving Japan’s first industrial pencil production.

In 1901, his “Bureau Pencil” was adopted by the Ministry of Communications, a recognition that marked the beginning of Japan’s modern pencil industry.

founded
founded
1925

Incorporated

Masaki Pencil Manufacturing and Yamato Pencil merge,
forming Masaki Yamato Pencil Co., Ltd.

1927

Going Global

The company began its international expansion by forming export partnerships and introducing Japanese-made writing instruments to new markets around the world.

1958

Birth of“uni”

Mitsubishi Pencil created the legendary high-quality “uni” pencil through years of innovation to achieve exceptional smoothness.
This iconic product remains beloved to this day.

Product
1979

The First “uni-ball”

Following its launch of the first ball point in 1959, Uni Mitsubishi Pencil marketed the very first “uni-ball”, which was then the world’s first rollerball pen with a metal tip.

uniball
1983

Posca Creative Marker

The POSCA marker was introduced as a revolutionary, water-based, all-surface creative tool. It quickly became a favorite among artists and hobbyists.

The unique POSCA ink technology later inspired the development of our cosmetic nail products.

Product
1985

Founding of Unicosmo

Unicosmo Co., Ltd. was founded as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Pencil. The idea was to apply writing instrument technologies to cosmetics.

A U.S. inquiry about adapting brush pens for nail products led to the creation of the pen-type cosmetic applicator, a true innovation that blended art and beauty.

Pen
1990s~

Nail Brush Pens

We introduced our first manicure pen featuring a push mechanism for effortless precision.

With a specially designed brush that retained liquid beautifully, it offered a smooth, quick-drying finish and inspired collaborations with leading beauty brands.

manicurepen
1994

Uni-Ball Eye Rollerball

The launch of the uni-ball Eye transformed the rollerball category.

With its vivid pigment ink and smooth, consistent flow, it became the world’s best-selling rollerball pen — and remains a symbol of innovation today.

uniballeye

Pioneer of Liquid Eyeliner
Development

We introduced a rotating-type eyeliner that delivers flawless coverage and smooth, smudge-resistant lines.

Around the same time, we developed elegant spot- makeup containers ideal for concealers and lip liners.

manicurepen
2000
2000s~

Hair Dye Applicator Pen

Leveraging our felt-tip pen technology, we created an easy-to-use hair dye applicator pen, laying the foundation for today’s popular grey hair retouch markers.

grey-hair retouch markers
2006

HOKUBIbrush

We began in-house production of brushes, ensuring superior quality and control in cosmetic applicators.

HAKUBI
2008

Kuru Toga
Mechanical Pencil

The Kuru Toga introduced a self-rotating lead mechanism that keeps the tip perfectly sharp for consistent lines — the same precision technology now used in our push-type eyeliners for controlled, stable dispensing.

grey-hair retouch markers
2010
~2010s

Nail Art Pens
& Gel Pencil Eyeliner

Drawing inspiration from POSCA, we created the Nail Art Pen for professional-grade nail design.

Gel-based mechanical pencils also emerged, offering vivid color and smooth performance.

nailartpen

Ready to use-type Eyeliners

Utilizing the mechanism of our reservoir-type marker and the direct ink-type rollerball pens, we developed an eyeliner designed for immediate, effortless use upon opening.

Our direct ink-type eyeliner adopts leak-proof mechanism developed for our uni-ball eye collector design.

eyeliner
2020
2023

Eye Ocean Care

The launch of EYE Ocean Care marked a new era of sustainability — from 75% recycled plastics of which 10% ocean waste.

stainability

Sustainable Eyeliners

We also introduced rechargeable cartridge-type eyeliners, combining eco-conscious design with a luxurious matte black finish derived from sustainable, charcoal-based ingredients.

charcoal

...and innovation continues

Key Figures of Unicosmo’s Parent Company
Mitsubishi Pencil

Decoration
Years in Business

Years in Business

130+

Global Employees

Global Employees

2,800+

Manufacturing Facilities

Writing Instrument Global
Manufacturing Facilities

7

Countries

Countries Selling
our Writing Instruments

100+

Patents

Global Technology
Patents

1,050+

Products

Products in Catalog

3,000+

Company Information

Decoration
Company name
Unicosmo Corporation
Head Office
5-23-37, Higashi-Ohi, Shinagawa,
Tokyo 140-8537, Japan
Gunma Factory
1091, Tatsuishi, Fujioka, Gunma
375-8501, Japan
CEO
President : Eiichiro Suhara
Company name
MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY, LIMITED
Head Office
5-23-37, Higashi-Ohi, Shinagawa,
Tokyo 140-8537, Japan
CEO
President : Shigehiko Suhara
Established
1887
Incorporated
1925
Capital
4,497 million yen
company
company
company

Public Transportation Access

  • JR Keihin–Tōhoku Line “Ōimachi Station”, 3 minutes walk.
  • Rinkai Line “Ōimachi Station” Exit A1, 5 minutes walk.
  • Tokyu Ōimachi Line “Ōimachi Station”, 5 minutes walk.