Kohitsu Shosha Pencil, 4B, Single

Mitsubishi Kohitsu Shosha is a remarkable pencil with an absolutely enormous graphite core. The super-soft formula makes very dark marks and allows for the user to move between thin and thick strokes. That's very useful for calligraphy practice, which is the original purpose of Kohitsu Shosha pencils. But it's also great for anyone who wants to develop hand control while drawing or writing, because like a brush or a dip pen, Kohitsu Shosha can only make its full range of marks with a controlled touch.

As with Mitsubishi's other high-end pencils, Kohitsu Shosha uses a proprietary graphite formula that's ultra smooth and break resistant. The finish of this fine pencil is just as impressive, with a thick coat of burgundy lacquer and several lovely details, like the gold "4B" stamp on the end and the green-and-gold bar that wraps around the pencil.

Kohitsu Shosha sharpens with a regular-width pencil sharpener. For the pencil in our photo, we used an NJK Long Point.

Made in Japan.

About Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.:

Founded in the 19th century in Tokyo, Mitsubishi Pencil has been one of the world's leading pen and pencil manufacturers for generations. Well-known around the world for their Uni brand of pens and pencils, Mitsubishi continues to innovate and release new products, like POSCA paint markers and an ever-expanding lineup of writing pens.

Fun fact: "Mitsubishi" means "three diamonds," and the name and three-diamond mark of Mitsubishi Pencil predates the better-known Mitsubishi Group by ten years. Despite sharing the same name and symbol, Mitsubishi Pencil is not related to any of the numerous other Mitsubishi companies in Japan.