16+ Japanese pencil sharpener ranked, should try in 2025

If you are searching for a Japanese pencil sharpener to upgrade your drawing or writing tools, Kiichin is here to guide you. Kiichin specializes in importing and distributing authentic Japanese stationery worldwide, carefully curating only the best pencil sharpeners Japan has to offer.

In this article, Kiichin’ll introduce 16+ outstanding Japanese sharpeners (manual, electric, multi-hole, and artist-focused) that are worth trying in 2025. But first, let’s explore why a Japanese pencil sharpener has gained such global recognition and what makes it stand out compared to regular sharpeners.

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1. Best manual Japanese pencil sharpener

Before diving into the best products, it’s worth understanding why Japanese craftsmanship has set a global standard for precision and quality. Below, we’ve curated a list of the best manual Japanese pencil sharpeners that combine functionality, durability, and minimalist design.

1. Mitsubishi Pencil Manual Pencil Sharpener
2. Mitsubishi Pocket Size Pencil Sharpener
3. Tombow Mini Colored pencil Sharpener 
4. Sonic Transparent Manual Pencil Sharpener
5. Cezanne High-Precision Dual Blade Colored pencil Sharpener

1.1 Mitsubishi Pencil Manual Pencil Sharpener

The Mitsubishi Pencil Manual Sharpener is a timeless choice for anyone who values neat, precise results. Its design focuses on simplicity, making it easy to use at home, in the office, or at school.

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What makes this model stand out is its consistency and durability. Users can rely on it for a smooth sharpening experience without worrying about broken leads or uneven points.

• Blade material: Stainless steel, precision-ground
• Handle design/function: Simple manual mechanism, easy to use
• Durability: Long-lasting, minimal maintenance required
• Price: $14.00

1.2 Mitsubishi Pocket Size Pencil Sharpener

This pocket-sized sharpener is designed for students, travelers, and professionals who need quick sharpening on the go. Its small form makes it extremely convenient to carry in any pencil case or bag.

Despite its compact size, it delivers sharp and clean results, making it just as effective as larger sharpeners. The protective lid also helps keep shavings contained, ensuring neat use anywhere.

• Blade material: High-quality stainless steel
• Handle design/function: Compact body with protective lid to catch shavings
• Durability: Sturdy for its size, ideal for on-the-go sharpening
• Price: $17.64

1.3 Tombow Mini Colored pencil Sharpener 

Tombow created this sharpener specifically for colored pencils, which often have softer cores that break easily. Its carefully engineered blade prevents unnecessary damage while keeping tips sharp and smooth.

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Lightweight and stylish, the Tombow Mini is perfect for art students and hobbyists who value precision in their creative work. It balances portability with efficiency, making it a favorite in the art community.

• Blade material: Steel blade designed for soft and hard pencil leads
• Handle design/function: Compact, portable, prevents over-sharpening colored pencils
• Durability: Reliable for long-term personal use
• Price: $7.00

1.4 Sonic Transparent Manual Pencil Sharpener

The Sonic Transparent Manual Pencil Sharpener is a popular choice for those who appreciate functionality with a modern design. Its transparent body not only looks stylish but also lets users easily check the shavings inside, making it practical for both students and office workers.

Built with a smooth crank handle, this sharpener offers a reliable sharpening experience without breaking pencil leads. The strong Japanese engineering behind Sonic products ensures consistent performance and long-term use.

• Blade material: Precision stainless steel blades
• Handle design/function: Crank handle with “Toga Return” function to prevent over-sharpening
• Durability: Strong ABS plastic body with reliable inner mechanics
• Price: Around $16.5 – $25

1.5 Cezanne High-Precision Dual Blade Colored pencil Sharpener

The Cezanne High-Precision Dual Blade Sharpener is designed especially for artists and students who work with colored pencils. Its dual-blade system ensures sharper points while minimizing lead breakage, a common issue with softer pencil cores.

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This sharpener is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in a pencil case or art kit. Despite its small size, it provides excellent sharpening control and is a cost-effective option for everyday use.

• Blade material: Dual stainless steel blades for high precision
• Handle design/function: Compact handheld design with dual blade slots
• Durability: Durable for personal use, best suited for colored pencils
• Price: Typically $3.25 – $5

2. Best Japanese portable electric pencil sharpener 

If you prefer convenience and speed, Japanese portable electric pencil sharpeners are designed to deliver consistent results with minimal effort. Let’s explore the top picks below.

1. Sonic Electric Pencil Sharpener
2. Mitsubishi Pencil Wooden Sharpener Uni KH-20
3. X-ACTO School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener
4. Raymei Fujii Rt289 A Electric Smart Pencil Sharpener
5. Panasonic Kp-110 Electric Pencil Sharpener

2.1 Sonic Electric Pencil Sharpener

The Sonic Electric Pencil Sharpener brings together convenience and performance in a compact design. It’s ideal for home desks, small offices, or creative spaces where you want an automatic, hands-free sharpening experience. With battery or electric power options, this model is built for everyday use without requiring manual cranking. In one listing, the Sonic LV-1587-D model is listed at $16.57 USD for sale.

• Blade material: Precision stainless steel
• Handle design/function: Electric / automatic feed – no manual crank needed
• Durability: Suitable for regular light use (depending on quality of motor and build)
• Price: ~ $16.5

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2.2 Mitsubishi Pencil Wooden Sharpener Uni KH-20

The Uni KH-20 is often thought of as a desktop crank sharpener, but its advanced mechanisms and automatic stopping features elevate it toward the higher end of “portable electric / assisted” sharpeners. Its precise gearing system ensures a uniform long point each time, and includes an auto-stop function to prevent over-sharpening. 

• Blade material: High-grade steel, well-honed for consistent performance
• Handle design/function: Crank (desktop style), auto-stop, built-in pencil centering
• Durability: Solid construction, built for extended office or studio use
• Price: ~$29.95

2.3 X-ACTO School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener

Though X-ACTO is an American brand, the School Pro model is often used in comparisons with “pencil sharpener Japan” options due to its high precision and robust features. It features a “flyaway” cutter that stops sharpening when the pencil tip is ideal, helping reduce breakage and over-sharpening. 

• Blade material: Hardened helical cutter, durable for heavy use
• Handle design/function: Electric with auto-stop (flyaway cutter), sensor-based operations
• Durability: Designed for classroom and frequent use, with suction feet for stability, quiet motor
• Price: Varies by region

2.4 Raymei Fujii Rt289 A Electric Smart Pencil Sharpener

The Raymay Fujii RT289A is a compact “smart” electric sharpener that combines convenience with precision. Its design emphasizes ease of use, making it suitable for students, home use, or small offices.

One highlight is its 18° sharpening angle, which helps produce a tip that’s easier to see while writing. It also features an auto-stop mechanism: once sharpening is complete, the motor stops to prevent over-sharpening.

• Blade material: Precision steel blades (built into the electric mechanism) 
• Handle design/function: Electric / automatic feed; tip adjustment to suit pencil pressure
• Durability: Good for regular personal use; auto-stop helps protect internal mechanisms
• Price: Around $64.53

2.5 Panasonic Kp-110 Electric Pencil Sharpener

The Panasonic KP-110 is a classic electric sharpener, often praised for its longevity and dependable performance. It’s one of those models that many users keep for years thanks to its sturdy design. It includes an auto-stop feature that halts the motor once the pencil is properly sharpened, which helps avoid damaging the lead or wasting energy. 

• Blade material: Durable steel cutter, built for heavy daily use
• Handle design/function: Electric with auto-stop; typically corded power (not handheld)
• Durability: Widely praised for lasting many years,often cited as a “workhorse” sharpener
• Price: Listings for vintage/new versions show ~$15–$20

3. Best Japanese multi-hole or adjustable sharpeners

When it comes to flexibility, Japanese multi-hole or adjustable pencil sharpeners stand out for handling different pencil sizes and sharpening styles. Below are some of the top models worth trying in 2025.

1. Kutsuwa Stad K'Zool Multi Colored pencil Sharpener
2. Kitaboshi Innovated Professional Pencil Sharpener No.634
3. KUTSUWA Hi LiNE T'GAAL Angle Adjustable Pencil Sharpener

3.1 Kutsuwa Stad K'Zool Multi Colored pencil Sharpener

The Kutsuwa Stad K’Zool is a clever adjustable sharpener that lets you fine-tune your pencil’s tip length. It’s ideal if you switch between softer colored pencils and harder graphite, needing different point styles.

By turning a dial, you can choose among five tip settings, and there’s even a lock to close the opening so shavings don’t spill out. It also includes a mechanism to eject broken tips.

• Blade material: Stainless / precision blades suited for multiple tip lengths
• Handle design/function: Manual handheld with a dial to adjust tip length; includes tip-eject button
• Durability: Compact but solid build (ABS/PS plastics + internal mechanics), good for regular personal use
• Price: Around $5 USD

3.2 Kitaboshi Innovated Professional Pencil Sharpener No.634

Kitaboshi’s No. 634 is engineered to reduce lead breakage with a two-step sharpening process. It’s especially useful when you use pencils of various diameters (7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm). First it shaves some wood, then it sharpens the core, this reduces force, vibration, and the chance of core breakage. Many users praise its smoothness and versatility.

• Blade material: Two built-in high-quality steel blades (one for wood, one for core)
• Handle design/function: Manual, with multiple holes for different diameters (7/8/10 mm) and a two-stage sharpening method
• Durability: Replaceable blades, sturdy case, transparent container for shavings
• Price: Roughly $15

3.3 KUTSUWA Hi LiNE T'GAAL Angle Adjustable Pencil Sharpener

The Kutsuwa Hi LiNE T’GAAL gives you control over the sharpening angle, an advanced feature beloved by technical illustrators and artists. You can adjust how steep or shallow the tip is, tailoring to your drawing or writing needs.

This sharpener is especially helpful when you demand precision, whether for architectural lines, cartooning, or fine detail work. It blends flexibility with the reliability of Japanese craftsmanship (though exact specs are less widely documented than K’Zool).

• Blade material: Precision steel blade, built for a stable adjustable angle mechanism
• Handle design/function: Manual handheld design with angle adjustment control
• Durability: Built with strong components to handle frequent adjustments
• Price: Varies by seller and version;

4. Best specialty artist pencil sharpeners

Sharpening rods are an excellent option for quick maintenance between full sharpening sessions. They help realign and refresh the blade edge, keeping Japanese knives sharp for longer. Here are some of the most recommended Japanese sharpening rods.

1. Kutsuwa T’GAAL Adjustable Sharpener
2. Carl Angel-5 Premium Long Point
3. Kutsuwa Stad Long Point Sharpener

4.1 Kutsuwa T’GAAL Adjustable Sharpener

The Kutsuwa T’GAAL Adjustable Sharpener is a favorite among artists who need versatility in their tools. With a rotating dial that lets you choose from five different sharpening lengths, it allows you to switch seamlessly between short, durable points for writing and long, fine points for detailed drawing.

This sharpener is compact, portable, and designed with precision in mind. Whether you’re sketching, drafting, or simply writing notes, the T’GAAL gives you the flexibility to sharpen pencils exactly the way you want.

• Blade material: Precision steel blade with adjustable angle mechanism
• Handle design/function: Handheld design with 5-step dial for point length
• Durability: Sturdy body, though blades are not replaceable
• Price: Around $5.50

4.2 Carl Angel-5 Premium Long Point

The Carl Angel-5 Premium, often referred to as a long-point sharpener, is a legendary desktop sharpener among artists and pencil enthusiasts. It produces a long, fine point perfect for technical illustration, sketching, and other detail-oriented work.

Its auto-feed and auto-stop mechanisms ensure that your pencil is sharpened precisely without over-cutting or breaking the lead. Built with a metal body and durable gears, this sharpener is made to last for years of heavy use.

• Blade material: High-grade steel blade with strong internal gear mechanism
• Handle design/function: Crank handle, auto-feed, and auto-stop system
• Durability: Excellent, solid metal build and long-lasting gears
• Price: About $22.00 

4.3 Kutsuwa Stad Long Point Sharpener

The Kutsuwa Stad Long Point Sharpener is specially designed for artists who prefer extra-long pencil points. A long tip allows for precise, delicate strokes, making it ideal for technical drawing, shading, and fine detail work.

While less widely available than the T’GAAL or Carl Angel-5, this model is still considered a premium choice for professional use. Its sturdy build and blade design help maintain a consistent long point without frequent breakage.

• Blade material: Precision steel blade for long, consistent points
• Handle design/function: Manual sharpener built specifically for long point shaping
• Durability: Strong and reliable with proper care
• Price: Typically higher than standard sharpeners; exact price varies by importer

5. How to choose the best Japanese pencil sharpener?

When selecting your ideal sharpener, it’s worth considering the brand’s legacy. Some of the most respected Japanese pen brands, like Mitsubishi, Tombow, and Kutsuwa — also produce top-tier pencil sharpeners that share their precision engineering. Investing in one of these ensures both durability and professional-grade sharpness.

• Artist / Illustrator → Kutsuwa T’GAAL: If your work requires precision, varying line styles, and fine details, the Kutsuwa T’GAAL is an excellent choice. Its adjustable dialing system gives you control over the length and sharpness of the tip, which makes it perfect when you switch between sketching, inking, or detailed illustration.
• Student / Office (manual) → Carl Angel-5: For everyday writing, note-taking, or sketching, a reliable manual sharpener is essential. Carl Angel-5 combines durability, ease of use, and consistent results in a hand-crank design, which is why it works so well without the need for electricity.
• Office / Classroom (electric) → Tombow KSA-121: In environments with frequent and shared use, such as classrooms or offices, an electric sharpener saves time and effort. The Tombow KSA-121 is designed for both speed and consistency, which makes it a dependable option when many people will rely on the same unit.
• Portable use → Kokuyo Kadokeshi: When portability is your top priority, for example when carrying a sharpener in a pencil case, backpack, or travel kit, the Kokuyo Kadokeshi is a practical solution. It is compact, lightweight, and capable of handling everyday sharpening needs while on the go.
• Mixed pencil sizes → Plus Multi-Hole (e.g. Kutsuwa Stad K’Zool or similar): If you often use a variety of pencils, including graphite, colored, large-diameter, or smaller types, then a multi-hole or adjustable sharpener is the most versatile option. Models such as the Kutsuwa Stad K’Zool or other “Plus” multi-hole designs let you switch easily between different pencil diameters without needing separate sharpeners.

6. FAQs - People also ask about Japanese colored pencil sharpener

Before wrapping up, let’s look at some common questions people often ask about Japanese colored pencil sharpeners and how they are used by both artists and everyday users.

6.1 What pencil sharpener do artists recommend?

Most artists recommend high-quality Japanese pencil sharpeners such as the Kutsuwa T’GAAL Adjustable Sharpener or the Carl Angel-5 Premium. These models allow more control over point length and sharpness, which is especially important for colored pencils. Their precision and reliability make them a trusted choice in creative fields.

6.2 Why do artists use knives to sharpen pencils?

Some artists prefer using knives to sharpen pencils because it gives them full control over the exposed lead. By manually shaving the wood, they can create longer, tapered points that are less likely to break. This method also allows for shaping custom tips suitable for shading, sketching, or fine detail.

6.3 How do professional artists sharpen pencils?

Professional artists often use a combination of Japanese pencil sharpeners and traditional knife sharpening. For quick and precise points, they rely on tools like the Kutsuwa T’GAAL or Kitaboshi sharpeners. When a very long or angled tip is needed, they may switch to a craft knife or sandpaper for refinement.

A Japanese pencil sharpener is more than just a stationery tool, it is a blend of craftsmanship, precision, and practicality that sets it apart from ordinary sharpeners. Whether you are an artist who needs fine control, a student seeking durability, or someone who appreciates Japanese design, there is a model that perfectly matches your needs. From compact portable options to professional long-point sharpeners, these tools have proven why they are trusted around the world.