Color pencil Japan: 7+ best picks every artist needs in 2025

If you love creating art and have an eye for quality, color pencil Japan products are a must-have in your toolkit. Known for their rich pigments, smooth blending, and exceptional craftsmanship, Japanese colored pencils are a favorite among professional artists and hobbyists alike. At Kiichin, we celebrate the artistry and precision that Japanese stationery brands bring to the world. Whether you sketch, shade, or illustrate, finding the right set can elevate your work to the next level.

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1. Why Japanese colored pencils have gained interest around the globe?

Japanese colored pencils are celebrated for their unique blend of artistic tradition and modern innovation. They combine the precision of Japanese craftsmanship with advanced pigment technology, resulting in tools that produce vibrant, long-lasting colors.

From the wood casing to the pigment core, each pencil is designed with attention to detail. Many Japanese colored pencil brands source sustainable wood and use eco-friendly manufacturing processes, making them not just beautiful, but also responsible choices for artists.

Moreover, the global rise in anime and manga culture has boosted the popularity of professional color pencil Japan products, especially for animation and illustration work where smooth layering and precise lines are essential.

2. Top 7+ best-rated color pencil Japan to try in 2025

Japanese colored pencils are diverse, ranging from professional-grade sets to collectible limited editions. Below are our top picks color pencil Japan for 2025 that deliver exceptional quality and performance.

1. Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils
2. Moma Muji 36 Colored Pencils in Tube
3. Tombow Color Pencil Color Dictionary Select Set
4. Mitsubishi Pencil Uni Colored Pencils
5. Mitsubishi Prussian Blue Pencil
6. Tombow Irojiten Color Dictionary Colored Pencil Set
7. Uni Coloured Pencil Set of 36

2.1. Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils

Holbein is one of the most respected names in the art world. Their Artists’ Colored Pencils feature a smooth, buttery texture and high pigment concentration, making them ideal for blending and layering. With a wide range of colors, they are perfect for detailed portraits, landscapes, and mixed media artwork.

Best for: Professional illustrators and fine art projects.

2.2. Moma Muji 36 Colored Pencils in Tube

Minimalists will appreciate the clean, elegant design of Muji’s 36 Colored Pencils in Tube. Each pencil offers consistent color output, making them great for everyday sketching and coloring. Their cylindrical tube packaging is both stylish and space-saving, perfect for travel or small workspaces.

Best for: Beginners and casual artists who value simplicity.

2.3. Tombow Color Pencil Color Dictionary Select Set

The Tombow Color Dictionary is a unique collection where each set is grouped by color family, making it easy to choose the right shade for your project. Known for their strong cores and smooth application, these pencils are favored by designers and illustrators.

Best for: Organized artists who like a structured color palette.

>>> Buy Tombow Color Pencil Color Dictionary Select Set now

2.4. Mitsubishi Pencil Uni Colored Pencils

Mitsubishi Pencil’s Uni Colored Pencils offer a soft yet durable core, ensuring smooth coloring without constant sharpening. Their vivid tones make them ideal for both professional work and hobby art. Mitsubishi’s attention to detail ensures each pencil feels balanced in hand.

Best for: Artists who want vibrant, durable pencils for versatile projects.

2.5. Mitsubishi Prussian Blue Pencil

This single-color pencil is a legend in animation circles. The Mitsubishi Prussian Blue Pencil is favored by animators for its visibility during sketching and easy erasing during clean-up. It is highly pigmented yet smooth, making it an essential tool for manga and anime production.

Best for: Animators and illustrators who need reliable sketching tools.

2.6. Tombow Irojiten Color Dictionary Colored Pencil Set

Tombow Irojiten sets are beautifully presented like a book collection, with each volume containing carefully curated color groups. The wax-based core allows for smooth layering, perfect for botanical illustrations and soft shading.

Best for: Collectors and artists who appreciate elegant presentation and performance.

2.7. Uni Coloured Pencil Set of 36

The Uni 36-piece set strikes a great balance between quality and affordability. It covers essential colors with excellent pigment load and smooth texture, making it suitable for students, hobbyists, and those exploring Japanese colored pencils for the first time.

Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious artists.

>>> Add Uni Coloured Pencil Set of 36 to cart

3. How to choose the best Japanese colored pencils for your needs?

Choosing the right Japanese colored pencil brands depends on your style, budget, and intended use. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Core type: Soft cores are great for blending and shading, while harder cores are better for fine details.
• Pigment quality: Higher pigment load means more vibrant and long-lasting colors.
• Brand reputation: Established brands like Holbein, Tombow, and Mitsubishi are trusted by professionals.
• Set size: Beginners might start with 12–24 colors, while pros often go for 72+ colors.
• Purpose: If you draw manga, animation pencils like Mitsubishi Prussian Blue may be a must.

Taking time to test different brands can help you discover the perfect match for your artistic needs.

4. FAQs - People also ask about color pencil Japan

Before diving in, here are some quick answers to common questions about color pencil Japan products and their uses.

4.1. What pencils do Japanese animators use?

Japanese animators often use the Mitsubishi Prussian Blue Pencil for sketching. It provides clear lines that scan well yet can be erased easily during cleanup, making it ideal for animation production.

4.2. Are Mitsubishi pencils made in Japan?

Yes, Mitsubishi pencils are made in Japan. The brand is known for its precision manufacturing, consistent quality, and rich heritage in stationery craftsmanship.

4.3. Why do animators use blue pencils?

Animators use blue pencils because non-photo blue tones are less likely to show in scans or photocopies, making cleanup easier during the inking process.

4.4. Where are Holbein colored pencils made?

Holbein colored pencils are made in Japan, with a focus on high pigment concentration and smooth application for professional art use.

4.5. How to use color pencils correctly?

To use colored pencils effectively, apply light layers and gradually build up color. Use blending techniques like burnishing or layering, and choose quality paper to enhance pigment performance.

From the buttery texture of Holbein to the minimalist charm of Muji and the legendary status of Mitsubishi Prussian Blue, the world of color pencil Japan offers something for every artist. At Kiichin, we believe the right tools can transform your creative process. Whether you are a professional illustrator or a weekend sketcher, Japanese colored pencils deliver unmatched precision, vibrancy, and joy in every stroke. Ready to add a touch of Japanese artistry to your work? Explore our curated selection and find the perfect set to bring your visions to life.