In the summer of 1952, Tombow Pencil executives revolutionized the Japanese industry with the HOMO pencil. The homogenous core provided consistency unmatched by competitors, backed by University of Tokyo research and new technology. Incense cedar, a high-quality material, enhanced HOMO’s design. Despite skepticism over its premium pricing, HOMO was a hit, marking the start of Japan’s Golden Age of pencils. Mitsubishi’s response, the Uni pencil, led by renowned designer Yoshio Akioka, emphasized quality, design, and uniqueness. The pencil rivalry continued with Tombow’s MONO launch in 1963. The industry flourished in innovation, setting new standards and pushing boundaries.
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