My Special Mechanical Pencil | Ikuyo Kaneko (Dean, Graduate School of Media and Governance)

2008.04.17

I find myself handwriting far less often, whether for letters or memos. Looking at the students at SFC, I've noticed a conspicuous number of them typing their notes on PCs. I suppose it's more convenient in many ways, but from the perspective of someone giving a lecture, it feels somewhat strange.

I imagine stationery sales have dropped considerably. Will stationery stores disappear from our townscapes? I have fond memories of my time at Keio Futsubu School, when there were two stationery shops in the shopping arcade between the station and the school. My classmates and I would argue over whether we were in the "Hiyoshido faction" or the "Ogawado faction." Speaking of memories, my mother was quite the stationery enthusiast. Perhaps "enthusiast" is an understatement; she simply loved stationery. From erasers and pencils to rulers and stickers, she would thoroughly search for items that were easy to use and well-designed. When she found something she liked, she would buy it in bulk and use nothing else. It has been sixteen years since she passed away, but for some items, I am still using her stock.

On reflection, I realize that my dislike for ballpoint pens and preference for pencils is likely my mother's influence. However, since pencils need to be sharpened, I usually carry a mechanical pencil instead. It seems technology has greatly improved the material of the lead, but it still breaks easily and is inconvenient to refill.

This is where a special mechanical pencil comes in—one that is shaped like a pencil and uses lead as thick as a pencil's. Most people would probably wonder if such a thing even exists. I doubt many people own one, but there is a "pencil-style mechanical pencil" with a stylish blue and white body, bearing the KREUZER mark. It is easy to use and has an indescribable warmth to it. I have searched extensively, but I can no longer find any store that sells it. Even my mother's large stock has finally run out, and I am down to my last few. (If anyone knows a store that sells them, please, please let me know!)

(Published: 2008/04/17)