In 1958, Yoshio Akioka designed the original Uni pencil, Japan’s first internationally-renowned artists’ pencil, launching a new chapter in Mitsubishi Pencil Company’s long history of innovation since 1887, and putting it at the forefront of stationery industrial design. In 1966, the Hi-Uni was released as an ultra-premium counterpart to the original. It continues to be recognized by many as the best pencil in the world.
As a company that respects heritage, the Uni brand has never changed its logo or moved production overseas, unlike competitors. And as the foremost standard-bearer of quality in traditional wood-cased pencils, Mitsubishi owes a lot to its origin as a small water wheel-powered factory on the Shibuya River. Though the company’s early days were filled with struggle and sacrifice, Mitsubishi celebrates their ultimate triumph using the symbol of the water wheel to mark special occasions.
Constructed from premium plywood and painted with water-based pigments carefully matched to the Hi-Uni's branding, this model store display honors this convergence of history and design on the 60th anniversary of the Hi-Uni’s release, offering an elegant product shelving solution and integrated water wheel open-stock carousel. The 22 spokes are proposed as holders for pencils in each of the Hi-Uni’s impressive 22 degrees of hardness, allowing customers to test the product and choose the format that suits them.
Client
Academic Brief
Location
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY
Service
Store Display
Brand Strategy
In 1958, Yoshio Akioka designed the original Uni pencil, Japan’s first internationally-renowned artists’ pencil, launching a new chapter in Mitsubishi Pencil Company’s long history of innovation since 1887, and putting it at the forefront of stationery industrial design. In 1966, the Hi-Uni was released as an ultra-premium counterpart to the original. It continues to be recognized by many as the best pencil in the world.
As a company that respects heritage, the Uni brand has never changed its logo or moved production overseas, unlike competitors. And as the foremost standard-bearer of quality in traditional wood-cased pencils, Mitsubishi owes a lot to its origin as a small water wheel-powered factory on the Shibuya River. Though the company’s early days were filled with struggle and sacrifice, Mitsubishi celebrates their ultimate triumph using the symbol of the water wheel to mark special occasions.
Constructed from premium plywood and painted with water-based pigments carefully matched to the Hi-Uni's branding, this model store display honors this convergence of history and design on the 60th anniversary of the Hi-Uni’s release, offering an elegant product shelving solution and integrated water wheel open-stock carousel. The 22 spokes are proposed as holders for pencils in each of the Hi-Uni’s impressive 22 degrees of hardness, allowing customers to test the product and choose the format that suits them.
Client
Academic Brief
Location
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY
Service
Store Display
Brand Strategy
Mitsubishi Pencil Company factory (1887–1916)
