Platinum Hayakawa Silver 0.5 mm Mechanical Pencil Limited Edition (M-15000 No 9)
The Platinum Hayakawa Silver 0.5 mm is a limited-edition reissue of Japan’s first practical mechanical pencil, originally created in 1915 by Tokuji Hayakawa, founder of Sharp Corporation. Only fifteen pieces of the original were made, one of which is now preserved at the Sharp Technology Innovation Museum in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture.
Based on that historic model, Platinum Pen Co. has reproduced the design for limited sale, faithfully recreating the exterior while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and updating the mechanism to a contemporary 0.5 mm lead. The weight, tactile feel, and design inherit the essence of the Taisho Romanticism movement, which blended Western and Japanese artistic styles during Japan’s Taisho era (1912–1926). The result is a masterpiece that combines classic elegance with modern usability, suitable both for the desk and for daily carry.
Model history
This instrument commemorates the birth of the “Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil”, the export name of the original Hayakawa model that inspired the Sharp brand itself. Over the decades, Platinum Pen Co. has released several re-editions —1983, 1993, 2003, 2009, and now 2025— keeping alive the mechanical elegance of a design that defined Japanese engineering heritage.
The silver-finished brass body features a fine-line mechanical engraving (engine-turn) created with carbide micro-balls forming a linear, reflective pattern. The engraved crown ring improves grip when operating the click-advance mechanism.
Please read the instructions below carefully before using, so that you may enjoy this writing instrument for many years.
How to Use
Advancing and retracting the lead (rotary click mechanism)
Turn the crown (top part) about one-quarter clockwise to advance the lead. When released, the crown returns to its original position. To retract the lead, keep the crown turned about one-quarter clockwise and gently press the lead tip against a hard surface until it retracts.
How to refill the eraser and lead
Pull up the crown to reveal the eraser. Remove the eraser and insert lead refills from the rear of the barrel. Do not insert more than five refills, as overfilling may cause jamming. Use only Platinum 0.5 mm lead refills and the Platinum Eraser 100CN for replacement.
Notes and Warnings
- Do not use for purposes other than writing.
- Handle with care—the tip is sharp.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Small parts such as the cap or eraser may cause choking if swallowed.
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight or high-temperature environments.
- Dropping or strong impact may damage the mechanism.
Technical Specifications
- Model: M-15000 No 9 Silver (Hayakawa replica)
- Lead size: 0.5 mm
- Mechanism: rotary click (quarter turn)
- Body material: silver-finished brass
- Clip: silver-finished steel
- Length: 130.5 mm
- Max diameter: 10.3 mm
- Weight: 24.1 g
- Eraser: Platinum 100CN
- Limited edition: 5,000 pieces
- Release date: February 14, 2025
- Made in Japan
Brand history and philosophy
Since 1919, Platinum Pen Co. has combined mechanical precision with Japanese aesthetics to craft writing instruments that endure. This re-edition pays tribute to the birth of Japan’s modern mechanical pencil and to a century-long tradition of innovation.
