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Established in Japan in 1919, OHTO manufactured the first ballpoint pens in that country in 1949, and have been consistently at the forefront of pen technology ever since. OHTO has only very recently become available in the UK, but are well-loved by those who know them for the Promecha series of mechanical pencils - supreme examples of OHTO's quality and innovation. Cult Pens is the premier importer of OHTO for the UK and features the widest range of OHTO items in Europe, with full manufacturer support.
Their refills are top quality, too, and their ceramic rollerball refills are used in some of the finest pens in the world.
We also love their cute accessories, like tiny folding scissors and our favourites, the Smile clips - little paperclips with smiling faces.
What’s the history of OHTO?
OHTO started life in Tokyo in 1919, when its founder Nakata Touzaburo created a company to make high-quality inks and dyes. The company started making pens in 1949, making Japan’s first ballpoint pen.
What makes OHTO different?
Since manufacturing their first ballpoint, OHTO have consistently made advancements in their pens. They are clearly very proud of this, and their website even boasts the line ‘The history of the ballpoint pen is the history of OHTO.’ That is very impressive sounding, and that work in making improvements means they have products, like the Promecha mechanical pencils, that have a lot of fans.
Recommended OHTO products
It might be surprising for a brand with so many impressive writing instruments, but our favourite OHTO product is their smile clips. We like them so much we have a Cult Pens exclusive in our own colour.
The Horizon 2021 Ballpoint Pen is one of OHTO’s best selling products. Its lightweight aluminium barrel is surprisingly durable, and if you like it, a matching mechanical pencil and gel pen are also available.