Uchikura & Co., LLC

Most people know the Mitsubishi name from the many products made by companies within the Mitsubishi Group—cars, heavy machinery, electronics, banking, and more.

 

But did you know there is also a company called Mitsubishi Pencil that uses the famous three-diamond logo and the Mitsubishi name, yet is not part of the Mitsubishi Group?

 

The company behind the popular Uni and Uni-ball brands traces its roots to a different founder and developed independently. Although both companies use the Mitsubishi name and a similar logo, they are separate organizations with no corporate affiliation.

 

It's one of those interesting facts about Japanese business history that surprises many people.

 

The next time you pick up a Uni-ball pen, remember: it's Mitsubishi—but not that Mitsubishi.