Zebra (officially ZEBRA CO., LTD.) is a Japanese writing instruments manufacturer best known for producing high-quality pens, markers, mechanical pencils, and highlighters. Founded in 1897, the company is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected stationery brands, with a reputation for combining precision engineering, innovative ink technologies, and practical everyday design. Today, Zebra products are sold in more than 100 countries and are widely used by students, professionals, artists, and stationery enthusiasts worldwide. [1]

Zebra traces its origins to 1897, when founder Tokumatsu Ishikawa successfully manufactured Japan’s first domestically produced metal pen nibs. Initially operating as Ishikawa Pen Co., the company steadily expanded into new writing technologies throughout the 20th century. [3]

Important milestones include:

• 1914 – Adopted the Zebra trademark and iconic zebra logo.

• 1959 – Began manufacturing ballpoint pens after developing stable ink technology.

• 1964 – Introduced Japan’s three-color ballpoint pen.

• 1976 – Released the famous Hi-Mckee permanent marker.

• 2014 – Introduced the award-winning DelGuard mechanical pencil.

• 2018 – Released the bLen low-vibration ballpoint pen.

• 2020s – Expanded premium product development under THE ZEBRA luxury writing line. [3]

The company’s name comes from the zebra, chosen in 1914 by founder Tokumatsu Ishikawa. [4]

According to the company:

• Zebras symbolize teamwork, cooperation, and harmony.

• The zebra in the logo looks backward, representing the philosophy of learning from the past to create future innovations.

• The Japanese writing of “Zebra” (斑馬) was also considered meaningful because its characters were seen as fitting for a company dedicated to writing instruments and culture. [4]

Zebra believes that writing is more than putting ink on paper — it is a way to express ideas, encourage creativity, and preserve culture. The company focuses on:

• Reliable everyday performance

• Japanese manufacturing quality

• Continuous innovation

• Comfortable writing experiences

• Functional designs for work, school, and creative use [5]

Zebra offers a wide variety of writing instruments, including:

Gel Pens

Among Zebra’s most popular products are the SARASA series, known for:

• Smooth gel ink

• Vibrant colors

• Fast-drying ink options

• Refillable designs

Popular variants include:

• SARASA Clip

• SARASA Dry

• SARASA Vintage

• SARASA Grand

Ballpoint Pens

Well-known ballpoint models include:

• bLen – Designed to reduce writing vibration for a smoother experience.

• Surari – Uses an emulsion ink that combines the advantages of oil- and water-based inks.

• Multi-function pens combining multiple ink colors and mechanical pencils.

Mechanical Pencils

Zebra is highly regarded for:

• DelGuard – A patented system that protects pencil lead from breaking under pressure and from different writing angles.

• Tect 2way

• M-301 and other drafting-style pencils

Markers and Highlighters

Popular lines include:

• Mildliner – Dual-tip highlighters featuring soft pastel and muted colors, especially popular for note-taking, journaling, and planners.

• Hi-Mckee – A long-running permanent marker with dual tips.

Brush Pens

Zebra also produces brush pens for:

• Calligraphy

• Illustration

• Hand lettering

• Manga and comic artwork [6]

Zebra is known for introducing technologies that improve writing comfort and reliability, including:

• Twin Ball ink flow system

• DelGuard lead protection

• Emulsion ink technology

• Quick-drying gel ink

• Low-vibration pen construction

• Refillable premium pen systems [7]

Many of Zebra’s flagship products are manufactured in Japan using the company’s own engineering and quality-control processes. Zebra emphasizes precision manufacturing and consistent writing performance across its product range. [8]

Zebra operates through subsidiaries and distribution networks across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions. Its products are available in more than 100 markets, making it one of the world’s leading writing instrument brands. [9]

Within the stationery community, Zebra is recognized for:

• Excellent ink quality

• Comfortable writing feel

• Innovative mechanical pencil technology

• Reliable everyday performance

• Strong value for money

• Broad selection of colors and pen types

Its Mildliner highlighters and SARASA gel pens have become especially popular among students, bullet journal users, artists, and professionals. [10]

In the Philippines, Zebra products are widely available through bookstores, office supply retailers, specialty stationery shops, and major e-commerce platforms such as Lazada under the Stationery, Craft & Gift Cards category. Commonly sold items include SARASA gel pens, Mildliner highlighters, DelGuard mechanical pencils, bLen ballpoint pens, brush pens, markers, and compatible refills.

With more than 125 years of history, Zebra has grown from a Japanese pen-nib manufacturer into one of the world’s leading stationery brands. Its emphasis on craftsmanship, ergonomic design, and continuous innovation has produced iconic products such as the SARASA, Mildliner, DelGuard, bLen, and Hi-Mckee series, making Zebra a trusted choice for everyday writing, creative work, and professional use around the world. [11]

1. ZEBRA CO., Ltd.

2. History｜ZEBRA CO., Ltd.

3. Company｜ZEBRA CO., Ltd.

4. Network｜ZEBRA CO., Ltd.

5. THE ZEBRA | ゼブラ株式会社

6. 企業理念｜ゼブラ株式会社

7. Our Product｜ZEBRA CO., Ltd.

8. 会社概要｜ゼブラ株式会社

9. Zebraのプリンタ | デスクトップ、モバイル、産業用、カード | Zebra

10. Zebra：世界のスマートな業務の礎 | Zebra

11. 私たちについて | 株式会社ZEBRA