Gokaku Pencil

During exam season in Japan, you may find students using golden pentagonal wooden pencils such as these to take their tests instead of their usual writing instruments. This is because of the homonym, gokaku which can mean both “pentagon” and “success” in Japanese. These pencils are usually inscribed with 合格 meaning “success” or “passed (the exam).” Students often use these pencils as good luck charms during those stressful end-of-year tests and entrance exams. This Gokaku Pencil from Hinodewashi is gold-colored and has the word “success” engraved on the side. This makes a great gift for students and graduates, but of course, can ensure your success no matter what you do. Wooden pencil HB lead Dimensions: 7″ (178mm) long; 0.27″ (7mm) diameter Pair with the Gokaku Eraser