Compiled from 12 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The uni POSCA PC-5M is Mitsubishi Pencil's medium round-tip POSCA, a valve-action paint marker with opaque, water-based pigment ink that covers dark paper, wood, stone and glass. posca.com gives it a 1.8–2.5 mm line and says it's made in Japan; Mitsubishi Pencil lists it at ¥275 (about US$1.70) a pen.
On this page12 sections
The POSCA PC-5M in red, drawn in proportion: no source we read gives its length.
$under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count)
Ink colors
Black黒
Rate it
No ratings yet. Be the first to rate this product.
Notes on these facts
Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in Japan: POSCA's international site lists "Made in Japan" under the PC-5M's technical details, and POSCA's US Amazon listing for the PC-5M 8-pack says the markers are made in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Source. Price: example listing. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's company history lists the launch of the water-based pigment marker POSCA in 1983; it doesn't date the PC-5M separately.
Colors: names per Mitsubishi Pencil Japan, checked October 27, 2026. The 29 single-color PC-5M markers (インク色) listed on Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese POSCA page; the set listings (7, 8 and 15 colors) are not repeated. Each note gives the Japanese ink color name as the maker writes it; the English names are our translations. The European range posca.com lists is larger. Tints were hand-picked from the cap color in Mitsubishi Pencil's product photo of each marker (the gold and silver caps are metallic). Tints are representative, not measured. Shops stock different colors.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
posca.com gives the PC-5M's reversible bullet tip a 1.8–2.5 mm line, the middle of POSCA's round tips (PC-3M 0.9–1.3 mm, PC-7M 4.5–5.5 mm).
Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site lists 29 single PC-5M colors at ¥275 (about US$1.70) each with tax; posca.com lists 39 in Europe, including 4 fluorescent and 8 metallic.
It's a valve-type marker: Mitsubishi Pencil says you pump the tip to start the ink, and that the ink isn't designed to wash out.
Mitsubishi Pencil launched POSCA, its water-based pigment marker, in 1983; the replacement tip PCR-5 costs ¥66 (about US$0.40) for 3.
posca.com and the US Amazon listing both say POSCA markers are made in Japan.
What is the uni POSCA PC-5M?
It’s the medium round-tip POSCA: a paint marker with opaque, water-based pigment ink and a 1.8–2.5 mm bullet tip. Mitsubishi Pencil of Tokyo makes it under its uni brand and describes POSCA as a water-based marker with colors as vivid as poster paint.
Because the ink is opaque, it shows up on black and dark surfaces and can be layered, one color over another. posca.com calls the PC-5M the most versatile tip in the range, for artists, designers and hobbyists alike. Mitsubishi Pencil launched POSCA in 1983, as our Mitsubishi Pencil history explains.
POSCA PC-5M specs
Spec
Value
Maker
Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)
Tip
Medium bullet, reversible and replaceable (PCR-5)
Line width
1.8–2.5 mm (posca.com)
Ink
Water-based pigment, opaque
Colors
29 in Japan; 39 in Europe (posca.com)
Price in Japan
¥275 (about US$1.70) with tax
Red
Order code PC5M.15, JAN 4902778147764
Launched
POSCA brand: 1983
Made in
Japan (posca.com)
Colors, codes and prices come from Mitsubishi Pencil’s Japanese product page. Neither it nor posca.com gives a length or weight, and we couldn’t open a retailer page that does, so the cover is drawn in proportion.
How wide is the PC-5M line?
posca.com gives the PC-5M a 1.8–2.5 mm line, between the fine PC-3M and the bold PC-7M. It’s wide enough to fill shapes and narrow enough for lettering a few centimeters tall.
Three POSCA round tips at 1 mm = 24 px, from posca.com and a Dutch retailer's listings.
Mitsubishi Pencil’s Japanese range also has an extra-fine (極細) tip and bold and extra-bold chisel tips (太字角芯, 極太角芯), which we haven’t covered here.
How do you start a POSCA marker?
Shake it with the cap on, then pump the tip on scrap paper until the paint flows. Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA is a valve-type (バルブ式) marker: shake until the ball clicks and about 20 times more, then press and release the tip about twice a second, since holding it down won’t release ink.
A new tip starts dry, and Mitsubishi Pencil says to repeat the shaking and pumping whenever the paint runs pale, and not to store the marker tip down.
If the tip gets dirty from layering, posca.com says it can be reversed, and Mitsubishi Pencil sells replacement tips as PCR-5, 3 for ¥66 (about US$0.40).
What surfaces does POSCA work on?
Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA writes on metal, glass and plastic as well as paper, and posca.com adds wood, stone and concrete. posca.com says the paint is permanent on porous surfaces and can be wiped off most smooth, non-porous ones, so it suggests a fixative varnish for work that must last.
That’s why the PC-5M is a favorite for rock painting, skateboards and surfboards, and white highlights over marker art. Mitsubishi Pencil’s FAQ adds that the ink isn’t designed to wash out, so protect your clothes.
How many colors are there?
Mitsubishi Pencil’s Japanese site lists 29 single PC-5M colors, and posca.com lists 39 for Europe. Japan’s list includes gold, silver, natural colors added in 2015 and dark colors added in 2016; the European range adds 4 fluorescent and 8 metallic shades.
In Japan, an 8-color set costs ¥2,200 (about US$14) and a 15-color set ¥4,125 (about US$26), both with tax. US sets come in counts such as 8 and 16.
How does the uni POSCA PC-5M compare to other markers?
Choose the POSCA for opaque color on dark or non-paper surfaces, an alcohol marker for blending, and a Sharpie Fine Point for permanent labeling. If you’d rather skip the shaking and pumping, the Sharpie Creative Marker is a water-based acrylic marker that Sharpie says needs no priming. For fine metallic lines on black paper, the Sharpie Metallic also writes straight from the cap.
For a black-paper notebook to try it in, the maker of the Louise Carmen Roadbook suggests white ink or POSCA pens for its All Black Notebook.
Where is the POSCA PC-5M made?
In Japan: posca.com lists “Made in Japan” in the PC-5M’s technical details. POSCA’s US Amazon listing says the same; Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker, is based in Tokyo.
How much does it cost?
A single PC-5M falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5), and US multi-packs land there per pen. In Japan it’s ¥275 (about US$1.70) with tax. For a refillable acrylic alternative made in Germany, see the MOLOTOW ONE4ALL 127HS.
Frequently asked questions
Is POSCA paint or ink?
It's a water-based pigment paint in a marker. Mitsubishi Pencil calls POSCA a water-based marker with colors as vivid as poster paint, and its opaque ink covers black and dark surfaces.
What size tip is the POSCA PC-5M?
Medium: posca.com gives the bullet tip a 1.8 to 2.5 mm line. The fine PC-3M draws 0.9 to 1.3 mm and the bold PC-7M 4.5 to 5.5 mm, per a Dutch retailer's listings.
How do you start a new POSCA marker?
With the cap on, shake it until you hear the ball click, then about 20 more times. Uncap it and press and release the tip on scrap paper, about twice a second, until paint flows; Mitsubishi Pencil says holding the tip down won't work.
Is POSCA permanent?
posca.com says it is permanent on porous surfaces such as paper, wood and stone, and can be wiped off most smooth, non-porous ones; it suggests a fixative varnish to protect finished work.
Can you use POSCA on glass, rocks and shoes?
Mitsubishi Pencil says POSCA writes on metal, glass and plastic as well as paper, and POSCA's US listing names rock, wood, glass, canvas, metal, fabric and ceramic. On smooth surfaces, seal it if it needs to last.
Can you replace a POSCA tip?
Yes. The PC-5M's tip is reversible, and Mitsubishi Pencil sells replacement tips as PCR-5, 3 for ¥66 (about US$0.40); posca.com lists the same PCR5 code.
Does POSCA paint wash out of clothes?
Don't count on it. Mitsubishi Pencil's FAQ says the ink isn't designed to wash out, so cover your clothes while you work.
Where are POSCA markers made?
In Japan, according to posca.com and POSCA's US Amazon listing. Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker, is based in Tokyo.
