"Sharpen" is what they`re called around here.
Elementary school students aren`t allowed to use them in school.... And neither are *some* middle schoolers. (Depends on the school) So they have a bit of appeal during those years. You know, anything you`re not allowed to use becomes cool - so everyone switches over to them basically overnight when they are allowed to.
For one thing, they`re cleaner... Another really big thing is the clarity of the writing. As you go up in grades, you have to (obviously) write smaller and smaller. However, the kanji all have to be clear and precise or you risk getting points marked off. Sure, you could keep sharpening your normal pencil all the time to keep a good point on it, but that`s a lot of work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonbvr
Japanese don't like crossing mistakes out. That is why when I go to the post office I have to fill out like three forms to send money home because I keep messing up.
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Just draw two horizontal lines through the mistake and stamp it with your inkan. You just have to provide proof that *you* made the mistake and that someone else later on didn`t just cross it out and change things. I think it`s a very safe policy.