[Alert] Do not use 'Frixion pens' for final copies of application forms or statements of purpose! Use 'black oil-based ballpoint pens'!

Last updated: 2025/05/09

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Today is a very practical, super practical topic. I have posted this article as an emergency. This year's examinees must absolutely check this.

(You can see Shimenno's self-introduction here.)

Always use a black ballpoint pen for your statement of purpose! Do not use Frixion pens!

You must absolutely use a black ballpoint pen for 'final copies of application forms, statements of purpose, etc.' Most examinees are likely already aware of this. I am sure you have been warned by 'many adults' such as teachers and parents. Needless to say, pencils and mechanical pencils are out of the question. Also, colored ballpoint pens are not allowed (for example, red ballpoint pens are usually used for additions, corrections, or deletions).

However, 'using Frixion ballpoint pens is also not allowed'. Were you aware of this?

A Frixion (ballpoint) pen is a 'ballpoint pen that disappears when rubbed'. It is one where the written characters disappear when you rub them with the cap. You should also avoid using these for final copies of documents like statements of purpose. I have posted this article as a warning because this case has been seen frequently in recent years.

'Frixion pens are not allowed!' The reason why

As is clear from the explanation on the Pilot website above, the characters disappear due to frictional heat is the mechanism of Frixion pens. Therefore, the characters may disappear due to slight friction or ambient temperature. Consequently, the 'content of your statement of purpose or other documents that you worked so hard to write' might disappear because of friction from being taken in and out of envelopes, or from being touched and rubbed by many people. This is extremely problematic.

(Are you using appropriate notation and expressions for documents such as application forms and statements of purpose? Using casual spoken language or abbreviations and nicknames that only your friends understand in documents submitted to a university is a no-go. Along with the pen you use, please be sure to check the article below to see if you are using appropriate notation and expressions within your documents.)

Summary ~Always use a black ballpoint pen for your statement of purpose! Frixion pens are absolutely not allowed!~

Once again, although it may sound repetitive, Frixion pens are absolutely not allowed. For documents submitted to universities such as statements of purpose, self-recommendation letters, and application forms, please first draft them lightly with a pencil or mechanical pencil, and then write the final copy firmly with a black oil-based ballpoint pen (after that, carefully erase the draft with an eraser. Note that correction fluid and correction tape are also basically not allowed). Please check to make sure you have not written with a Frixion pen. I am issuing a warning.

(By the way, Jetstream is said to be overwhelmingly popular for its ease of writing. It is the undisputed number one in the OKB (Favorite Ballpoint Pen) General Election project on the TBS Radio program 'After 6 Junction 2'.)

For those who are worried about 'how to write a statement of purpose', this 'Shimenno-style template statement of purpose creation method' is recommended!