Sakura of America Launches New Sumo Grip(R) II Pen and Pencil at Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles, June 7 and 8, 2008

Sakura of America, inventor of gel ink, selects Grand Sumo Tournament to launch Sumo Grip II retractable gel pen and mechanical pencil. Fitting venue as sumo champions inspired product. Sumo Grip II pen contains pigment-based gel ink. Chemical resistant, waterproof, light-fast, permanent; prevents alterations, fading, and check washing. Hand strain is avoided. Value priced. Allows college and high school students, faculty, coaches, and nurses, young children and seniors to write in complete comfort. Features include sumo-size comfort grip, binder clip notched to attach a lanyard or belt cord.

Hayward, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- The Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles is scheduled for June 7 and 8, 2008 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Forty top ranked Makunouchi sumo wrestlers, including Yokozuna (Grand Champions) Asashoryu and Hakuho, will vie for the Sakura Grand Champion Cup. This marks the first time since 1981 that sanctioned bouts of Japanese professional sumo wrestlers will be in Los Angeles, CA. Sakura of America, (Sakura) world class writing instrument and art material inventor, launches its new Sumo Grip II retractable gel pen and mechanical pencil at the Grand Sumo Tournament.

Both products have an ergonomic, comfort grip and are value priced for anyone wanting to avoid hand strain. Sakura, inventor of gel ink, delivers its original gel ink in the Sumo Grip II (http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/Gel-pen-pencil) pen. College and high school students, faculty, coaches, and nurses can easily find Sumo Grip II. The binder clip notch allows for easy attachment of straps or retractable cords to keep Sumo Grip II within fingertip reach. Young children developing writing skills, and seniors wanting to steady their penmanship, have an advantage with the sumo-size grip.

"Sakura of America's writing instruments are the official pens and markers for the Grand Sumo Tournament (http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/sumo). This official Sumo wrestling tournament is a fitting venue for launching Sumo Grip II to honor the sport and champions that inspired our product," said Peter Ouyang, Vice-President of Product Development and Marketing.

About Sumo Grip II Pen and Pencil

The Sumo Grip II retractable pen contains a pigment-based ink formula that is chemical resistant, waterproof, light-fast. The quick drying, archival quality ink is black with refills available separately. The black gel ink is delivered in a precision tip; a 0.5mm ball leaves a 0.3mm fine line. The Sumo Grip II mechanical pencil uses 0.5mm lead and has an eraser under the cap.

The ergonomically designed larger grip allows for writing in complete comfort. A bigger binder clip can hold onto binders and thick materials. The clip has a notch to attach a detachable lanyard (strap) or retractable belt cord to keep the pen within easy reach. The pen is highlighted with clip, tip and center band colors of blue, orange and black.

About Gel Ink and Advantages

Sakura developed and patented gel ink in 1984. Gel ink was introduced to the U.S. market in 1989, and created the gel ink pen category. Common household chemicals can be used to change documents or checks using dye-based inks. The advantage of pigment-based ink is that its permanency prevents alterations and fading. "The technologically advanced pigment-based ink is specially designed for archival permanency and helps prevent check washing fraud," states Heidi Harralson, court-qualified, board-certified forensic document examiner.

Product Information

All pricing is Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and in U.S. dollars. These products meet ACMI non-toxicity standards. Carded and set items, and 24, 36 and 72 piece displays available.

Sumo Grip II retractable gel ink pen price: $1.89

Stock numbers:

orange clip gel ink pen: #38965

blue clip gel ink pen: #38966

black clip gel ink pen: #38967

carded black clip gel ink pen: #50261

Sumo Grip pencil price: $1.89

Stock Numbers:

orange clip: #38968

blue clip: #38969

black clip: #38970

carded black clip pencil: #50271

Sumo Grip II retractable gel ink refill: $1.39 Stock Number: #50240

2 - pack of Sumo Grip pen: $3.78

Stock number, orange clip & black clip: #50252

Stock number, blue clip & black clip: #50253

2 - pack of Sumo Grip pencil: $3.78

Stock number orange clip & black clip: #50262

Stock number blue clip & black clip: #50263

Display stock numbers:

Pens: #57679 36 pieces, 12 each of clip color Pencils: #57699    

Pens: #57670 24 pieces, 8 each of clip color pieces Pencils: #57690

Pen & pencil: #57693 72 pieces, 12 each of pen & pencil clip color

About Sakura Color Products of America, Inc.:

Sakura Color Products of America, Inc. (Sakura) is committed to the development of writing instruments and artistic mediums that empower individual self-expression, creativity and enhance communication. Headquartered in Hayward, CA, the company services the U.S. and Canadian markets, and is the U.S. subsidiary of privately held, Sakura Color Products Corporation of Osaka, Japan. Sakura manufactures the popular Gelly Roll® gel pen, Pigma® Micron® fine-line pens, Cray-Pas® oil pastels, as well as many other high-quality writing instruments, art materials, and industrial markers. Sponsor of Grand Sumo Tournaments 2008 and 2007, and Maker Faire 2008. For company, product details, and a retailer locator, visit www.sakuraofamerica.com or call 800-776-6257 for more information.

###