Hello, I’m Uni from the Techo Team. Today, I’d like to share my current stationery obsessions that accompany me as I read.



First of all, you can’t talk about reading without mentioning bookmarks! I choose what to read based on my mood, so I often have several books going at once. Before I know it, I’ve usually put almost every bookmark I own to work. Because of that, I often open a book I haven't touched in a while and find myself saying to the bookmark inside, “Oh, there you were!” It’s a little nostalgic moment that happens quite often.

I’m particularly fond of bookmarks with artwork or unusual designs. I’ve been steadily building my collection, both by buying them myself and receiving them as gifts.


This is Mitiru’s Shippitsu-chu-no-shiori (Jp: 執筆中のしおり / TL: Author at Work). It’s a fun design that makes me curious about what comes next.


This bookmark looks like someone has spilled their coffee. The cup is so cute, I can’t help but stare at it. These are just a few from my collection, but I have many more favorites. I’d love to keep collecting all kinds of different bookmarks in the future!

Next, when I find a passage that catches my interest, I highlight it with a Pilot Kire-na highlighter.

I’ve only got time to introduce a few, but please know that there are so many more! I’d like to carry on collecting lots of varying types too!



It’s easy to draw clean, straight lines, and the ink dries instantly. This is a big plus because it doesn't smudge the pages, and the lines don't feel out of place when I read them back later. (Showing my actual highlighted books is a bit embarrassing, so I’ve demonstrated on the techo's daily quotes instead...)

I especially love using the basic orange so the lines jump out at me immediately. Finally, once I finish a book, I record it on the right-hand page of my 5-Year Techo.



I absolutely love blue pens. Specifically, the Blue Black from Pilot’s Juice Up series is a favorite of mine for its chic, calming, and stylish color.

I use this same pen for work, and for the longest time, I used the 0.5 mm tip. However, after trying out various options, I’ve found that the 0.4 mm size is personally just right for the Techo's graph paper grid.

First, I use the Kire-na highlighter (this one is pale blue).


Then, I write the book title and the author’s name on top.


Below that, I write my thoughts. If there was a sentence that particularly resonated with me, I’ll highlight it first and then write the words over the top so that they stand out to me whenever I look back.



Looking at my 5-Year Techo one or five years from now and seeing how many books I've read makes me want to go back and read them all over again. It’s this feeling, and the stationery that helps me feel it that I’m obsessed with!

Please look forward to the next update!

Hey, it’s Hiro from the overseas sales team. Here is the report from the time the Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan took place in London. This is the 2nd time we’ve visited London, with the first being in November, 2024.

The event took place at October Gallery, a stately and refined space located in the heart of Bloomsbury, a district known for its academic and intellectual atmosphere.


↑The event was held on the second floor, up the stairs. While it had been drizzling the night before, the morning of the event brought a typical London cloudy sky.

The building is said to have been constructed in the 18th century, and the high ceilings create a truly historic atmosphere.



The sounds of the city fade away as you enter, making it feel as if time has stopped. It’s a space where you can truly feel the weight of history.

This Meeting Caravan was a larger event than usual, with about 25 participants per session, totaling roughly 50 guests. Because of the larger group, we tried a new format called the “Presenter Sessions.” We invited several representatives from each session to come to the front to share the stories of their techos with the group.

At the back of the room, we set up a stationery corner where guests could freely explore various tools.


↑We lined up stationery and Hobonichi Techo products we brought from Japan.

The schedule was designed to flow gently between listening to stories and engaging in natural conversation.

The London event was co-hosted by Hamed and Rousol from The Journal Shop, who have been carrying the Hobonichi Techo for many years.


Pictured left is Hamed, and to the right is Rousol
This new style of the Meeting Caravan was only made possible thanks to their incredible cooperation.

The event kicked off with a Hobonichi quiz corner hosted by Tak and Liam.



Their witty and rhythmic banter immediately relaxed the room and warmed up the atmosphere. Once the quiz ended, it was finally time for the Presenter Sessions!

Up first was Emily, who uses the Hobonichi Techo as an “everything journal.”



Photos, drawings, tickets, business cards, pamphlets from her travels—even tea bags at times—apparently everything they come across ends up pasted into their Hobonichi Techo.



Among the pages were photos of Emily’s grandmother and Emily’s own self as a child.

“I keep them there so I never forget my sense of playfulness.”
Emily’s techo holds not only happy moments but also records of difficult times, all in one book.

“The Hobonichi Techo is my safest, most accepting refuge.”

It is truly a “Life Book.” Seeing a whole life gathered between the covers made it feel like a time capsule prepared for their future self.

Jacqueline, a psychology researcher, spoke about discovering the “power of recording” through their work studying people who balance being a student with full-time caregiving.



In Jacqueline’s 2017 techo, the pages were filled with the words “Interview today” over and over again. That was the year Jacqueline landed their current job, and their career in research and education continues to this day.

“It might sound a little superstitious, but I can’t help but feel that I am where I am today because I kept writing in my Hobonichi Techo.”

Conversely, 2020—a year where childbirth overlapped with the pandemic—was a year where Jacqueline could hardly write anything at all. Even so, Jacqueline says they even reflect warmly on these blank pages, as an expression of that specific time.

“Whenever I bring it out at work along with my business cards, people always ask, ‘What is that?’”

The Hobonichi Techo becomes a conversation starter. Many in the audience nodded in agreement, perhaps having had similar experiences themselves.

Mina’s story of discovering the Hobonichi Techo in Japan in 2023 was also very moving.



During a period of struggling with perfectionism, Mina happened to pick up a Hobonichi Techo at LOFT, and it changed their life.

“Since discovering the Hobonichi Techo, I’ve stopped being so excessively obsessed with trying to be perfect.”

They’ve made it their life motto to accept their imperfections, to allow them the freedom to be more creative.


↑Mina’s harmonious collages, which look like pages from a magazine, are absolutely charming.

Nicole, an influencer, shared a surprising idea.

They actually cut an A5 Hobonichi Graph Notebook in half vertically to use it as the same size as a Weeks!



Voices of “Wow!” erupted from all corners of the room. The process of pursuing a format that is easy for you to use in your own way—that process feels a lot like life itself, doesn't it?

Next up was Gracie, who shared that “the Hobonichi Techo taught me the importance of being myself.”



After a period where Gracie couldn't move as they wished due to illness, they spoke about how their techo helped them through those difficult times.
“The Hobonichi Techo is truly special to me. It doesn’t judge. It doesn’t blame. It lets me feel that ‘if I couldn’t do it today, that’s okay.’”
Gracie mentioned that this is a feeling they’ve never experienced with any other planner.
“I know it’s just a planner. But for me, it was the first thing in my life that pushed me forward and told me it’s okay to just be who I am.”
Now, Gracie fills their techo with everything they love—favorite pop stars, their physical condition, and daily events—and enjoys every day to the fullest.



The other presenters also gave wonderful presentations.


↑Aimée has been using only the Weeks for ten years.


↑Fiona draws one picture in their techo every day. They couldn’t draw as well as they wanted at first, but after eight years of steady effort, they now create beautiful artwork.

During the Q&A section, the questions went beyond just sizes and usage. One interesting question popped up:




“Have you ever written so much that the book wouldn’t close?”
“Yes. I cut mine into four books.”
That one line sent a wave of laughter through the room.

On the topic of stickers, one participant shared a memorable thought:
“If you leave them tucked away in a drawer, you won’t use them. And if you don’t use them, good things won’t happen.”
Pasting them, failing, and having them stick out past the pages. Even those “imperfect” parts become daily memories.

As someone who keeps a collage journal myself(), I felt a renewed sense of affection for my own Hobonichi Techo.

The second half of the event was a time for free interaction.



Everywhere I looked, I saw people opening their techos and naturally continuing the conversations they had heard earlier.

↑A commemorative photo of all the participants' Hobonichi Techos lined up together. Everyone looked like a proud parent watching over their children.

Finally, we took our customary group photo!


↑The participants from the 1st session.


↑The participants from the 2nd session.

Everyone’s radiant smiles are truly wonderful.
I felt that the theme shared throughout the day wasn’t about the “correct way to use a techo,” but something more essential: “how each person engages with life.”

Books cut because they got too thick, pages covered in tape, months where nothing was written. All of it seemed like a mirror reflecting each person’s life itself. And through other people’s techos, we were able to pause and reflect on our own lives. I am so happy that such an interactive exchange was born.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, and to Hamed and Rousol of The Journal Shop!

We look forward to meeting you again in another town someday.



●Bonus

I’m actually terrible at speaking in front of large crowds. So, on the morning of the Meeting Caravan, I walked through Kensington Gardens near my hotel, practicing my speech over and over again.

↑The park was nearly empty in the early morning, allowing me to stay focused in the clear, cold air under the winter sky.

Thanks to that effort, I managed to finish my speech in the actual event, and looking back now, I feel a huge sense of relief.

This was our first time attempting the “Presenter Session” format. The people who volunteered to present must have felt a lot of anxiety before it started. Even so, as an organizer, I’m so grateful they found the courage to raise their hands to participate as an organizer.

To everyone who served as a presenter, thank you so much!

Hello! I’m Higashi from the Techo team. When I heard the phrase “Obsessed with this Stationery,” the first thing that came to mind was the: coco fusen Mini



coco fusen is a series of film-based sticky tabs that come pre-set in a small case. The back of the case is made of a material that can be peeled off and reattached, so you can stick it right onto the cover of your book.


Each tab is 6mm x 24mm. This size feels just right.

By doing this, you don't have to go hunting for your tabs. You can place a marker the very moment you feel like it.

I bought one just to try it out, and then I wanted another. Then I thought, “Oh, maybe this color would be good, too?” Before I knew it, I had collected this many!



If I look back and ask myself why I ended up buying so many in the first place, I realize it all started with this book.



The more I read, the more fascinating it became. I got so caught up in it that I started frantically sticking on whatever tabs I happened to have in the room. This was the result. At the time, I didn't think much of it and just left them there.

However, every time I went back to re-read it, something didn't quite sit right. “The solemn, pensive mood of the content and the brightness of these colors don't really match, do they?” “And wait, are these tabs actually too big for a paperback?”



“In that case,” I thought, “I’ll just find tabs that actually suit the cover!” That’s how I arrived at the “coco fusen Mini.” Whites, grays, beiges, yellows, and greens. There are lots of nuanced colors that feel a little different from the tabs I’ve used before, which makes it exciting.



Lately, I’ve found that even the time I spend deciding which color to use before I start reading is a total joy!



My favorite way to use them is to try and match the color of the tab to the color of the book cover as closely as possible. When everything clicks perfectly into place, I feel a surge of happiness that I can’t really put into words—something like, “Wow... the book, the tabs... they’re so good!”



For example, here is how the yellow looks. There are actually quite a lot of books that use yellow on the cover, so it’s a color I use often.



The purples and blues are also crisp and beautiful.



Browns and beiges look great, too. They blend in naturally with “Shinsho” (non-fiction paperbacks), which often have simple covers. But the ones I’m most obsessed with have to be the whites and grays.



As for the white, it’s so subtle you can’t even see it. But that’s exactly what makes it so good. Also, there are surprisingly few white sticky tabs in this size, so I was incredibly happy when I finally found them.



Just look at this quiet, understated presence. I’ll be using these as my reading companions for a long time to come! The six varieties I’ve introduced are Margaret, Stone, Sherbet, Colorful, Moonlight, and Cool Gray. Even the names are lovely, aren't they?

While the shapes and sizes are slightly different, the Hobonichi Store also carries a selection of coco fusen, so please take a look if you’re interested coco fusen Color coco fusen Clip (Pastel Pink)

That’s all for my Techo News article. Please look forward to the future updates!

Hello, I’m Ogawa from the sales team! I stick a lot of ephemera in my techo, so ‘glue’ is an essential part of my techo time. Today, I’d like to introduce two types of glue that have been my trusty companion items in my 2026 techo.



■The Square GLOO Stick

The unique feature of the Kokuyo Glue Stick GLOO is that the stick itself is square.



Thanks to this shape, even when I’m pasting receipts into my techo, the four corners don’t flap or lift—I can apply glue perfectly right to the very edge.

“If the things you’re pasting are square, shouldn't the glue be square too so it’s easier to use?!”

When you hear the reasoning, it makes perfect sense and seems obvious. But if you’re stuck on the assumption that a glue stick must be a cylinder, I don’t think it’s something you’d easily arrive at. I was actually quite moved when I first discovered this product! I’ve been buying a new one every time I run out.

■Roller Tape GLOO


When decorating my techo or notebook, I used to struggle when trying to arrange ephemera in a freeform layout. The impression totally changes depending on the slight angles, yet once you stick something down, you can’t easily peel them off. Getting it right on the first try is surprisingly difficult. Since this tape glue is repositionable, the best part is being able to adjust the placement later. I can refine the position after seeing the result, gradually getting closer to my ideal layout.

And another irresistible point is that the tip rotates and transforms!



Pop the head up…


Transformation complete!

The click-click-click... snap! sound when switching the shape really lifts my mood, I can’t get enough of that mechanical feel.

There are many more photos on the Hobonichi Online Store page, so please take a look if you’re interested. GLOO Roller Tape Adhesive - Size S (Please note that this item is currently out of stock, but a restock is planned. We will provide updates on the product page as soon as details are finalized.)

Thank you for reading today. The “Obsessed with this Stationery” posts will continue. Look forward to the next one!

Hello, I’m Shirato from the Techo team. Here are my current stationery obsessions.



I’m not the type to master using the techo. Even so, when I see something I want, I tend to reach for it without thinking too much.

So today, I’d like to introduce some mood-lifting items that help me open my techo and spend time with it.

●Penco Wire Rack



Allow me to broaden the definition of stationery a little. I began a 5-Year Techo this year, and picked up the Penco Wire Rack at the same time. I really like it.

It’s the perfect home for my techo. It feels more casual and accessible than a bookshelf, because I can keep it somewhere always in sight, and it’s easy to pick up and easy to move around. I use it to line up this year’s book alongside my techo from last year. The design of the spines really stands out, and just looking at them lifts my spirits!



You can freely adjust the position of the wires, and the narrowest width is a perfect fit for a Weeks. It’s nice to know that even as the techo gets thicker from all the writing and pasting, I can just adjust the rack to fit. It’s also handy for keeping things I want to paste later, like stickers, tucked inside for the time being. It fits my slightly messy habits perfectly.

●“Omamori” Pins



I’ve been using the Tragen cover, and recently I tried adding some new pins to it. These pins show a battery percentage—I put “99%” on the front and “1%” on the back. It’s like a little “Omamori” (charm) for my inner self, a way of saying, “Even 1% is enough. You’re doing just fine.”



I was a bit hesitant about poking holes in the cover at first, but it didn’t affect putting things in and taking them out as much as I expected. Now I have the extra joy of opening the cover; I’m so glad I put them on. I'm sure it will help me open my techo more often... hopefully!

■ Pens for every mood

I always look forward to Itoya’s zodiac “Okiagari-koboshi” (tumbler dolls) every year.

Let me introduce these in order, from top to bottom. The first is the Pilot FriXion Synergy Knock (0.3mm). I use this pen mainly whenever I want to write quickly, finely, and a lot—like at work and organizing notes.

I used to have a slight dislike for Frixion pens because I felt my heavy writing pressure made the letters look crushed. However, using this Synergy Knock for the first time last year completely changed my mind. The lines are fine and agile, and above all, it’s light. Even my hurried scribbles somehow look neat.

The second is a ballpoint pen from Itoya’s Helvetica series. The moderate weight of the brass material feels lovely, and I also love the slim grip and the simple, stark white design. I reach for this often when I want to take my time and write thoughtfully.

The third is a souvenir ballpoint pen I bought at Casa Milà in Barcelona, Spain. I bought this one simply because I fell in love with its gorgeous design at first sight. It’s a thicker pen with a bold ink flow, so I save it for special moments. It’s the kind of pen that makes you happy just by holding it.

And those are my current stationery obsessions. Just being with your favorite items really lifts your spirits, doesn’t it?

Please look forward to the next update!

Hey! I’m Hiro from the overseas sales team. On January 10th, the Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan visited Harrogate, a historic spa town in the north of the UK.

Harrogate is a place where stately stone buildings sit peacefully among lush green parks. Just taking a stroll through the streets naturally makes you feel like you are beginning to take slower, deeper breaths.


↑We came in the middle of a cold snap. This was midday, but it was still so chilly.

The event took place at Art from the Heart, a local stationery shop that carries Hobonichi Techo products.




↑The shop is tucked inside a lively complex alongside a sports gym, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dojo, and even a climbing center.

The shop is bursting with art supplies and stationery! You’ll find something to smile about in every single nook and cranny.





We held the event in their workshop area, next door to the main shop.



You can tell from the works decorating the walls that this is a space where creative ideas are constantly being shared and exchanged.

We hosted two sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—with a total of ten people joining us. To start things off, I gave a little introduction to Hobonichi using a special “Kamishibai” (storytelling cards) that I’d made.



I shared the story of how the Hobonichi Techo first began and how it has grown over the years. I also talked a little bit about some of the other projects we work on besides the techo.

After that, it was time for the main event. We sat around the corner of the table with our techos open and took turns speaking, freely sharing our stories and tips on how to use them.

There were some nerves at the beginning, but with each person that spoke, the room grew more relaxed.

One participant shared, “I’m actually not very good with blank pages.”



When a stretch of days goes by where they can't find anything to write, instead of using words, they apparently fill the pages with things like patterns from envelopes, newspaper clippings, or even poems created by cutting out individual letters.



Looking at pages lined with illustrations and paper ephemera collected during travels really brings those memories back to life, doesn’t it?

This participant mentioned that in the first year they used a Hobonichi Techo, they got a bit too enthusiastic and it became so chunky that they decided to stop using it by April.



I also had the same experience last year, so I can totally relate (haha).
From flowers and ribbons to buttons and even wine bottle caps, they told us happily, “Anything that comes into my house becomes material for my techo.”

We were also joined by a beginner who has been using the Hobonichi Techo for about a year and a half.



Only, what really surprised everyone was the number of techos they had. It seems they're using 10 different techos all at once!


↑They're using each techo to its full extent.

One for work, one for exercise, an idea memo, a reading log and more.

Looking at the techos and their unique relationship with them, none of us thought they were a beginner, and we couldn’t contain our admiration when we found out.

They gave another impressive hint for continuing your techo, too: “I leave my techo open on my dining room table.”

By leaving it open in a place where you’re likely to pass through, you naturally find yourself writing in the techo more often, without having to create any special time. It was an idea that resonated with everyone present.

A mother and daughter who both love using the Hobonichi Techo apparently sit down together every Sunday to set up their pages for the following week.


↑It was such a heartwarming sight that we all couldn't help but smile.

Some people use their Hobonichi Techo as a way to have a dialogue with themselves, while others utilize it as a communication tool with those around them. That sense of freedom is exactly what makes the Hobonichi Techo so special.

A first-time user who just started their Hobonichi Techo journey this year shared these words: “I’ve decided not to try to make it perfect.”
It seems they are searching for a style that fits them best by experimenting with various uses, such as expense management, exercise logs, and habit trackers.



“I’m so happy I finally have a place to use all the stickers I’ve been stockpiling!”
The other participants also shared their own personal stories about their Hobonichi Techos in their own way.









After everyone shared their stories and techos, we had some free time to play and test out various stationery that we brought from Japan. As we spread out the stamps and washi tapes, voices rose from all over: “This is too much fun!” and “This is dangerous, I’m gonna get hooked!”





We stamped, swapped inks, and even traded little cards. It was a warming experience from beginning till end.

Finally, we ended with a group photo!


↑The participants from the 1st session.


↑The participants from the 2nd session.

Through this Meeting Caravan, I was reminded once again that a techo isn't just something meant to be kept “pristine and tidy.”

It’s fine to have blank pages, and it’s okay for them to continue for multiple days, even. It can be a tool to keep yourself organized, or a place to preserve memories, and at times, a playground. It was a wonderful time that made me truly appreciate the immense depth and versatility of the Hobonichi Techo.

A huge thank you to all who participated, and Ben, the owner of Art from the Heart, who was a wonderful host.

We look forward to meeting you again in another town someday!



●Bonus
As a token of our welcome, we gave the participants “origami cranes” made from transparent paper.


↑The material itself was quite stiff, so they were actually surprisingly difficult to fold.

Everyone was so happy to receive them, which made the whole team incredibly glad. It was well worth all those late nights spent folding them!

Hello! I’m Komata. In this Techo News series, our team members are introducing the items they're obsessed with!

... Now, I found myself in a bit of a bind. What exactly is the stationery that I'm obsessed with?

When I sat down to think about it, I realized my love for stationery falls into two categories. One is “convenient, functional tools that I use all the time.” The other is “stationery that I love simply for the fact that it exists.”

It seems a lot of the stationery I love falls into that second category. Even though I adore them! Even though I bought them on impulse back then! There are so many items sleeping in my drawers and boxes, waiting for their turn to be used. (Do you have any stationery like that, too?)



So today, let me introduce the scissors I bought purely because I thought, “I can’t resist these!” I’ve kept them tucked away for a long time, thinking I’d use them eventually, but the time has finally come for them to see the light of day!



These are “Paper Edgers” by the famous scissor manufacturer Fiskars. The blades are shaped like waves or zig-zags, allowing you to enjoy decorative paper cutting. I found them at a stationery shop about 10 years ago. I fell in love with the beautiful colors and cute shapes, and since I couldn't decide which to get, I ended up buying all five.



The more I look at these little ones, the more they start to look like a five-member superhero squad or an idol group. I think they’re quite endearing. I might start calling them “The Zig-Zag Scissor-ees.”



Let me introduce them one by one.



“Stamp,” which creates a design like the edge of a postage stamp.



“Pinking,” for a classic mountain-shaped zig-zag.



“Wave,” which creates a gentle, diagonal wave.



“Ripple,” which creates a lovely shape like small ripples on water.



“Victorian,” for creating a fancy, decorative edge.





I cut some colored cardstock for the first time in a while. Snipping away with these scissors and seeing all the different shapes emerge is just so much fun!



I let my heart lead the way as I gripped the scissors and made all sorts of shapes. They look a bit like cute stickers, don't they?



I tried pasting the cut paper into my Hobonichi Techo and writing down my schedule and to-do list. It gives the page a completely different feel—it's so fresh! I want to keep finding more ways to put them to work from now on.



Come to think of it, the Hobonichi Store also carries the colorful and cute Fun Cut Scissors by Koh-I-Noor. The soft, fluffy wave pattern they cut is really nice. Please take a look if you’re interested. Koh-I-Noor Fun Cut Scissors

Well then, please look forward to the next update!

Hello! It’s Meron. My theme for my 2026 Techo is “An easy, feel-good pick-me-up!” It’s been a month since I started using it, and I’m already feeling better. A big part of that is thanks to my stationery.



This is a series where we introduce the stationery we’re obsessed with, so let me do just that!

■Tape Cutter



I have a dedicated box for washi tape at home, but I’ve been so busy that I haven’t even been able to open it… That’s why I’ve recently fallen in love with this tape cutter◎

You just set your most-used washi masking tapes on the left and right... and snip!



It looks like a cassette tape, which is so cute, and it’s small enough that it doesn’t get in the way even if I leave it out on my desk. I like leaving it out, because having it within arm’s reach means I end up using my tapes more often.

■ Stickers that slowly lift my spirits



I decided that I wanted to be a bit gentler with myself and give myself more compliments this year, so I bought these “Reward Stickers” by Nancy Seki.

The charming lines of the eraser-stamp style and those unique facial expressions are just so good, right? I’m just waiting for chances to use them.



I’ll compliment even the littlest thing!

■Water-based Markers



I’ve been using water-based markers for several years now. It’s fun to draw lines with a Pigma pen (which doesn't smudge when wet) and then fill them in with markers, but I also enjoy quickly sketching illustrations using almost just one color.


If you scribble a few lines with the brush tip of the marker...


You can give the colored areas a quick stroke with a water brush.


Add some color to the cheeks, and it’s done in 30 seconds! The slight bleeding of the water-based ink makes it extra cute.

Stationery I’ve used

・Tombow ABT 528 (Navy Blue)
・Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush No.029 (Red)
・Staedtler Water Brush Fine Tip 949 03

Lately, I’ve been drawing a lot of quick sketches with these three. Being able to draw something cute so easily really lifts my mood!

■SALMON LOVE



Last up is my book band. I really love salmon. And one day, Kawamura from the techo team gave me this salmon band.

How cuuuute!!

I wrap the band around my techo and use the inside to tuck in stickers that don't quite fit in the pockets.



Just carrying it around makes me happy. Opening my techo makes me happy. Salmon makes me happy.

***

I’m typically the type to completely fill my pages with illustrations and text, but this year I want to incorporate more pasting and keep things easy and fun◎

Because of that, I’ve found myself with more items that I simply love the look of this year. Using them is fun, of course, but just looking at them makes me happy, too.

And those are the stationery I’m most obsessed with right now! Look forward to the next update!

Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s already February? Have you gotten used to your new techos yet? As the opening batter, let me be the first to step up to the plate and introduce the stationery I like, no—it’s a level beyond that—the ones I’m obsessed with.

Leadoff hitter, right field (writing), Kawamura. Throws right, bats left. Favorite gear: writing tools.


I tried lining up the various pens I’ve collected over the years.

I was at a loss. These are items I’ve bought domestically or internationally in cities such as Taipei, Shanghai, Seoul, Paris, London, New York, and beyond. While the feel and functionality of Japanese manufacturers are undoubtedly the best, I find myself helplessly drawn to stationery from overseas.

I have wonderful friends who send me ballpoint pens from hotels and airlines, saying things like, “You’re a pen lover, right?” So, you get an idea about how much I like stationery, and how much I have but... The one that I’m obsessed with is...

The most primitive of all stationery, the pencil.


I use a pencil extender for leftover pencil stubs.

I suppose you could say I’ve traveled far and wide, run in circles, and finally arrived back at this state of mind. If you hold it along your index finger without bending the knuckle and let it glide, you can write smoothly without applying any pressure. The silky sensation of graphite sliding across white paper and the rhythmic “scratch-scratch” sound are music to my ears. And when the tip rounds off? That’s my signal to take a break.

Grinding the pencil in a rotary sharpener with a turn of the handle feels like a fresh start. There’s something so divine about using a freshly sharpened pencil.

Computers and tablets are daily necessities, but when it comes to writing manuscripts at my desk or doing editorial work, paper and pencil remain indispensable.


I just wanted to show you this giant eraser. Also, that thing that looks like a twin-lens reflex camera is a pencil sharpener.

My techo’s current partners include a ballpoint pen and an HB pencil tucked into a “Mimic”—a celluloid pencil extender from the shop Gojuon in Ginza.

My “cleanup hitters” also include a Tombow MONO B pencil with a Faber-Castell sharpener cap and the Palomino Blackwing, which has a soft lead and an outstanding writing feel.

Recently, I read in a book that “a 1.2mm mechanical pencil allows for the fastest writing.” This gave me an uncontrollable urge for a thick-lead pencil, so I bought the Stabilo EASYergo 1.4. It’s a mechanical pencil designed for children that doesn’t cause fatigue even after long use, and the green and pink colors are lovely. They even make a left-handed version. It’s become a go-to for jotting down notes and diary entries.


I put them in a ziplock bag. It looks like they’ll be used as evidence somewhere.

I haven't exactly stored or organized these carefully enough to call it a collection; most of these writing tools were bought blindly and remain almost new. No matter how hard I try, I’ll never be able to use them all up in this lifetime, so I’m thinking of donating them to a charity that accepts stationery. I find it hard to part with the pencils that have become tiny stubs, but I heard there are manufacturers that hold memorial services for them, so I might look into that soon as well.

Right now, the stationery I’m obsessed with are pencils and things pencil-adjacent. Tune in next time, when another member will share their current obsession!

Hello, I’m Airi from the Hobonichi Techo team.
On Sunday, December 21, we held the Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan in Fukui Prefecture for the very first time! This time, the event took place at Horita Life Canvasin Echizen City—a stationery shop that adds color to everyday life. The venue was chosen based on a recommendation we received from Hobonichi Techo users. For this event, four of us—Airi, Aizawa, Wakana, and Okada—made the visit. We were deeply touched by everyone’s warmth that day, so much so that we forgot all about the cold December weather.

Let’s take a look back at the day together.

●Our first visit to Fukui

It may have been raining, but with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 15°C, it turned out to be a very comfortable day.


From the left, Wakana, Airi and Aizawa. Okada met us at the closest station to the shop.



Fukui Station is full of dinosaur sculptures.

●A space filled with love for stationery

We arrived at Horita Life Canvas which is situated right next to Takefu Central Park.



Just inside the entrance, on the right, we were able to use an open, airy space filled with light from a large window.



When we stepped into the staff room prepared for us, we found the most wonderful welcome board waiting inside! We were already so grateful just to be able to use the space—being welcomed so warmly like this truly touched us. After finishing our preparations for the Meeting Caravan, we each took some time to browse the shop. The space was filled with beautiful stationery, but what especially caught our eye was this “pen street!”




I was amazed not only by the sheer variety of pens, but also by how easy they were to find thanks to the thoughtful layout.


It wasn’t just stationery, either—there were shelves lined with charming sundries and food items as well.

Here’s what I bought:



This ink is an original color inspired by Fukui’s calm, gentle scenery. Every time I use it, it’ll bring back memories of this day.

● Starting the Meeting Caravan!

Everyone arrived about five minutes before the scheduled start time, so we were able to begin a little early. Along with local participants from Fukui, we were happy to welcome those who had traveled all the way from Kyoto! We split into two tables and got started.

＼Team A／

Team A had a diverse mix of participants, ranging from a first—timer starting in 2026 to longtime users who have been using the techo for around 15 years.



This is the opening page of a participant’s techo. It was incredibly encouraging to hear them say, “I look to Instagram and YouTube for ideas on how to use my techo.”



One participant even brought along New Year’s cards from Nemukuma, as well as postcards from events held at Hobo Nichiyobi. Seeing how people enjoy Hobonichi’s content and treasure these little mementos truly makes us happy.




All the techos were so chunky!


One participant shared that they create a cohesive look by “selecting stickers that match the colors of their daily tear—off calendar”—such a clever idea! We learned so many fun ways to enjoy our techos and can’t wait to try them ourselves.

＼Team B／



At Team B’s table, it was a delightful coincidence: two participants had decorated similarly for the “Turning the page to a new year” opening page. After talking, we discovered that they were both inspired by the same YouTuber, Makko: Life with Techo and Cats.


↑Another discovery—they both use a Stappo too!





Two elementary school students also joined Team B. They shared how they enjoy their techo by drawing illustrations and four—panel comics. Their mother mentioned: "With a blank notebook, it’s difficult to store pages once they’re removed or if the size is large, but the A6 HON is easy to keep.” It was wonderful to see that the Hobonichi Techo is enjoyed by people of all ages—from kids to adults.

●Special guest: Sano from Horita Life Canvas



Sano, a staff member at Horita Life Canvas who has used a Hobonichi Techo for over ten years, popped in to join us. He shared that “Thanks to the Hobonichi Techo, I ended up in this line of work,” which was incredibly moving for us.

●Wrap things up with a group photo

The 90—minute event flew by! To wrap things up, we took a commemorative photo in front of the shop’s iconic tree with the participants and our crew.



It was a Meeting Caravan filled with happiness and gratitude.

●Bonus: The crew enjoying Fukui

Though our time was limited, we managed to enjoy a little of Fukui ourselves.


Okada joined us on the way home.




The station was full of fun photo spots.





We each enjoyed some local Fukui specialties on the Shinkansen ride home! Being a foodie, I couldn't resist, so I ate both sushi and station soba.





We received more than twice the number of applications for this event than we could accommodate, so some people were unfortunately unable to attend. We plan to hold more Meeting Caravans in various locations, so please look forward to them!

To everyone who joined the Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan in Fukui—thank you so much for a wonderful day!