Hello, I’m Wenlai. My current ‘obsessions’ are definitely my tool boxes.



It was love at first sight a few years ago when I found this “Nice Tool Box.” It was created as a collaboration between the stationery shop Sublo in Kichijoji, Tokyo and the illustrator Toshiyuki Fukuda.



This somewhat somber orange and the heartwarming, simple illustration... I’m sure many of you find this quite nostalgic. When I was in elementary school, everyone used to have a tool box just like this tucked inside their desks.

Currently, I use this box in my locker at work. I use “Small Everlasting ‘Paper’ Bags” as dividers to keep all those little items that tend to get scattered neatly in one place.


I feel kind of bad that none of this is related to my work…

Since I’ve stuffed it nearly to the brim, I leave the lid off and prop it up in the back.

Every day, when I stop by my locker and see the lion’s face, I feel a little sense of relief. I love it so much that I even bought a second one.





I thought it was the ‘Lovely Tool Box’, but it was actually the ‘Super Lovely Tool Box.’ This must be Toshiyuki Fukuda-san’s own sense of humor at work. I can’t get enough of it!



These are my tool boxes from home. They were originally packaging for snacks and tea. Let me introduce my ‘Empty Box’ series.



My MOTHER Mr. Saturn cookie tin holds my washi tape, and my Miknits tin is packed full of stickers.

The pen case in the front, which looks quite ordinary at first glance, originally held tea bags from Ont’adore. The hibiscus tea was highly aromatic and delicious, but I can’t deny that I really bought it for the tin case itself.



This paper box with its stylish font and colors holds my larger washi tapes, mini ink bottles, and the various minerals I collect as a hobby.

I first got to know the letterpress studio “Letterpress Letters” through our collaboration on the “Printers Drawer” drawer pouch with Mitsunobu Hosoyamada. The first floor of the studio is a café that sells handmade baked goods in these boxes.

I had the chance to talk with the studio staff quite a bit while staffing the letterpress shop during last year’s Joy of Life exhibition. Apparently, even the text on these snack boxes is printed using letterpress!



It’s not just the tool boxes I bought for their design; even the empty repurposed boxes each have their own little story. Because they hold the memory of the joy of receiving them or the deliciousness of the food inside, keeping them close by makes me feel at peace.

Please look forward to the next update!

Hey, I’m Ayagi. I’d like to introduce some of my favorite stationery that I use alongside my techo.



I usually stick to a black pen for writing, but these are the tools I reach for whenever I feel like adding a splash of color to the pages.

1. Compact Colored Pencil Set “Mini Staff”

First up is this card-sized colored pencil set. It’s incredibly tiny and just so cute!



I thought it might be hard to tell exactly how small it is from a photo alone, so I lined up a 100-yen coin next to it for scale.



Maybe it’s about the length of two coins? Even though it’s this small and adorable, it’s a complete set with 12 colored pencils, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener. It’s so convenient for carrying around.



I love that it comes in a business-card sized case. It fits perfectly into the inner pocket of my Original A6 techo cover.



I always keep it tucked in my techo cover so that whenever the urge to draw hits me while I’m out, I can quickly add some color. Despite their size, the colors are beautiful and vivid.

2. The “ZIG Clean Color Real Brush” pens

The second item I recommend is a set of color brush pens for those times when you want to put a little more effort into your coloring.



They come in various set sizes, but I personally use the 36-color set.



Just look at how many shades of green there are! With 36 colors, you’ll usually find the color you’re looking for.



Just drawing a picture with a black ballpoint pen, then adding a quick light wash of color looks pretty good, right? You can even layer the colors to create gradients. That soft, watercolor-like bleed is just irresistible.

***

Those were my current obsessions. Thank you for reading and if you ever feel like adding some color to your techo, please give these a try!

Look forward to the next post soon!

Hey, I’m Kawabata. Are you enjoying everyone's stationery “obsessions”? Today is my turn to join the fun! For starters, I’d like to show you my transparent pouch I use to store my techo and stationery.

FolderSys
Multi Compartment Zip Bag A5


The charm on the zipper is the official mascot of Suginami Ward. As a former resident, I’m still cheering him on. Come on Namisuke!!

I’ve never been very good at staying organized. When I carry small stationery items around, they tend to end up scattered everywhere—in my bag, my jacket pockets, you name it. Even though I carry plenty of sticky tabs with me, I’d always find myself panicking because “I can’t find them!” That’s when I started wandering around the internet and discovered this pouch.

There were two deciding factors.

1) It’s transparent
If I can’t see what’s inside, I immediately forget about it, and checking the contents is a chore.

2) Separate pockets
Having separate “rooms” (pockets) for pens, tabs, and my techo prevents anything from getting buried. It also makes taking things in and out so convenient!




There are three pockets on the front and one on the back, each with its own zipper. You only have to open the pocket you need—a true lifesaver for the lazy!

This pouch was born in Germany, and I purchased mine through the HIGHTIDE online store.

The second item I just can’t resist is this set of yokai stickers!

Yokai-sha
Yokai Narabe Stickers



On the left is my Smooth: Melon Sorbet Weeks. I love the color and the way it feels!

I bought these stickers at the “Kitaro Chaya” (a GeGeGe no Kitaro-themed café) near Jindaiji Temple during my first shrine visit of the year.


A single sheet packed with 150 different yokai!

Their small size makes them perfect for the Weeks’ monthly calendar!


An important date* for a freelancer like me. I wrote it in my techo a day early (a small lesson learned!). *Calendar's text reads: tax return

The back of the sticker sheet has a QR code for a website where you can look up the names of all the yokai. This is a relief for a total beginner like me, who only really knows the famous ones like “Sunakake-babaa.”By the way, the yokai pictured above are “Sazae-oni” and “Kijimuna.”

Finally, I’d like to introduce my Hobonichi Whiteboard Calendar.


My family's schedule got scribbled in the second it arrived. There's a note for the “Dentist” that I would surely have forgotten otherwise.

Since I started using this last year, it has become indispensable. My schedule for the month naturally catches my eye every day, which helps me live with a bit more foresight...! Because you can write and erase freely, I can jot down tentative plans without any hesitation, which really suits my personality.


That thing is here, too. (I really should just finish it and get it over with...)

Writing this Techo News entry made me realize how grateful I am that tools like these exist—tools that allow even a scatterbrain like me to manage my belongings and my schedule. (And to the yokai: thank you for the touch of humor...)

Please continue to enjoy the “Obsessed with this Stationery” stories from the rest of the techo team!

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!