There is stationery I use every day. There is stationery I feel a deep connection to. There is stationery I’ve bought on impulse, and tools I’ve chosen strictly for their practicality. But what about stationery I’m “obsessed” with?

Looking at the articles everyone else has written, everyone seems to have their own reasons: love, excitement, a bit of a mood-lifter, or that special spark of joy. All of them are wonderful. I even find myself getting a little envious. When an author is happy, it makes the reader happy, too.

So, what about me? I searched my pencil case, peered into my drawers at home, and even checked my locker at work, but... hmmm. Everything I’ve bought has its own reason, and while you could say I’m obsessed with them in a way, I felt like there was still some discovered, even more charming stationery out there.

In my search for something irresistable, I visited many stationery shops and, let me show you my new obsession.

Tada!



The Faber-Castell “PITT GRAPHITE” (the barrel is marked with the German “GRAPHIT”). First off, look at it… it’s irresistible, isn’t it? While a normal pencil is encased in a wooden barrel, this pencil is made entirely out of graphite. That lustrous charcoal grey is simply beautiful.

When I first saw it in the shop, I was struck by how incredibly thick it was.I picked it up, wondering how on earth someone would use it. As it turns out, it’s designed for sketching. If you hold it upright, you can draw lines like a regular pencil; if you lay it on its side, you can shade broad areas like a crayon. You can smudge it for a blur effect, and since it’s a pencil, you can even rub it out with an eraser.



Here is the tip. It’s so good. Since it’s 100% graphite, I wonder if the tip will become rounded with use? It’s too thick for a standard pencil sharpener, so I suppose I’ll have to use a utility knife. After a bit of research, it seems people even use sandpaper to hone the point. There’s something undeniably cool about that.



And here is the base. The way the hexagonal cross-section creates that lined pattern is just stylish.

The hardness of this pencil is “6B.” I’ve only ever used up to 4B before, so even just the number “6B” alone got me excited. Perhaps 6B is common for those who do sketches, but isn’t there a sense of romance in owning something "over-spec" that you’d never normally use in daily life?

Like a supercar with a top speed of 300 km/h, a diver’s watch waterproof to 1000 m, or a down jacket that can withstand ?40°C. Pencils are much more common, and at 550 yen, this is an extreme comparison, but I felt a similar kind of thrill. It’s not about asking, “When are you actually going to use that?” That’s beside the point. Just holding it feels amazing.

I don’t sketch in my daily life—in fact, my usual writing instruments are mostly ballpoint or fountain pens—but since I have it here, let’s give it a try.



I spent about 20 minutes drawing, and it felt just like being back in middle school art class. The lines come out dark without needing much pressure, making the drawing experience very effortless. My hands didn’t even get as dirty as I expected. I wonder how a truly skilled artist would utilize this pencil. I think I’ll try this out occasionally and let this “obsession” grow.

Look forward to the next “Obsessed with this Stationery” update!

Hey, it’s Airi. I wasn't sure which items to showcase at first, but then I thought that “I’m obsessed with anything featuring a ghost motif!”—So let me introduce you to my collection of ghostly stationery.


There’s a wide mix of both plump and slender ghosts in my collection.

The first thing I’d like to showcase is my favorite tear-off calendar.



It’s so exciting to see a different ghost every day. I’ve been pasting each day’s page into my techo.

I love this clear postcard, too!



It fits the A6 techo perfectly, so I’ve sandwiched it inside my Alettone cover to use as a makeshift pencil board.

I often use these sticky notes for little memos.


Text reads: “I’m obsessed with ghost stationery!”

They are perfect for adding a short message to a present or a quick thank-you note when returning something I’ve borrowed.

Because stickers are so cute that I end up collecting too many, I only let myself pick the ones I’ve thought really long and hard about.



Usually, I try not to buy stamps (because I’d want to collect so many), so this is the only one I own.


The speech bubble is handy and easy to use.

Since I’ve been vocal about my love for ghosts, and recently gave me these ghost stickers as a present!


I’m so happy! They’re so cuuute!

I’m often asked, “Why do you like ghosts?” and to be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. I just love the way they look. I can’t get enough of their white, rounded silhouettes and those unreadable expressions on their faces.

Please look forward to the next Techo News post!

Hi, I’m Liam. I was initially worried about this Techo News theme, until, looking over my stationery, I noticed something. Perhaps something obvious, perhaps a little surprising. Of all my stationery, the item I have the most of is “Jetstream pens.” Each one is well-worn, with its own personality and charm.



Back when I was living in England, good pens weren’t easy to come by. I had to order them specially from Amazon Japan or receive them as gifts from friends there. Through that trial and error, I did eventually develop my own preference, which, as you may have guessed, was for the Jetstream 3-color or 4-in-1 pens.

In fact, once in a café, a person at the next table struck up a conversation, asking, “Hey, isn’t that a Hobonichi pen?” From there, we became friends while discussing our shared Hobonichi thoughts and experiences. To think that a simple pen could be the gateway to friendship... And it wasn’t just that one time. It’s happened at university, libraries, workplaces, all over. After all, a Jetstream goes with me everywhere.

These pens have been with me now, used every single day for the past... what? Eight years or so? If that isn’t an “obsession,” then I’m not sure what is. They might not be flashy, but they’re reliable and steadfast friends that have stayed with me through thick and thin. Thank you.

▲ I love them so much that I even repair them with tape if the barrel cracks.

The “Obsessed with this Stationery” series will continue. Please look forward to the next post!

Hello, I’m Annen and here are my top 5 pens that I’m obsessed with right now.



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【No. 1】 Pilot / Juice+ 0.4mm
【No. 2】 KACO / Pantone Ballpoint Pen 0.5mm





A recent favorite is the Juice+. The thin pen tip is perfect for writing within the squares on graph paper or for jotting down tiny characters. I also love the original “Juice Up” series, but the new “Juice+” feels a bit lighter, which I think makes it even easier to write smoothly.

(*The Juice+ in the photo has a black refill in a lavender body.)

The second favorite is the Pantone ballpoint pen. It may look simple at first glance, but there's a twist: when you click it to extend the tip, a tiny heart pops out! I can’t get enough of it. It uses gel ink, so the writing experience is amazing too.



As it’s a collaboration with Pantone, the wide range of colors available for the pen barrel is another part of its charm.

▼I couldn't decide which one to get, so I ended up buying three. I’m currently using the pink one to match my techo’s cover.


I use these two pens for my “input log” (where I record movies, books, and exhibitions).

▼I use the Pantone pen for titles on the left page, and the Juice+ for the smaller text on the right page.


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【No. 3】 Marble Pen: Neon & Neon Glitter



These pens, with several colors mixed together, make writing so much fun! I’m totally obsessed with the vibrant neon colors.

▼If you look closely at the “Neon Glitter” version, you can see the twinkling sparkle of glitter.


I use these to jot down words or quotes that really resonate with me.

▼I feel like the words carry even more weight when written with this unique, shifting color gradient.


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【No. 4】 Caran d’Ache for ARTS & SCIENCE Mechanical Pencil



The fourth is the Caran d’Ache for ARTS & SCIENCE Mechanical Pencil. I had been looking for a pen that would suit the Tolight techo cover I chose for this year, and when I saw this, I knew it was the one.

▼The way it sits in the techo’s butterfly stopper is just beautiful.


▼It also features the ARTS&SCIENCE key logo.


Beyond the stunning design, the slightly thick hexagonal barrel fits perfectly in the hand, making it very easy to write with. The body is made of a single part with no joints or seams, giving it a very stable feel.

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【No. 5】 MARVY / DecoColor Premium



The final item is the DecoColor Premium, gold and silver metallic markers. I hope this intense shimmer comes through in the photo, because they have a much more brilliant sheen compared to other standard silver and gold pens...

Since these are oil-based markers, they can be used on various materials like glass and metal as well as paper. If you’re worried about ink bleeding through the paper, I recommend writing on a sticky note and then pasting it into your techo.

▼They look lovely when paired with slightly darker colors, like the TSUKI no IRO sticky notes.


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Bonus
To house my ever-growing collection of pens, I use this BIG mug-shaped pouch from MILO.

▼ You can see its huge size when compared to an Original size techo.


It’s convenient because you can store pens upright. At a quick count, I have over 50 pens in here!



Please look forward to the next update!

Coo coo, just Asako flapping on by. My recent stationery obsession is...



A Hato Sablé...



... Sticky note!
It looks just like a miniature version of the cookie—how cute!


▲Are you a head-first or tail-first eater? Personally, I’m a total tail-starter.

Here is how it looks compared to the edible Hato Sablé. I only realized this once I lined them up, but the color is a bit lighter than the real cookie. I wonder if that’s to make it easier to read what you’ve written?



In contrast to the crispy, crunchy texture of the real cookies, the case for these sticky notes is soft and fluffy.



The size is about that of a large sticker, so it seems perfect for making important plans stand out in your techo.



There’s a decent amount of writing space, but not too much, so it’s also handy for adding a quick little note when handing something over to someone.





The formal name of these sticky notes is “Hatotto Itte - Fluffy Ver.” Apparently, they are only sold at the Toshimaya main store in Kamakura.

The reason I’m writing “apparently” as if it’s someone else’s business is because I didn’t actually go and buy them myself. When I first learned about these sticky notes, I wanted them so badly I couldn't sit still! I resorted to the sneaky tactic of asking a colleague who lives in Kamakura to buy them for me. I’m so sorry.



The Hato Sablé is really something, just look how passionate I’ve become. Anyways, thanks for reading and please look forward to the next post!

Coo coo.

Hey, it’s Momoko. I like colors. Reds, blues, oranges, all of them. And, among them, I like neon colors the best.



I typically only wear blacks and grays, so I always want my accessories to bring that burst of vibrant color. Especially my stationery. It can’t just be showy, but has to be interesting and well designed, too.

Looking at the same, flat and cold computer screen every day is, how can I say this... well, boring. So, when my eyes drift, letting them fall on something colorful perks me up. Just like listening to some music to change your mood, I think I just feel the need to look at and touch "things" with color.

This paper file is a vibrant red with a massive ! mark right in the center. It stands out more than any other file.



I bought it thinking, “If I have this, I might come up with some great ideas!” or “This will surely come in handy for work!” But strangely enough, once I put documents into this file, I immediately forget what I put in there. I’ve started affectionately calling it my ? file.

Old stationery is irresistible, too.


I’m obsessed with my old stationery too. This was the stapler and magnifying glass I bought when I first headed out to work. A stylish but slightly difficult-to-handle business card case I inherited from a senior colleague. This Staedtler mechanic pencil and pair of scissors were bought because a designer I admired used them. These are all items I’ve been with for over 20 years, and I just can't let them go.

They’ve worn with age and have become a bit harder to use, but I love that about them, too.



I keep aaaaall of these stationery items in this Doraemon ankipan (Memory bread) pouch. When you gather a bunch of flashy things in one place, it starts to look like a toy box, which I really like. I’m truly obsessed with any stationery that makes the heart flutter with excitement.

Now, I wonder what kind of stationery the next team member is fascinated by? Look forward to it!

Hello, I’m Yoshida. I keep a Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, but I’m the type who likes to save up my entries and write them all at once on the weekend.

I often spend my “techo time” at my favorite cafes—reading, working, or catching up on my entries. Today, I’d like to introduce the stationery that is essential for these sessions away from home.





The best partner for my Hobonichi 5-Year Techo is the Pilot “Juice Up,” as mentioned here.



Because the space for each day in the 5-Year Techo is on the smaller side, this fine nib is just right. It’s water-based, writes so smoothly, and I feel like it doesn’t bleed through very much, either. I once had a great time chatting with about how it’s such a perfect match for the 5-Year Techo!



When I want to use a fountain pen, I reach for my “Kaweco Classic Sport.” It’s compact and perfect for carrying around. There are several nib sizes available, but I personally use the F (Fine) nib.


Since it’s quite fine, I can write to fit the grid of the 5-Year Techo like this.


I also love the design of the cap. It’s a treasure I received from a colleague when I moved to a new job.



Since I had other work to do on this day, I also brought along some sticky notes for my todo list. These are the “Sticky Memo Todo List” by suatelier. For someone like me who is forgetful and whose thoughts tend to wander here and there, sticky notes are absolutely indispensable.

Whenever I suddenly remember a small task while working—like “Oh, I need to email Mr. 〇〇” or “I should hand over that document”—I jot it down on a sticky note right away. I can then move them freely between my techo, my desk, or my computer. That versatility is the best thing about sticky notes.

Thanks for reading, and please look forward to the next update!

Hello, I’m Mizunoya. Let me introduce my current stationery obsessions that make opening my techo even more fun.



■Paddlers Coffee Original Daily Calendar


I wanted to try using a daily tear-off calendar in 2026, so I did a lot of searching on Instagram and happened to find this one.

The design for every single day is just wonderful, and I love the color palettes—they’re absolutely irresistible. The paper is thin, so I’ve been enjoying pasting them into my Cousin.


Setsubun featured cute oni. Since it was a day I wrote about Ehomaki sushi rolls, I used black washi tape to give it a “seaweed-like feel.”

Tearing off a page each night as I write is so much fun. Since I know pasting it in will instantly make my techo look great, this calendar is what helps me keep going!

■peca Labeler Roll Stickers


I bought these labeler roll stickers at a stationery shop called “peca” that I visited during a trip to Osaka in February. Anyway, they are so cute and you get such a huge amount! It was my first time buying labeler roll stickers, and every time I use them, I’m so happy knowing there’s still so many left…



I’m still thinking about how to use them all, but I’ve decided to paste this “Zzz” sticker on my life log page on days when I sleep for 7 hours. I’m the type of person who needs proper sleep, so I’m hoping that the desire to paste these stickers will stop me from staying up too late. It’s the same logic as the stamps you get for doing radio calisthenics during the summer vacation. The laid-back style of the illustrations is also irresistibly cute.

■ GLOO Roller Tape Adhesive


has already introduced this in her post, but I also love using this removable tape adhesive. The head swivels around to retract into the body, so you never lose the lid, and the clicking sound it makes when you move it is so satisfying that I find myself reaching for this tape glue automatically.

taught me a super duper convenient method for managing flake stickers. All you do is apply the tape glue to a notebook and stick the stickers on it. I feel like organizing them this way has increased how often I use them. It’s wonderful to be able to see exactly which designs you have and how many of each!




Being able to lay them out like this is convenient for choosing, whether you have lots of flake stickers with similar designs or ones that are all different.

We introduced this method in detail in a Hobonichi Techo official YouTube Short, so if you’re curious, please take a look.

If you paste them on facing pages, there is a possibility that the adhesive might transfer to the other stickers when they run low, so if that concerns you, I think the single-page method shown in the video is best!

We also carry it at the Hobonichi Store, so please check it out if you’re interested.
GLOO Roller Tape Adhesive
(Currently out of stock, but we plan to restock. We will inform you on the store page as soon as details are decided.)

These were my most irresistible items. These posts are troubling me, since every time I read one, I want to buy more and more stationery but... please look forward to the team’s other stationery obsessions.

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 caf? 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!