Gurunpa’s KindergartenWeeks Hardcover Book

Gurunpa’s Kindergarten is a beloved children’s book from over 50 years ago, first released in 1965. The longtime favorite book was written by Minami Nishiuchi and illustrated by Seiichi Horiuchi. The story stars Gurunpa the large elephant, who works at all kinds of places, including a shoe store, piano factory, automobile factory, and more.



Seiichi Horiuchi was active as an art director in a variety of fields, including magazine design and serialized travel journals. Gurunpa’s Kindergarten was one of the masterpieces of his work, and is the artwork featured on this Weeks book.



The artwork used on the front cover pictures Gurunpa carrying things he has made: a big biscuit, a plate and a shoe.







The cover has been constructed as a light, hardcover book with some give to it so it still bends. The base is off-white, and the book spine is filled with color.







Gurunpa always stands up to a challenge; if he fails, he gets back up again. What a great character to spend the next year with.



We’ve also made a pencil board with this design that would go well with the cover.



When you order this Hobonichi Techo Weeks, you’ll receive a clear, adhesive corner pocket you can stick anywhere you like.







When you purchase your Hobonichi Techo through the online Hobonichi Store, you will receive a free 2023-edition (navy x brown pen body) Hobonichi Store exclusive 3-color Jetstream ballpoint pen (available while supplies last).







If you’d like storage space or a way to change up the look of your Weeks book, you can customize your book by pairing it with a Weeks cover.



See Weeks cover lineup




The Hobonichi Techo 2023 Weeks books now come in English versions. This cover is available for you to choose your preferred language.







*The English version is only available as the January start version.

Text © Minami Nishiuchi 1965
Illustrations © Seiichi Horiuchi 1965

Minami Nishiuchi

Born in 1938 in Kyoto. Graduated from Tokyo Women’s University. Worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency after graduating. At the encouragement of Seiichi Horiuchi, wrote Gurunpa’s Kindergarten, her first children’s book. Has since released many other children’s books, including Yu and the Troublesome Rhino (published by Fukuinkan Shoten) and When You Think It, Do It! (published by Kogumasha).



Seiichi Horiuchi

1932-1987

Born in Tokyo. Worked as a graphic designer for several publications including camera and fashion magazines. Also illustrated many children’s books, including How Many Cars?, Branky the Black Horse, Stop, Taro!, Crossing the Snow, The Secret Garden (all published by Fukuinkan Shoten), and The Doll’s House (published by Iwanami Shoten).

Staff List

Photographer
Styled Images: Nobuki Kawaharazaki / Product Detail: Hiroyuki Oe
Stylist
Ayano Nakai
Gurunpa’s KindergartenWeeks Hardcover Book
2,970

Normal
Available
10

Specifications

Overview
SizeH: 188 x W: 94 x T: 10 mm / H: 7.4" x W: 3.7" x T: 0.4"
*Specifications may vary slightly
WeightApprox. 140 g
Main materialPaper
Weeks Book (English / January Start)
LanguageEnglish
Pages 240 pages
Paper Type / Binding Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.55 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar2022, 2023, 2024
Yearly IndexJan. - Dec. 2023 (2 pages)
Monthly CalendarDec. 2022 - Mar. 2024 (32 pages)
Daily QuotesOne per week (English)
Weekly CalendarNov. 28, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2023 (114 pages)
*All weekly pages include quotes.
Graph Paper75 pages
Bonus PagesShorthand Note-Taking / Using Common Items to Measure Size / Favorites / My 100 / My Favorite Things / How to Better Enjoy Conversation / 365 Days Check-Off Sheet / Contact List / Personal Notes
Listed InformationWeek of the year / Moon phase (weekly pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Weeks Book (Japanese / April Start)
LanguageJapanese
Pages240 pages
Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.55 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar2022, 2023, 2024
Yearly IndexApr. 2023 - Mar. 2024 (2 pages)
Monthly CalendarMar. 2023 - Apr. 2024 (28 pages)
Daily QuotesOne per week (Japanese)
Weekly Pages Feb. 27, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024 (114 pages)
*All weekly pages include quotes.
Graph Paper75 pages
Bonus PagesShorthand Note-Taking / Using Common Items to Measure Size / My 100 / Solar Terms / My Favorite Things / How to Better Enjoy Conversation / Emergency Preparedness / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Contact List / Personal Notes
Listed InformationWeek of the year / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese calendar) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (weekly pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Weeks Book (Japanese / January Start)
LanguageJapanese
Pages 240 pages
Paper Type / Binding Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.55 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar2022, 2023, 2024
Yearly IndexJan. - Dec. 2023 (2 pages)
Monthly CalendarDec. 2022 - Mar. 2024 (32 pages)
Daily QuotesOne per week (Japanese)
Weekly CalendarNov. 28, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2023 (114 pages)
*All weekly pages include quotes.
Graph Paper71 pages
Bonus PagesShorthand Note-Taking / Using Common Items to Measure Size / My 100 / Solar Terms / My Favorite Things / How to Better Enjoy Conversation / Emergency Preparedness / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Contact List / Personal Notes
Listed InformationWeek of the year / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese calendar) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (weekly pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details

Please Read Before You Buy

In order to provide you with the most satisfaction for your product, we've compiled a list of warnings, potential issues, and tips to keep in mind for this particular product. Please be sure to read this information carefully before placing your order.

Test fountain pens before regular use

The Hobonichi Techo's Tomoe River paper is designed to prevent bleed-through, but some fountain pens and water-based ink pens are not compatible with this paper. When switching to a new pen, we recommend testing the pen somewhere in the book, such as the back memo pages, to see if the ink bleeds through or takes an especially long time to dry.

Cover corners are slightly bumpy and shiny

The corners of the cover contain light traces of press marks, shines, and lumps. This is an unavoidable part of the manufacturing process.

Coloring may stain other objects

The dye in the cover may stain other objects if it rubs against or sticks to them, especially if the cover is wet from water or sweat from your hands. Please store with care.

Imprinted year numbers may peel

The numbers of the year are stamped onto the cover in metallic or other colored leaf, so strong rubbing or everyday use may cause the numbers to peel off.

Avoid storing in hot and humid places

Please avoid storing your product in hot, humid places or placing it atop other objects for long periods of time as this may result in lower quality and color stains.