The Weeks cover features a botanical illustration of the Yamazakura cherry tree by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1900. This is the second illustration, which shows a diagram of the cherry tree, following the first illustration which showed the whole shape of the tree.



At the time, Dr. Makino chose the Yamazakura, meaning “mountain cherry,” as a symbolic Japanese plant for the opening illustration of his “Flora Japonica” book. In the second illustration, the branches, leaves, fruits and seeds of the Yamazakura were observed and drawn, with the parts arranged in a good balance.



The rough cloth cover is inspired from the image of a canvas. The botanical illustrations, born from a keen eye for observation, knowledge, and experience, make this techo an ideal companion for your daily life.







The illustrations were drawn about 120 years ago during the Meiji Era, using loupes and microscopes for detailed observation and creating drawings that show the structures of various parts. Using a Makie painting brush with a bundle of mouse hairs, even the smallest details of leaves and fruits are expressed clearly through shading.







Letters written below the stunning botanical illustration “PRUNUS PSEUDO - CERASUS, Lindl., α. SPONTANEA, Maxim.” represent the scientific name of the Yamazakura cherry tree. The notation “ra-ku-za-ma-ya” spelled in hiragana reflects the writing style of the Meiji Era, written from right to left, instead of left to right.

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

We also have a Hobonichi Pencil Board fitted for the Weeks size designed with a botanical illustration drawn by Dr. Tomitaro Makino. This is a pencil board with botanical illustrations of a global thistle, cornflower, chamomile, and calendula printed on it.







You might also like the additional products in collaboration with Dr. Tomitaro Makino’s botanical illustration! They include an Original size techo cover “Koshinso,” Weeks book “Yamazakura (Diagram),” Hobonichi pencil boards in two sizes, Hobonichi Plain Notebook in A6 and A5 sizes, and the Postcard book available at the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden.