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Taro OkamotoGolden MaskA5 Size (fits Cousin)

  • 2024 New

The Tower of the Sun monument was erected for the 1970 World’s Fair in Osaka and stands about 70 meters tall. It remains to this day as a powerful presence in the Osaka Expo Park and is one of Taro Okamoto’s most famous works. The tower is regarded as a symbol of the energy of all things generated through the past, present, and future, and also the center of life. The Golden Mask, which shines at the top of the tower, is featured on the techo cover.




Photo by: Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum



This sparkling gold techo cover has a large image of the Golden Mask. The black sections are embossed to give it texture.







The back of the cover is also embossed with organic lines featured on the body of the tower. It’s mysterious how even this one single line can convey the style of Taro Okamoto.







When you open the cover, you can see the full view of the Tower of the Sun on the inside. Having the tower’s overpowering shape printed inside the cover makes it feel like there’s a powerful energy harnessed inside this cover, even when shut.







The interior pocket shows the Black Sun from the back of the tower, which symbolizes the past. It is printed with glossy black ink on black fabric.







The gold bookmark charms are shaped like the Tower of the Sun.







The Tower of the Sun contains three faces, and the Golden Mask is said to represent the future. With this cover, you can engrave your own future into your techo.

*In the Hobonichi Techo 2024 lineup, the Cousin book is available as the Japanese edition and the English edition.

(The English edition is only available as the January start version.)



About Taro Okamoto

Taro Okamoto moved to Paris in 1929 at 18, where he participated in core organizations of the abstract art movement, and also gained invaluable experience by immersing himself in ethnographic studies at the University of Paris. After returning to Japan in 1940, he developed his avant-garde art in postwar Japan and produced a series of controversial artworks. In 1951, Okamoto first encountered Jomon pottery. He traveled throughout Japan in the late 1950s and created a number of photographs and essays. He designed the Tower of the Sun for the 1970 Osaka World Expo and became a well-known national figure. Even after his death in 1996, he continues to have a great influence on the younger generation.

Bring Taro Okamoto’s works full of life into your own daily life

Both Taro Okamoto’s works and the man himself are filled with energy. Even just the sight of his works is energizing. It goes without saying that Taro Okamoto is one of Japan’s leading artists, but even if someone didn’t know of him, they would still surely feel the power given off by his works. There have been previous Okamoto Taro x Hobonichi Techo covers, based on the Myth of Tomorrow and the Black Sun design. We’d talked many times about how nice it would be if we could make another Taro Okamoto techo, and we’ve finally been able to deliver that this year.



“Simple but strong, and somehow charming.” Our designer compiled this design in a way that could convey the appeal of Okamoto’s artwork.



The Original and Cousin size Golden Mask covers have graceful designs. The main material has an elegant gold color to give it some flavor. There are also several playful designs in the covers, including bookmark charms that are shaped like the Tower of the Sun, and an image of the full tower printed on the cover interior.



The “Three Faces” design for the Weeks looks very simple, but it has an elaborate construction with three different types of foil: black, gold, and silver. The pitch black cover background has a sparkling sheen that gives it a stylish look.



We hope that users can feel more energized and courageous by including the works of Taro Okamoto in their daily lives through the techo.

Staff List

Photographer
Styled Images: Eri Morikawa / Product Detail: Hiroyuki Oe
Stylist
Noriko Miyazaki
Taro OkamotoGolden MaskA5 Size (fits Cousin)
  1. ¥8,415 - ¥10,780(incl. tax)
  2. ¥6,050(incl. tax)

Normal
Available
10

Recommended Techo Books and Covers

Recommended Stationery and Accessories

Compatible Techo Books

  • Cousin (A5)1 page per day
  • Cousin Avec (A5)1 page per day 6-month book
  • Day-FreeMonthly notebook

[Cousin] Daily Pages (English / Japanese Version)

A daily techo with lots of space to write
This A5-size techo provides ample space on each daily page. It’s great for keeping in one place at home or at work and you can use it to track your child’s growth or exchange with someone.
  • Monday-start
  • A5 size
  • Thickness: 18 mm (0.7”)
  • Daily pages
  • Yearly calendar
  • Yearly index
  • Monthly calendar
  • Weekly pages
  • Memo pages

[Cousin Avec] Daily Pages (2-Book Set)

Each 6-month daily techo is thin and light for easy carry
This techo splits the year into two 6-month books, making it easy to carry while keeping the same page design and layout as the standard edition.
  • Monday-start
  • A5 size
  • Thickness: 10 mm (0.4”) each
  • Daily pages
  • Yearly calendar
  • Yearly index
  • Monthly calendar
  • Weekly pages
  • Memo pages

[Day-Free] Monthly Techo + Notebook

A monthly notebook with undated pages to write freely
This techo starts with monthly calendars and ends with undated graph paper pages so you can write whenever you want, and as much as you want.
  • Monday-start
  • A5 size
  • Thickness: 8 mm (0.3”)
  • Monthly calendar
  • Yearly calendar
  • Yearly index
  • Graph paper notebook pages

Specifications

Cover
SizeA5 size
H: 228 x W: 337 x T: 3 mm / H: 9.0" x W: 13.3" x T: 0.1"
*Specifications may vary slightly
WeightApprox. 170 g
Main materialExterior: PU / Interior: PU
Book (Cousin Avec / Japanese / July Start / Single 6-Month Book)
SizeA5 size
H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 10 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.4"
*Actual book size may vary slightly
WeightApprox. 260 g
LanguageJapanese
Pages288 pages
Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly IndexJuly 2024 - June 2025 (4 pages)
Monthly CalendarJune 2024 - Jan. 2025 (16 pages)
Daily PagesJuly 1 - Dec. 31, 2024 (190 pages)
*A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book.
*A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
*All daily pages include daily quotes.
*Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese)
Weekly PagesJuly 1, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 (54 pages)
Memo Pages5 pages
Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Book (Cousin English Edition / English / January Start)
SizeA5 size
H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.7"
*Actual book size may vary slightly"
Weight Approx. 445 g
LanguageEnglish
Pages 544 Pages
Paper Type / Binding Thin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar 2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly IndexJan. 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 pages)
Monthly Calendar Dec. 2023 - Mar. 2025 (32 pages)
Daily PagesJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024 (378 pages)
*A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book.
*A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
*Every two-page daily page spread includes one daily quote.
*Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
Daily Quotes One quote per two-page spread (English)
Weekly Pages Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025 (106 pages)
Memo Pages5 pages
Bonus Pages Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Words to Remember / 365 Days Check-Off Sheet / Getting the Most Out of Your Hobonichi Techo / Gifts / Addresses / Personal Notes
Listed Information Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Book (Cousin / Japanese / April Start)
SizeA5 size
H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7""
*Actual book size may vary slightly
WeightApprox. 445 g
LanguageJapanese
Pages544 pages
Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly IndexApr. 2024 - Mar. 2025 (4 pages)
Monthly CalendarFeb. 2024 - May 2025 (32 pages)
Daily PagesApr. 1, 2024 - Mar. 31, 2025 (377 pages)
*A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book.
*A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
*All daily pages include daily quotes.
*Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese)
Weekly Pages Apr. 1, 2024 - Apr. 6, 2025 (106 pages)
Memo Pages6 pages
Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Book (Cousin / Japanese / January Start)
Size A5 size
H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.7"
*Actual book size may vary slightly
Weight Approx. 445 g
Language Japanese
Pages 544 Pages
Paper Type / Binding Thin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size 3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar 2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly Index Jan. 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 pages)
Monthly Calendar Dec. 2023 - Mar. 2025 (32 pages)
Daily PagesJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024 (378 pages)
*A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book.
*A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
*All daily pages include daily quotes.
*Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
Daily Quotes One per day (Japanese)
Weekly Pages Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025 (106 pages)
Memo Pages5 pages
Bonus Pages Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
Listed Information Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Book (Cousin Avec / Japanese / January Start / 2-Book Set)
SizeA5 size x 2 books
Each Book: H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 10 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.4"
*Actual book size may vary slightly
WeightEach Book: Approx. 260 g
Language Japanese
PagesEach Book: 288 pages
Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size 3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar 2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly IndexBook 1: Jan. - Dec. 2024 (4 pages)
Book 2: July 2024 - June 2025 (4 pages)
Monthly CalendarBook 1: Dec. 2023 - July 2024 (16 pages)
Book 2: June 2024 - Jan. 2025 (16 pages)
Daily PagesBook 1: Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024 (188 pages)
Book 2: July 1 - Dec. 31, 2024 (190 pages)
*A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book.
*A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
*All daily pages include daily quotes.
*Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
Daily Quotes One per day (Japanese)
Weekly PagesBook 1: Jan. 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024 (52 pages)
Book 2: July 1, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 (54 pages)
Memo PagesBook 1: 9 pages
Book 2: 5 pages
Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
Listed Information Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
Book (Day-Free / Japanese / Monthly)
Size A5 size
H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 8 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.3"
*Actual book size may vary slightly
Weight Approx. 220 g
Language Japanese
Pages 224 pages
Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River S paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
Graph Paper Size 3.7 mm
Start of WeekMonday-start week
Yearly Calendar 2023, 2024, 2025
Yearly Index Jan. - Dec. 2024 (4 pages)
Monthly Calendar Dec. 2023 - Mar. 2025 (32 pages)
Weekly Calendar Not included
Daily Quotes Included (Japanese)
Graph Paper171 pages
Bonus Pages Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / An Interview with Myself / Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home / Caring for Your Eyes / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages 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.

Actual specifications may vary from listing

Each item is individually assembled and sewn by hand by a factory worker. Best efforts are made to ensure consistent sizes and specifications, but there may be slight differences.

Color and print may vary slightly

This material is first printed or dyed and then later sewn onto the cover. While colors are designed to be consistent, there may be uneven coloring or slight shade variances between covers. This may also happen across a single cover, such as a pocket compared to the rest of the cover. In addition, on rare occasions, there may be small black or white dots visible on the print. This is an unavoidable aspect of the manufacturing process.

Do not keep in contact with printed material or vinyl surfaces for extended periods of time

Letting the product sit against printed material or vinyl surfaces may result in transfers of the print and other damage.

Cover may contain variations in stitching or loose lining

Due to the structure of the cover that opens flat 180 degrees, exterior stitching areas may appear puckered and lining material may be loose.

Not for use with Cover on Cover

This cover uses thicker materials than usual, so it may not fit. Forcing it into a Cover on Cover may damage the products.

Pen holders are rigid at first

The pen holders are rigid at first, making it difficult to insert pens. You can speed up the breaking-in process by rolling the pen holders in your hand.

Pen holder fits pens up to 13.5 mm wide

The pen holder is designed to perfectly fit the 12.2 mm (0.48”) diameter Jetstream pen offered as a free Hobonichi Store Exclusive. Pens with certain shapes and materials may be difficult to pull through the holder. The holder can fit pens up to 13.5 mm (0.53”) in diameter.

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.