The classic Hobonichi Techo: an A6 size planner featuring one page per day
This original form of the Hobonichi Techo has been loved by many users since its introduction in 2002. Its daily pages offer plenty of space to fill despite the book’s compact A6 size. The graph paper offers an open layout with to-do lists and a 24-hour timetable. The daily quotes also provide users with interesting reading material. The book is designed to be paired with a cover of your choice.
Features
A page a day for freely recording your daily life
Compact and easy to handle A6 size
Pair it with your favorite cover!
Main pages
Here’s an overview of the Original’s main pages.
One day per page
Moon phase and day of the year
An illustration of the current moon phase is paired with the day of the year. The new moon (●) and full moon (○) symbols are surrounded by stars at their peak. (While the moon phase is the same across the world, the exact dates the moon phases land on are listed in Japan time.)
To-do list
The to-do list is located at the top of the page with checkboxes for keeping track of your goals for the day.
24-hour timetable
Work and personal plans take place at different times of the day, so the planner uses a full 24-hour timetable to accommodate all schedules. Each hour is labeled with a dot, and every 30-minute mark is labeled with a line.
The “Secret Line”
This subtle line let you organize the page however you like — for example, with your schedule on the left and notes on the right. Printed in a light shade, they remain unobtrusive when not in use.
3.7 millimeter graph paper
The 3.7 millimeter graph paper was the result of extensive tests for an ideal size for writing in Japanese, although the size also allows comfortable writing in any language. *The graph paper size on the monthly calendar pages is 3.45 mm.
Daily quote
Each two-page spread features a carefully selected quote, chosen especially for the English edition from the content published on the Hobonichi website.
12 monthly colors
The pages are printed in a different color for each month, featuring 12 soft colors. Similar to a dictionary, the tabs on the edge of the pages make it easy to find the page you’re looking for.
Mini calendar
The daily page also includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread. The dates of the current pages are outlined.
Turning the page to a new year (*Included at the beginning of the year)
This warming-up page helps you get ready for the new year. It’s a great place to write your reflections on the past year, list your goals for the year ahead, copy down important information from last year’s planner, or do anything else you need to feel prepared.
Moon phase and day of the year
An illustration of the current moon phase is paired with the day number, counting from January 1st. The new moon (●) and full moon (○) symbols are surrounded by stars at their peak. (While the moon phase is the same across the world, the exact dates the moon phases land on are listed in Japan time.)
Old Japanese lunisolar calendar
The date of the old Japanese lunisolar calendar is also included under the day’s date. This calendar was used in Japan until 1873, when Japan adopted the universal Gregorian calendar. Some days in this lunisolar calendar are specified as standard days signifying the changing of the seasons. We’ve also included solar terms based on this ancient calendar.
To-do list
The to-do list is located at the top of the page with checkboxes for keeping track of your goals for the day.
24-hour timetable
Work and personal plans take place at different times of the day, so the planner uses a full 24-hour timetable to accommodate all schedules. Each hour is labeled with a dot, and every 30-minute mark is labeled with a line.
The “Secret Line”
This subtle line let you organize the page however you like — for example, with your schedule on the left and notes on the right. Printed in a light shade, they remain unobtrusive when not in use.
3.7 millimeter graph paper
The 3.7 millimeter graph paper was the result of extensive tests for an ideal size for writing in Japanese, although the size also allows comfortable writing in any language. *The graph paper size on the monthly calendar pages is 3.45 mm.
Japanese holidays
Japanese holidays are labeled in large letters on the page background and printed in a light ink to make it easy to write over them.
Daily quote
Since its launch in 1998, the Hobonichi website has been updated daily. At the bottom of each page is a carefully selected quote, chosen the site's extensive collection of content, with one featured for each day.
12 monthly colors
The pages are printed in a different color for each month, featuring 12 soft colors. Similar to a dictionary, the tabs on the edge of the pages make it easy to find the page you’re looking for.
Mini calendar
The daily page also includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread. The dates of the current pages are outlined.
Turning the page to a new year (*Included at the beginning of the year)
This warming-up page helps you get ready for the new year. It’s a great place to write your reflections on the past year, list your goals for the year ahead, copy down important information from last year’s planner, or do anything else you need to feel prepared.
One day per page
The spacious pages give you room to write your schedule or journal, draw, or paste in ticket stubs. Enjoy capturing each day in your own way.
Remember This
Remember This
We’ve included a page at the beginning of each month for note-taking. In the Japanese edition, this page features a seasonal compendium, including information such as foods that are in season and season-specific events.
Monthly calendar
Monthly calendar
The graph paper design is lightly printed across the entire page, making it easy to write down plans and take notes. The color scheme is gray and red.
Yearly index
Yearly index
These long-term planning pages let you view four months at a glance across each two-page spread, covering 16 months in total. There is also a free space at the top of the pages for you to write in whatever you like.
Yearly calendar
Yearly calendar
A convenient double-page spread shows the yearly calendars for 2026, 2027 and 2028 at one glance as a useful reference when planning ahead.
Bonus Pages
The back of the book features bonus pages that are fun to read and write in. In addition to classic favorites like “My 100,” new pages are added annually.
Every Hobonichi Techo is thoughtfully designed with features throughout that make it both easy to use and enjoyable to use every day.
Tomoe River paper with a smooth writing experience
The techo book uses Tomoe River paper, a thin, light, and durable paper specially designed for planners. It's characterized by its ability to hold ink well and provide a smooth writing experience.
Sturdy bookbinding that keeps pages secure
Another key feature is its durability. It's designed to withstand a full year of use, not only with repeated opening and closing but also with the extra bulk from papers, ticket stubs, and other items you paste into it.
Stress-free by opening flat 180 degrees
The book opens flat without the need for you to hold down the pages to keep the book open. This is achieved with thread-stitch binding, a bookbinding method that involves sewing and binding the book with thread.
A flexible design that’s easy on the eyes
The ink color and thickness of the lines in the techo are specially designed to be easy on the eyes and not get in the way of your writing.
Rounded corners
The page corners are rounded to minimize creasing and damage to the edges when carried around or stored in a bag.