Hobonichi Techo Cover Basics

The Hobonichi Techo is designed to be used by pairing a book with a cover. On this page, we have put together some basic information about Hobonichi Techo covers to help you choose your perfect techo, including standard shapes, how to put them on, and how to care for them.

1What is a Hobonichi Techo Cover?

The Hobonichi Techo is a planner that lets you freely mix and match your book and cover.

The signature style of the Hobonichi Techo is freely combining the interior “techo book” with an exterior “cover.” Have fun choosing the perfect combination tailored to your design preferences and how much storage space you need!

The Classic Hobonichi Techo Cover
The “Butterfly-Stopper” Type

Loved by many since the early days of the Hobonichi Techo, this is our standard cover style. Its key features include pen holders on both sides that act like a hinge, as well as plenty of pockets for tucking away cards, stationery, and more.

1) Butterfly-stopper
This is the name for the pen holders that are on either side of the cover. By closing the techo cover and putting a pen through both pen holders, it acts as a hinge and holds the cover shut, preventing the pages from crumpling.
2) Various pockets
The Hobonichi Techo cover comes with lots of pockets both on the inside and outside. They feature a rich variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small slots for business cards to larger pockets that can perfectly fit postcards.
3) Two bookmarks
The covers come with two bookmarks with triangular and rectangular charms on the ends (the shape of the charms may differ depending on the cover). It’s convenient to use them to mark different spots, such as keeping one on the monthly calendar and the other on today’s page.

And There’s More!
A Variety of Cover Styles to Choose From

The Hobonichi Techo cover lineup expands with many new additions every year, offering a wide variety of designs. Here is a quick introduction to just a few of the different types available.

Zipper Type
A pouch-like design that zips entirely shut. It allows you to store stationery alongside your techo while ensuring nothing falls out.
Band Type
A casual cover featuring an elastic band closure. With a streamlined design that keeps the pen holder and pockets to a minimum, it can be carried compactly, much like a notebook.
Slim Type
A minimalist cover with a slim profile that reduces bulk. It fits easily into your bag and is ideal for those who want to carry their techo in a more compact way.
Trifold Type
This cover wraps completely around your techo, tucking your pen safely inside for secure protection. Its elegant, clutch-like appearance is another great part of its charm.
Trifold + Large Pocket
Offering the same secure feel as the standard trifold type cover, this version adds a large pocket to the front of the cover. You can carry a generous amount of stationery with you wherever you go.
Trifold + Slim Pocket
This style features a slightly shallow clear pocket on the front. Slipping in your favorite postcards or stickers allows you to easily switch up the cover’s design.

Exclusive Covers for Specific Books

While the Day-Free, Weeks, and 5-Year Techo can all be easily carried on their own, we also offer exclusive covers designed to perfectly fit each of their specific sizes.

Day-Free Cover
Fits perfectly snugly on the slim book. These covers offer excellent portability.
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Weeks Cover
Simply slide your Weeks inside to instantly boost its storage capacity and functionality.
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5-Year Techo Cover
Securely protects the techo you will spend the next five years with.
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*There are other cover types available beyond those listed above. Please check individual product pages for more details.

Types of Pen Holders

There are various types of pen holders depending on the techo cover.

Butterfly-Stopper
Putting a single pen through the two loops on both edges of the cover firmly holds it shut, preventing your techo from accidentally opening.
Pen Holder
A simple, single-loop pen holder located on the inside or edge of the cover. It is designed to hold the barrel of your pen.
Pen Hook
A holder designed specifically to hook onto your pen’s clip to keep it securely in place. This style is often found on slimmer covers.

*There are types of pen holders besides those listed above. See each product page for more information.

06How to Put on Your Cover

If you order a Hobonichi Techo book and cover as a set, they will arrive unattached, so you will need to put them together yourself. Here are a few tips for slipping your book into its cover smoothly without bending the covers.

For Butterfly-Stopper Covers

  • Open your book all the way up until the front cover meets the back cover.

  • Slowly insert both covers all the way into the interior pockets on either side of the techo cover.

  • Close the book and you’re all set.

  • Insert a single pen through both pen holders to keep your book closed while storing in a bag.

    For Zipper Type Covers

    • Open your book all the way up until the front cover meets the back cover.

    • Slowly insert both covers all the way into the interior pockets on either side of the techo cover.

    • Close the book and you’re all set.

      For Weeks Covers

      • The standard method is to insert only the back cover of the Weeks book into the techo cover. However, depending on the specific cover design, inserting both the front and back covers may be recommended.

        *Weeks books contain designs on the actual book cover, so an additional cover to store the Weeks book is optional.

      Caring for Your Cover

      Here are some ways to clean your cover on a regular basis so you can keep it in nice condition over time.

      Cleaning Grime

      • - Wet a clean cloth with water (or water diluted with neutral detergent) and wring out excess water.
        - Gently tap the cover with the damp cloth.
        - Place the cover in a shady area with good ventilation so it can dry.

        *First test an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire cover.
        *Avoid using a hair dryer or laundry dryer as this may shrink or distort the material.
        *Avoid using such extra-strength volatile detergents as benzene and thinners as these may distort the colors of the cover.

      Cleaning Leather Covers

      • As a basic step, use a soft brush to remove dust and particles from the surface.

        *First test an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire cover.

      • Rub a small, pea-sized amount of lotion into a soft cloth and lightly apply it to the entire cover.

      • Use a glove cloth or other soft, dry cloth to wipe the entire cover and evenly distribute the lotion. This will give the cover a soft gloss.

        You can find leather care goods here

        08Products for Keeping Your Techo Clean

        You can put a specially designed clear cover on your techo or its cover. This will protect it from scratches or grime and keep it in good condition.

        Types That Fit onto a Techo Cover
        Cover on Cover(for Original or Cousin)
        *Compatible with the Colors series or printed covers. It is not designed for other cover styles and will either be too tight or not fit at all.
        [Not for use with these covers]
        - Leather covers
        - PU (faux leather) covers
        - Covers made of thick fabric
        * May cause discoloration or deterioration of some materials.
        Types That Fit Directly onto the Book
        Clear Cover(for A6 Size HON, A5 Size HON, Weeks)
        *Designed exclusively for each respective techo book. Please choose the type that was designed for your specific book.
        [Not for use with these covers]
        -Books with attached covers that contain any of the following materials: PVC, leather, PU (faux leather)
        * May cause discoloration or deterioration of some materials.

        There may be covers which do not go well with the clear covers.
        Please refer to the “Using a Cover on Cover / Clear Cover” section in the Help Page.        Using a Cover on Cover / Clear Cover

        See Cover on Covers and Clear Cover here