- I always use a Zippers cover, so that I can carry around all my stationery and tools. I like that the size of this cover gives me enough wiggle room to let me store all kinds of items, and I’m always able to easily zip it back shut. I also attached a keychain to the ring on the zipper pull. The yellow around the border looks really nice in this subdued shade. It makes my days a little happier just carrying this with me.
- I decided to go with the Weeks Mega this year, so that I could have three times as many blank memo pages in the back. With this cover, I can store my Weeks Mega, a pen, and business cards with room to spare. I even keep a “Curry no Ongaeshi” packet with me. (Laughs) I love how I can carry it everywhere I go without having to worry about handling it gently.
- I keep a Weeks Mega in mine, too. I fold up paperwork and store it by zipping up the cover and leaving the top part open. It works really well. And if I end up getting the cover material a little dirty... I think it actually looks really nice that way.
Inoue carries a Cousin-size techo, scarf, and other bulky items in her bag. “Even with all this in it, I’ve got plenty of room for more!”
- I bought it in September, so I’ve been using this for about six months now. As soon as I started using it, I stopped using all my other bags. I love how much it stores, of course, but the best part is how it closes on its own when I hang the straps over my shoulder.
Rika carries a French language textbook, notebooks, and an A4 size zip-up case in her bag. “This size is comfortable to carry despite my short height, and it holds so much in such a compact space!”
- I chose this bag because of its vertical orientation and the big side pocket. I keep my cell phone, house keys, train pass, and other frequently used belongings in there. I like how light the bag is, and how it’s tall enough to carry A4-sized folders and magazines.
Morikawa carries a folding umbrella, pouch, and other items in her bag. “A tall bag makes it hard for other people to see inside, but I can see from where I am, and can pull out exactly what I need.
- I picked the yellow one so it would be a little harder to see any smudges it picks up, but the material is really durable, and stands up on its own. If my bag is totally full, it still rests closely against me, so I don’t have to worry about it sticking out when I’m on a packed train.
*The standard baguette totes do not contain pockets, but this Hobonichi Techo collaboration edition has been specially customized with a large pocket to fit an A5 Cousin size techo cover.
*The baguette totes have sold out. There will be no restock.
We talked to a Hobonichi Techo user at Tembea! Nakaya, the spokesman of Tembea, is using “Tote Book.” We asked him what he thinks of it.
- ――：
- We heard you use the Tote Book cover and were really interested in hearing how it’s working out for you.
- Nakaya：
- I was always interested in trying out the Hobonichi Techo, but I hadn’t used it yet. Once I found out we were going to work on a collaboration together, I decided to finally use it for the first time.
- ――：
- I’d like to ask about the cover, but first, could you tell us a little about how you use your techo?
- Nakaya：
- Sure. Work makes up about 60 or 70 percent of what I write in it, but I include some personal plans, as well. I’ve always marked up my schedule with stickers — personal is green, work is yellow, and birthdays are blue. I track my schedule on my cell phone, but I also write it out like this in my techo.
- ――：
- Wow, this is really nice!
- Nakaya：
- Around the 20th of every month, I fill the next month with stickers. I’ll pick out a time to go to a diner after work, and I spend time there filling out my techo. (Laughs)
- ――：
- What do you write in the daily pages?
- Nakaya：
- I take notes during meetings and jot down ideas for bag displays.
It’s easy to add on more ideas when he looks back at the pages where he took notes at work. The to-do list says, “How to set up display?”
- ――：
- I think that’s a wonderful way to use it.
Your Tote Book cover is in really good shape.
- Nakaya：
- My techo is mainly for organizing my thoughts, so it’s usually sitting on my desk at work. I always bring it on business trips, though.
- ――：
- How is the cover working out for you?
- Nakaya：
- I’m so used to Tembea products by now that it’s really comfortable for me to use. It feels like a pouch, and I can store so much in it.
- ――：
- You’re getting a lot of use out of the interior pockets, I see.
- Nakaya：
- I keep postcards in the big pocket on the inside, since I exchange postcards with someone when I travel. I keep stamps in here, too. Other than that, I store things like the fortune I picked at the temple on New Year’s. (Laughs)
- ――：
- What would you say are the strong points of the Tote Book?
- Nakaya：
- Canvas is well-suited for daily life, and the more you use it, the more it conforms to your hands. Tembea’s canvas fabric is made here in Japan using an old machine called a shuttle loom, so the material is really durable and lasts forever. And because I know how it’s made, I can look at the piping and admire how straight and clean its stitching is. (Laughs)
- ――：
- It’s nice knowing these last forever.
- Nakaya：
- I think these products improve over the years as you use them, so I’ll be sticking with this same cover and just changing out the book every year.
- ――：
- We’re so happy we were able to work with you to create something that lasts a long time. Thank you!
Canvas Care Tips
We also asked Nakaya to share some tips on caring for canvas.
“Because the material is white, it may start showing signs of wear. You can easily clean off everyday grime and keep it a bright white by wetting a towel, wringing it out, and rubbing the canvas. If there are any stains or markings, apply neutral detergent diluted in water and rub it with a towel.
“An easier way is to use a clean pencil eraser. Something like a techo cover that you’re carrying around with you may get marks on it when certain kinds of things rub against it. You can use an eraser to buff those markings away.
“You can hand-wash canvas, but the handles and other colored areas may start staining the other areas if they’re left in the water too long, so be wary of that.”
On the left is a new tote bag, and on the right is the one Nakaya has been using for five years. Once in a while he’ll use a scrub brush to wash the bag. Because the fabric shrinks after repeated washing, the color and size have changed, and the bag’s marks of use give it an appeal all its own.