What is Hobonichi Techo?

The Hobonichi Techo, first introduced in Japan in 2001, has continually evolved over the years to meet the diverse needs of its users. Now, more than two decades later, Hobonichi Techo has gained popularity all over the world.

The word “techo” in Japanese translates to “planner” in English. At first glance, the Hobonichi Techo may look like an ordinary planner from other brands. What makes Hobonichi planners special are the details in every aspect of the planner design, including and not limited to its paper quality, thoughtfully designed layouts, and a wide range of functional accessories. 

What makes Hobonichi Techo Special?

Paper Quality

Since its establishment in 2001, the Hobonichi Techo Planner has adopted a light and durable paper material called Tomoe River Paper. Weighing only 52g/sm, this unique paper is highly compatible with various writing instruments, including fountain pens, rollerball pens and ballpoint pens. Its ultra-thin nature also allows the planner to include an incredible number of pages while remaining compact. This high quality paper has made Hobonichi planners ideal for both creative projects and daily records. 

Planner Layout

The Hobonichi Techo offers a variety of styles, including a one-day-per-page layout, a weekly horizontal layout, and a five-year version that displays the same date across five years on a single page. Despite the differences in layouts, all Hobonichi planners are designed with a commitment to give users total control over how they use their planner books, with details that cater to every need.

Functional Accessories

Aesthetics

Apart from its practicality, the aesthetic design of the Hobonichi Techo planners is also impressive. In addition to the planners, Hobonichi Techo designs different types of planner covers to meet the aesthetic needs of various planner enthusiasts. Among them, the most popular are the minimalist-style covers. Furthermore, each year, Hobonichi Techo collaborates with different Japanese artists to create planner covers in styles ranging from whimsical to commuter-friendly to elegant, allowing planner enthusiasts to pair them with their different planners.

With so many planner options and accessories available from Hobonichi Techo, where should I start?

To make this year’s shopping experience easier than ever, we have prepared a list of Hobonichi products to guide you through the process. In general, we highly recommend you to first pick out your favorite planner books, then move onto some matching covers and finally finish with some compatible accessories. 

1) Choosing Your Hobonichi Planner:

Choosing the right planner can be overwhelming. No worries—Buchan’s is here to help! We have created a detailed comparison table to highlight the features of each planner type, making it easier for you to decide which one is the perfect fit. Additionally, we offer a more generalized comparison of the different planners to further simplify your decision. 

💡Types of Planners:

1. Hobonichi Techo Original (A6 Size)
   
• Layout: One page per day.
• Size: Compact and portable.
• Best For: Detailed daily journaling, creative sketches, and note-taking.
2. Hobonichi Techo Cousin (A5 Size) 
   
• Layout: One page per day with additional monthly and weekly views.
• Size: Larger, offering more writing space.
• Best For: Comprehensive planning, combining daily tasks with broader monthly and weekly overviews.
3. Hobonichi Techo Weeks
   
• Layout: Weekly horizontal format with additional note pages.
• Size: Slim and lightweight.
• Best For: On-the-go use, people who prefer a weekly overview with space for notes.
4. Hobonichi Techo Five-Year Techo (A5 & A6 Size)
   
• Layout: Five years on a single page, with each date covering a five-year span.
• Size: Slightly thicker but still manageable.
• Best For: Long-term journaling, tracking changes and progress over years.

💡Tips on Selecting the Right Planner:

1. Purpose:
• For detailed daily journaling or extensive note-taking, the Hobonichi Techo Original or Cousin would be suitable.
• For a more compact option that you can carry around easily, consider the Hobonichi Techo Weeks.
• If you're interested in long-term tracking and reflection, the Five-Year Techo is ideal.
2. Size:
• A6 (Original): Easy to carry, but with less writing space.
• A5 (Cousin): More space for writing and organizing, but less portable.
• Slim (Weeks): Best for portability and quick notes.
3. Layout Preference:
• Daily Pages: For those who need a lot of space each day.
• Weekly Layout: For those who prefer a week-at-a-glance view.
• Five-Year Layout: For a longitudinal view of your entries.
4. Additional Features: 
• Consider if you need extra features like the weekly spreads in the Cousin, or the note pages in the Weeks.
5. Personal Style and Usage:
• Minimalist Users: Might prefer the Weeks for its simplicity and portability.
• Creative Users: May opt for the Original or Cousin to have ample space for doodling, sketching, and decorating.
• Busy Professionals: Could benefit from the Cousin's comprehensive view to manage both work and personal schedules.
6. Practical Considerations:

• Portability: If you need to carry it everywhere, the Weeks or Original (A6) are better choices.
• Writing Space: If you write a lot or need more space to organize your thoughts, the Cousin (A5) is ideal.

For specific features each planner type provides, you can also check out this comprehensive table our staff put together.

By considering all different factors, you can now choose the Hobonichi Techo planners that best fits your lifestyle and planning needs. If you are still confused, don't hesitate to ask one of our staff for help! ;)

2) Choosing Your Hobonichi Covers:

Once you've selected your planner, it’s time to choose your perfect Hobonichi Techo cover. The right cover depends on your personal needs, preferences, and how you intend to use your planner. Below is a breakdown of the various Hobonichi cover options along with tips to help you make an informed choice: 

💡Types of Hobonichi Techo Covers:

1. Butterfly Pen Loop Covers

   
   • Description: These covers have two pen loops that hold a pen in place, securing the cover when closed.
   • Best For: People who want a simple and elegant way to keep their planner closed and need a convenient place to store their pen.
   • Pros: Easy access to your pen, secure closure, often comes in a variety of materials and designs.
   • Cons: Limited storage for additional accessories.

2. Single Pen Hook Covers

   
   • Description: These covers feature a minimalist look to match your Hobonichi planner and are commonly designed with a leather finish.
   • Best For: Minimalists who want a sleek design with just enough functionality to keep their planner and pen together.
   • Pros: Simple and lightweight, easy to use.
   • Cons: Less secure than a double pen loop, limited storage options.

3. Trifold Covers

   
   • Description: These covers fold into three sections and usually have additional pockets and slots for cards, notes, and other accessories.
   • Best For: Users who need more organizational features and like to keep various items with their planner.
   • Pros: Ample storage space, versatile, often has more room for customization.
   • Cons: Can be bulkier and heavier than simpler covers.

4. Zipper Covers

   
   • Description: These covers have a zipper closure that encloses the entire planner and any additional items.
   • Best For: People who carry a lot of accessories with their planner and need everything to be securely contained.
   • Pros: Secure closure, excellent protection, lots of storage space.
   • Cons: Bulkier and potentially heavier, the zipper can wear out over time.

5. Tote Bag Covers (NEW!)

   
   • Description: These covers are designed to function like a small tote bag, with handles for easy carrying and extra space for various items.
   • Best For: Users who want to carry their planner along with other daily essentials in one stylish package.
   • Pros: Extremely versatile, can carry more than just the planner, often stylish.
   • Cons: Larger and less portable, more expensive.

6. Cover on Cover

   
   • Description: This is a protective cover that fits over your existing Hobonichi cover, providing an additional layer of protection against wear and tear.
   • Best For: Users who want to keep their planner’s cover in pristine condition while still enjoying the design of their original cover.
   • Pros: Provides extra protection, allows you to change or preserve the look of your planner, usually easy to apply and remove.
   • Cons: Adds a layer of complexity and may alter the feel or bulk of the planner slightly.

💡Tips on Selecting the Right Cover:

1. Usage and Lifestyle:

   • Butterfly Pen Loop and Single Pen Hook Covers: Ideal for daily use and those who want quick access to their planner and pen without added bulk.
   • Trifold and Zipper Covers: Great for those who need more organizational space and carry various accessories, such as stickers, washi tape, and additional pens.
   • Tote Bag Covers: Perfect for people who want to consolidate their planner with other daily carry items like phones, wallets, and small personal items.
   • Cover on Cover: Best for those who want to protect their planner’s original cover while still showing off its design.

2. Portability:

   • If you need a highly portable option, the Single Pen Hook Cover or Butterfly Pen Loop Cover would be best due to their sleek and lightweight design.
   • For more extensive carrying needs, consider the Zipper Cover or Tote Bag Cover.
   • Cover on Cover doesn’t impact portability but adds protection.

3. Security and Protection:

   • Zipper Covers offer the most security, fully enclosing your planner and accessories.
   • Butterfly Pen Loop and Single Pen Hook Covers provide basic closure and protection, suitable for lower-risk environments.
   • Cover on Cover adds an extra layer of protection without changing the planner's overall functionality.

4. Storage Needs:

   • If you need extra pockets and slots for cards, notes, and other items, the Trifold Cover or Zipper Cover are excellent choices.
   • Tote Bag Covers provide the most space and functionality for carrying additional personal items.
   • Cover on Cover doesn’t provide additional storage but protects the existing cover’s design.

5. Style and Personal Preference:

   • Choose a cover that reflects your personal style and aesthetic preferences. Butterfly Pen Loop Covers and Single Pen Hook Covers often come in a variety of designs and materials.
   • For a classic and professional look, go with a Leather Cover (if not specified earlier) or Tote Bag Covers.
   • Cover on Cover allows you to preserve or showcase the original cover’s design.

3) Choosing Your Hobonichi Accessories:

Hobonichi Techo offers a variety of popular accessories designed to complement their planners. These accessories can enhance your planning experience, provide additional functionality, and help personalize your planner. Here’s an overview of some popular Hobonichi accessories:

Popular Hobonichi Techo Accessories:

1. Pencil Board

   
   • Description: A thin, rigid board placed under the page to provide a firm writing surface and prevent making writing marks through to the next page.
   • Recommendation: Essential for smooth writing, especially if you use fountain pens or other ink-heavy tools. Choose a pencil board that fits the size of your planner and consider designs that complement your planner’s aesthetic.

2. Cover on Cover

   
   • Description: This has been mentioned in the cover section. Cover on cover is a protective overlay that fits over your existing Hobonichi cover to protect it from wear and tear.
   • Recommendation: Ideal for preserving the original cover’s design or adding a layer of protection. Choose one that fits your current cover and planner size.

3. Sticker Sets

   
   • Description: These are decorative stickers for personalizing your planner, marking events, and adding visual interest.
   • Recommendation: Choose sticker sets that match your style or the type of planning you do (e.g., functional vs. decorative). There are also themed stickers for specific events or seasons.

4. Washi Tape

   
   • Description: Decorative tape that can be used for embellishing pages, marking important dates, or adding a creative touch.
   • Recommendation: Opt for washi tapes with designs that resonate with you or match your planner’s aesthetic.

5. Sticky Notes

   
   • Description: Repositionable notes for jotting down quick reminders or adding temporary notes to your planner.
   • Recommendation: Select sticky notes in sizes and designs that fit your planning needs. Look for ones that complement the layout of your planner.

6. Page Markers

   
   • Description: Ribbons or tabs used to mark specific pages or sections within your planner.
   • Recommendation: Choose the appropriate size of page markers that are easy to attach and match your planners.

7. Pocket Inserts

   
   • Description: Add-on pockets that can be inserted into your planner for extra storage of cards, receipts, or other small items.
   • Recommendation: Pick pocket inserts based on the type of items you need to store and the layout of your planner. 

8. Stencils

   
   • Description: Templates for drawing shapes, icons, or patterns in your planner.
   • Recommendation: Useful for those who enjoy bullet journaling or adding creative touches. Select stencils with designs that fit your planning style and needs.

You are now all set for another organized year!

Once you finish selecting your planner books, covers and accessories, you are now all set for another organized year! We hope this extensive blog post has guided you through every step of the process. At Buchan’s, we’re always here to help! Please feel free to reach out to our staff if you have any questions or need personalized advice. Your perfect planning companion is just a decision away—happy planning!