Two size options
This book is available in a compact A6 size or a roomy A5 size. The A6 and A5 sizes refer to the paper size, as the attached cover is a few millimeters larger than the paper.
Hobonichi 5-Year Techo specifications:
- A6 size
Cover size: 153 x 113 mm (6" x 4.4")
Pages: 752
Thickness: 25 mm (1")
- A5 size
Cover size: 214 x 156 mm (8.4" x 6.1")
Pages: 752
Thickness: 25 mm (1")
Textured PVC softcover
The soft, slightly textured brown cover rests nicely in your hands, and the cover material is reminiscent of some softcover dictionaries and bibles. The name “Hobonichi 5-Year Techo” and the years are foil-pressed on the cover in gold.
*The 5-Year Techo has its own specially designed covers and is not compatible with standard single-year Hobonichi Techo covers.
Perfect planner paper
The book uses thin and light yet durable Tomoe River paper. This paper that underwent an overhaul with the 2024 edition techo is more resistant to bleed through, lighter despite being the same thickness, and has a smoother surface by adjusting the fibers of the paper. The paper is a cream color that’s easy on the eyes.
180-degree lay-flat binding
Special stitch-binding allows the planner to lay completely flat without having to hold it down.
Rounded corners
The Hobonichi 5-Year Techo is somewhat thick with many pages, so the book features round back binding to provide integrity to the spine and prevent it from breaking, even over many years of use. There's also an indent that makes the pages easy to turn. The corners of the pages are rounded, which helps prevent them from folding over when the book is in your bag.
Same date across 5 years & memo page
The basic format of the 5-Year Techo has the same date across five years listed on the left side, and a blank graph paper memo page on the right. The layout is flexible enough to allow users to either fill in their pages the same way every day or mix things up as they go.
3.7 millimeter graph paper
The 5-Year Techo has the same 3.7 millimeter graph paper as the Original and Cousin. Feel free to write along the lines of a single line or two ― or just ignore the lines altogether.
Daily page across five years (left page)
This simple design lists the same date across five years, with the day and month at the top, and the year and day of the week on each entry. Each day has 178 graph-paper squares (352 for the Large 5-Year Techo) that allow you to either fill the day with lots of writing or write a single sentence and feel satisfied with the entry. It’s a perfect setup for those who are worried about being able to continue using a book for 5 years.
*Pages do not list Japanese holidays or lunisolar calendar dates.
Memo page (right page)
The right page is a blank page for anything you’d like — continuing entries you couldn’t fit on the left, jotting notes you’d like to leave for other years, pasting items, and more.
Daily quotes
Since its launch in 1998, the website "Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun" has been updated daily. From a range of interviews, columns, reader submissions, and Hobonichi School content featured on the site, we’ve selected standout quotes for the 5-Year Techo. Each spread features one of these chosen words in Japanese.
Monthly tabs
Similar to a dictionary, each month is printed with a tab on the edge of the page for easy reference.
Yearly memo pages (5 pages)
This page provides space to write down plans for the year or write down a review of what happened. The Bookmark section is useful for writing down dates of interest.
Remember This (1 page)
This page is useful for writing down notes that aren’t time-sensitive or things you’d like to note across all five years.
Gifts
Record the presents you’ve given or received in the Gifts page so you don’t forget who gave what to who and when. This is also helpful for thank-you cards. There are spaces for 17 entries in the A6-size book and 40 entries in the A5-size book.
Addresses
The address book allows you to write in the contact information for people such as family and close friends. The A6-size book has space for 6 entries, and the A5-size book has space for 16 entries.
My Lists
This page allows you to create 8 lists of themes of your choice. Each theme fits 10 entries.
My Favorite Things (Japanese)
This page lets you write down your currently favorite things. We also recommend using it as a template when asking friends and family about what they like.
Personal Notes
You can write your information in this page and put photographs or drawings into the dotted square.
Turquoise blue paper box
The Hobonichi 5-Year Techo (2025-2029) will be delivered in a turquoise blue paper box. The box is sturdy and works well for storing your techo.
User manual (Japanese)
This user manual introduces all the sections featured in the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo.
Test paper
This test sheet of paper allows you to get a feel for the paper and test pen or ink compatibility before using your 5-Year Techo.