Book cover
In addition to the Arts&Science logo, the Japanese characters for “techo” (which means “planner”) are stamped in gold on the chic, textured cover. The Hobonichi logo and the year appear on the spine for easy reference when storing the planner in a bookshelf.
Convenient, portable A6 size
The 105 x 148 mm (roughly 4"x 6") A6 size is light and portable, making it easy to carry around and pull out anytime. The Planner book is the same size as the Original book, so the books can use the same covers.
Perfect planner paper
The book uses thin, 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. It’s a new, specially crafted paper for the techo.
180-degree lay-flat binding
Special stitch-binding allows the planner to lay completely flat without having to hold it down.
Rounded corners
The page corners are rounded to minimize creasing and damage to the edges when carried around or stored in a bag.
Serial number
Serial numbers on the inside back cover give each planner a unique identity and make your planner your very own special book.
New in 2025
The bonus pages have been updated.
New for the 2025 Edition:
- The Ultimate Packing List
- How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary
- Oodles of Noodles
Removed from the 2025 Edition:
- Conversion Table
- An Interview with Myself
- Okonomiyaki — Japanese-Style Savory Pancakes
Yearly calendar
A convenient double-page spread shows the yearly calendars for 2025 and 2026 at a glance for a useful reference when planning ahead.
Yearly index
Each 2-page spread contains 4 months, with a total of 16 months in the yearly index. It spans 16 months, from December 2024 to March 2026. The top of each monthly column includes 2 lines of space for note-taking.
Monthly calendar
The graph paper design is lightly printed to make it easier to write in your plans and take notes in an even line. The calendar is printed in charcoal gray and a striking red for a refreshing design.
Daily boxes
Each box is lightly printed with a graph design to make it easy to fill in a full day’s worth of plans. You can also take full advantage of the graph design by drawing out sections to allocate plans or entries visually.
Week number
The monthly calendars include the number of the week. The formula we use begins counting with the first week in January that includes a Thursday.
Free space
The calendars include free space below and to the left for taking notes, making plans or decorating the calendars with stickers and washi tape.
Moon phase
The calendars include icons depicting new moons (●) and full moons (○). (While the moon phase is the same across the world, the exact dates the moon phases land on are listed in Japan time.)
Labeling 2026
The pages for 2026 have the year in large numbers in the background to easily differentiate them from the 2025 pages.
One day per page
The planner features a format with a page devoted to each day. There’s lots of open space to plan the day ahead and enjoy recording your memories and activities. Think of the pages as containers for random ideas, with a clear record of the date. Paste magazine clippings, ticket stubs and photos to make the techo something completely unique – your imagination is the only limit.
4-millimeter graph paper
The graph-paper design has been slightly enlarged from the Japanese version to 4 millimeters to facilitate easy writing in any language.
Week number
The daily pages include the number of the week. The formula we use begins with the first week in January that includes a Thursday.
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.)
Customizable time line
12:00 is the only time listed on the page to simply divide each day into morning and afternoon. The latter section is given slightly larger space. The design is kept subtle to either give users full customization or make it easy to disregard.
Daily quote
Since its launch in 1998, the website ""Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun"" has been updated daily. From various interviews, columns, reader submissions, and Hobonichi School content featured on the site, we’ve thoughtfully selected words that bring joy and delight.
Each spread features quotes specially selected from the Planner’s parent site, Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun, and translated into English, as well as quotes from Arts&Science owner Sonya Park.
2-color tab
Monthly tabs in charcoal gray or red (Sundays) assists with easy navigation anywhere in the planner.
Mini calendar
The daily pages also include a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread. The dates of the current pages are outlined.
Sundays highlighted in red
While all the other daily pages are printed in charcoal gray, Sundays are printed in bright red for quick reference and an attractive contrast.
Turning the page to a new year
This warming-up page at the very beginning of the daily page section 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.
Coming Up!
We’ve included a page at the beginning of each month for highlighting important dates, making to-do lists, and writing other notes to help in planning ahead.
Memo page
The 2025 planner includes 16 dotted pages in the back for recording random thoughts and sketches or storing items of interest that aren’t time-sensitive.
Important Contacts
This page provides a place to keep up to 7 entries of often-used contacts and emergency contact information.
International Size Charts
Comparison charts for Japan, the US, the UK, and Europe include items such as clothing, shoes, hats and rings.
The Ultimate Packing List
A packing list with checkboxes, useful for travel and business trips. For those flying, the left column lists carry-on items, and the right column lists checked items. Use the blank checkboxes at the bottom to add any other necessary items to create your 'Ultimate' list.
My 100
You can make a list for anything you want: things to accomplish this year, books you’ve read, movies you’ve seen, snacks you’ve tried, shops you want to visit — it’s up to you!
How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary
With the help of Fumitake Koga, we’ve come up with some hints to help you write and keep writing in your diary.
Oodles of Noodles
This pages introduces the standard noodle types in Japan, such as soba and ramen, and lists recommended servings for each.
Personal Notes
Be sure to enter your contact information on the Personal Notes page in the back of your planner in case it’s misplaced.