The Weeks book cover now has the botanical illustration of Shihai Sumire, published by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1891. The Shihai Sumire, drawn with precise lines throughout, was depicted in the 67th illustration of the 11th collection of the first volume of “Nippon Shokubutsu-shi Zu-hen.”



The purple flower that blooms in the spring in Tosa, Dr. Makino’s birthplace, got its name—Shihai Sumire, “purple-backed violet” in Japanese—from the color of the underside of the leaves. The petals, stems, leaves, roots, stamens, and pistils are carefully observed and depicted, and each flower part is well-balanced.



The rough cloth cover is inspired from the image of a canvas. The botanical illustrations, born from a keen eye for observation, knowledge, and experience, make this techo an ideal companion for your daily life.







The illustrations were drawn about 130 years ago during the Meiji Era, using loupes and microscopes for detailed observation and creating drawings that show the structures of various parts. Using a Makie painting brush with a bundle of mouse hairs, even the smallest details of leaves and fruits are expressed clearly through shading.







The notation “re-mi-su-i-ha-shi” spelled in hiragana below the stunning botanical illustration reflects the writing style of the Meiji Era, written from right to left, instead of left to right.



The cover has been constructed as a light hardcover book with some give to it so it still bends.

When you order this Hobonichi Techo Weeks, you’ll receive a clear, adhesive corner pocket you can stick anywhere you like.







From the 2024 April-start version for the Weeks, the book uses thin and light yet durable Tomoe River paper. The paper has supported the Hobonichi Techo for over 20 years with its special characteristics, but it’ll be undergoing an overhaul starting with the 2024 edition techos. The paper 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 Weeks book has space for writing in plans or journal entries, and it also has 73 pages of grid paper memo pages in the back. The back of the book contains informational pages, including An Interview with Myself and Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home.







If you’d like storage space or a way to change up the look of your Weeks book, you can customize your book by pairing it with a Weeks cover.



See Weeks cover lineup