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LeatherTS Basic - BlackA5 Cousin Size

    We created this black leather cover with graphic designer Taku Satoh, who is in charge of the Hobonichi Techo’s design direction.



    TS stands for the initials of Taku Satoh. Out of all the various Hobonichi Techo covers, this has been a staple in our lineup and has been a popular choice for over ten years.



    The fine texture of the matte cow leather is soft from the first time you use it and fits comfortably in your hands. The smooth feel as you hold it in your hands is another characteristic of this leather.







    The leather cover exudes an elegance with a black color that will suit any outfit. It makes it an ideal first-time leather cover and is also perfect for anyone who wants to own a standard leather cover that is simple, chic, and timeless.

    In the Hobonichi Techo 2025 lineup, the Cousin book comes in either English or Japanese.

    *The English book is only available as the January-start version.



    The Hobonichi Techo leather covers are made with all-natural materials that have their own unique appearance. Every leather cover is a one-of-a-kind, all-natural product, so you can feel good knowing your cover is the only one like it in the world. Here are some of the unique characteristics you can expect to find.



    - Markings that naturally occur during an animal’s life:

    Wrinkles, veins, texture, and scratches







    - Characteristics from the manufacturing process of natural leather:

    Dark spots (occurs when components of the leather are exposed to iron in the air during the tanning and dyeing process)



    About Taku Satoh

    Graphic Designer. Graduated from Tokyo University of The Arts in 1979, majoring in design, and completed his master’s degree in 1981. Joined Dentsu, Inc. before establishing the Taku Satoh Design Office in 1984. Created product designs and branding for Oishii Gyunyu milk, Lotte XYLITOL gum, and much more.



    Currently active across a broad spectrum of projects, including general direction for NHK Educational TV’s “Design-Ah” series and art direction for “Nihongo de Asobo.”
    Current director of design museum 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Tokyo.



    TSDO Website



    Interviews with Taku Satoh on Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun:

    The standard black leather cover

    This long-selling black leather has appeared every year. The matte and excellent black leather was selected by graphic designer Taku Satoh, and it looks great just to have it with you. The smooth texture is pleasant and has a quality feel only genuine leather can provide.



    TS Basic - Black is often chosen for situations such as “using a leather cover for the first time,” “wanting to have something special for a new job,” or “giving a planner as a thank-you gift.” It is especially popular as a present for celebrating a new job or a family member’s birthday.



    As the name “Basic” suggests, it is one of the most standard leather covers of the Hobonichi Techo lineup. It has all the unique features of the Hobonichi Techo cover, including the “butterfly-stopper” pen holders, two bookmarks, and finely divided pockets inside, so we confidently recommend it.

    Introduction to the Standard series products

    (Hobonichi Techo 2025 lineup)

    Staff List

    Photographer
    Styled Images:Keiko Ichihara/ Product Detail: Hiroyuki Oe
    Stylist
    Mari Nagasaka
    LeatherTS Basic - BlackA5 Cousin Size
    1. ¥16,500 - ¥18,150(incl. tax)
    2. ¥13,200(incl. tax)

    Normal
    Available
    20

    Recommended Techo Books and Covers

    Recommended Stationery and Accessories

    Compatible Techo Books

    • Cousin (A5)1 page per day
    • Cousin Avec (A5)1 page per day 6-month book
    • Day-FreeMonthly notebook

    [Cousin] Daily Pages (English / Japanese Version)

    A daily techo with lots of space to write
    This A5-size techo provides ample space on each daily page. It’s great for keeping in one place at home or at work and you can use it to track your child’s growth or exchange with someone.
    • Monday-start
    • A5 size
    • Thickness: 18 mm (0.7”)
    • Daily pages
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Monthly calendar
    • Weekly pages
    • Memo pages

    [Cousin Avec] Daily Pages (2-Book Set)

    Each 6-month daily techo is thin and light for easy carry
    This techo splits the year into two 6-month books, making it easy to carry while keeping the same page design and layout as the standard edition.
    • Monday-start
    • A5 size
    • Thickness: 10 mm (0.4”) each
    • Daily pages
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Monthly calendar
    • Weekly pages
    • Memo pages

    [Day-Free] Monthly Techo + Notebook

    A monthly notebook with undated pages to write freely
    This techo starts with monthly calendars and ends with undated graph paper pages so you can write whenever you want, and as much as you want.
    • Monday-start
    • A5 size
    • Thickness: 8 mm (0.3”)
    • Monthly calendar
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Graph paper notebook pages

    Specifications

    Cover
    SizeH: 228 x W: 337 x T: 3 mm / H: 9" x W: 13.3" x T: 0.1"
    *Excluding pen holders
    *Specifications may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 166 g
    Main materialExterior: Cow leather / Interior: Cow leather, polyester
    Book (Cousin English Edition / English / January Start)
    SizeA5 size
    H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 445 g
    LanguageEnglish
    Pages544 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexJan. 2025 - Dec 2025 (4 pages)
    Monthly CalendarDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages)
    Daily PagesJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (377 pages)
    *A blank two-page spread is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book.
    *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
    *Every two-page spread includes one daily quote.
    *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
    Daily QuotesOne quote per two-page spread (English)
    Weekly Pages Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 4, 2026 (106 pages)
    Memo Pages6 pages
    Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Oodles of Noodles / Words to Remember / 365 Days Check-Off Sheet / Getting the Most Out of Your Hobonichi Techo / Gifts / Addresses / Personal Notes
    Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Cousin / Japanese / January Start)
    SizeA5 size
    H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 445 g
    LanguageJapanese
    Pages544 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexJan. 2025 - Dec 2025 (4 pages)
    Monthly CalendarDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages)
    Daily PagesJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (377 pages)
    *A blank two-page spread is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book.
    *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
    *All daily pages include daily quotes.
    *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
    Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese)
    Weekly Pages Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 4, 2026 (106 pages)
    Memo Pages6 pages
    Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
    Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Cousin Avec / Japanese / January Start / 2-Book Set)
    SizeA5 size x 2 books
    Each Book: H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 10 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.4""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightEach Book: Approx. 260 g
    LanguageJapanese
    PagesEach Book: 288 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexBook 1: Jan. - Dec. 2025 (4 pages)
    Book 2: Jul. 2025 - Jun. 2026 (4 pages)
    Monthly CalendarBook 1: Dec. 2024 - Jul. 2025 (16 pages)
    Book 2: Jun. 2025 - Jan. 2026 (16 pages)
    Daily PagesBook 1: Jan. 1 - Jun. 30, 2025 (187 pages)
    Book 2: Jul. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (190 pages)
    *A blank two-page spread (three pages for Book 2) is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book.
    *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead.
    *All daily pages include daily quotes.
    *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start).
    Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese)
    Weekly Pages Book 1: Dec. 30, 2024 - Jul. 6, 2025 (54 pages)
    Book 2: Jun. 30, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 (54 pages)
    Memo PagesBook 1: 8 pages
    Book 2: 4 pages
    Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
    Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Day-Free A5 size / Japanese / Monthly)
    SizeA5 size
    H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 8 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.3""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 220 g
    LanguageJapanese
    Pages224 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexJan. - Dec. 2025 (4 pages)
    Monthly CalendarDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages)
    Daily QuotesIncluded (Japanese)
    Graph Paper 171 pages
    Bonus PagesTime Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes
    Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (Full and new moon listed on monthly calendars)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details

    Please Read Before You Buy

    In order to provide you with the most satisfaction for your product, we've compiled a list of warnings, potential issues, and tips to keep in mind for this particular product. Please be sure to read this information carefully before placing your order.

    Actual specifications may vary from listing

    Each item is individually assembled and sewn by hand by a factory worker. Best efforts are made to ensure consistent sizes and specifications, but there may be slight differences.

    About TS Black leather

    Due to the especially soft nature of the cow leather to keep it pleasant to the touch, the leather exterior may be affected by the cover’s interior materials and display an uneven or slack appearance.

    Leather may contain preexisting wrinkles and marks

    In order to allow customers the enjoyment of all-natural leather, the leather is processed in a way that retains its original feel. This may leave imperfections visible on the surface of the cover, such as wrinkles, scratches, stains, or vein marks.
    Depending on the conditions in which the cover is used, natural oils of the leather may emerge and appear as stains. We ask for your understanding for these naturally-occurring characteristics of genuine leather.

    Glossy leather does not age like tanned leather

    Unlike tanned leather, glossy leather does not visibly age and change over time.

    Leather coloring stains

    Dyed leather products tend to leave stains. Please be careful not to allow the leather to adhere or rub against other objects such as clothing or other belongings, especially if the bag is wet from water or sweat from your hands.

    Immediately dry if it gets wet

    Immediately dab your product with a dry cloth if it gets wet. Avoid drying it with high temperatures, and place it in a well-ventilated place in the shade.

    The cover does not shut tightly

    The cover does not shut tightly while it is new, but it will wear in over time.

    Pen holders are rigid at first

    The pen holders are rigid at first, making it difficult to insert pens. You can speed up the breaking-in process by rolling the pen holders in your hand.

    Pen holder fits pens up to 13.5 mm wide

    The pen holder is designed to perfectly fit the 12.2 mm (0.48”) diameter Jetstream pen offered as a free Hobonichi Store Exclusive. Pens with certain shapes and materials may be difficult to pull through the holder. The holder can fit pens up to 13.5 mm (0.53”) in diameter.

    Not for use with Cover on Cover

    The PVC plastic of the Cover on Cover contains plasticizer additives which may cause a reaction in the leather dye and affect the color and quality of the leather cover. Please refrain from using the Cover on Cover with this product.

    Avoid storing in hot and humid places

    Please avoid storing your product in hot, humid places or placing it atop other objects for long periods of time as this may result in lower quality and color stains.

    User recommendations

    If you’ve used any of these products, we welcome your notes on what you like about them or what led you to buy them so we can share it with customers who are currently considering these products. We’d also love to welcome comments from customers who purchased their techo outside the Hobonichi Store or received their book as a gift.

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