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Hiroko KubotaTwinkle-shellsA6 Original Size

    A train runs along a track high in the gray sky. Look closely, and you'll see that the stars shining in the sky are in the shape of various seashells. A giraffe stands quietly on the ground, looking up at the sky. You can really feel the quietness of the scene.



    This fantastic view, which looks to each person to have a different season, time, and place, was created by illustrator Hiroko Kubota. She brushed up a previous work of art in order to extend the story to the back of the cover as well.



    The seashell-shaped stars all have their own appearances, as some have a soft glow while others are sparkling brightly.







    On the back of the cover you can see a puddle where the moon has fallen, and animals playing jump rope nearby.







    In order to portray the soft color scheme of the original illustration, we chose an extra-fine cover material that’s smoother to the touch than ever before.



    The interior pockets are blue-gray, with seashell stars sparkling in a sky that’s been printed behind the pockets. The bookmark charms are also shaped like shells.







    By keeping this quiet world by your side, you’ll find yourself able to calm down and self-reflect. It’s a good cover to spend the next year with.



    Items that include illustrations by Kubota include techo covers, a Weeks book, and a pencil board.



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

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




    About Hiroko Kubota

    Born 1971. Illustrator. Uses acrylic gouache etc. to draw landscapes, people, and animals.



    Instagram: @hiroko_kubota

    Homepage: https://kuvotahiroko.jimdofree.com/

    Cherishing tranquility

    Hiroko Kubota’s illustrations often evoke sounds you can almost hear. This time, she illustrated a quiet, tranquil world. The Twinkle-shells techo cover brushes up a previous work of her art. I first pursued this design because I was fascinated with the colors of the original illustration. The colors of the train running across the gray sky, the seasell stars, and images across the pale yellow ground are unrealistic, and yet they work well in the artwork. This dreamlike mysteriousness felt perfect for a cover users would carry around on a daily basis. There’s a print of the night sky on the interior of the cover that hides behind the techo book once you fit the book into the cover. I liked how wonderful it was to know it’s still there even when you can’t see it anymore.



    The Weeks has a quiet image as well. The black sky and the black sea both look so chic, I love it. You can’t tell at first, but this piece actually has a ton of layers of color to it.



    It was important to us to portray this quiet world—which feels vaguely lonely yet contains a warm presence—the best that we could. We worked with Kubota very closely and tried all kinds of iterations in the details, including switching out the animals, changing the placement of things, and varying the brightness of the street lights or stars in the sky.



    I love the way the sparklers actually sparkle in the light when holding the techo.



    Obviously, there’s a great power to Kubota’s artwork, but I think the popularity of her cover designs also comes from the rich imagination of everyone choosing these designs. These people have a good feel for the world depicted in the artwork and have a good read on it. That’s why we tried to make sure we didn’t lose any sense of silence in this design. It has a front design that connects to the back design, and we hope you can really immerse yourself in this world.

    Staff List

    Photographer
    Styled Images: Nobuki Kawaharazaki / Product Detail: Hiroyuki Oe
    Stylist
    Minami Nosaki
    Hiroko KubotaTwinkle-shellsA6 Original Size
    1. ¥5,610 - ¥6,600(incl. tax)
    2. ¥3,410(incl. tax)

    Normal
    Available
    10

    Recommended Techo Books and Covers

    Recommended Stationery and Accessories

    Compatible Techo Books

    • Planner (A6)1 page per day English edition
    • Original (A6)1 page per day
    • Original Avec (A6)1 page per day 6-month book
    • Day-FreeMonthly notebook

    [Planner] Daily Pages (English Version)

    The English-version daily techo with a refined design
    This compact A6 size techo has spacious daily pages and a simple graph-paper design that offers plenty of freedom to draw, paste, and write.
    • Monday-start
    • A6 size
    • Thickness: 15 mm (0.6”)
    • Daily pages
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Monthly calendar
    • Memo pages

    [Original] Daily Pages・One Piece Edition (*1)

    A classic easy-to-use techo
    This compact A6 size techo has spacious daily pages and a simple graph-paper design that offers plenty of freedom to draw, paste, and write.
    • Monday-start
    • Sunday-start
    • A6 size
    • Thickness: 15 mm (0.6”)
    • Daily pages
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Monthly calendar
    • Memo pages

    *1 Also compatible with the One Piece Edition Original Book.

    [Original 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
    • A6 size
    • Thickness: 8 mm (0.3”) each
    • Daily pages
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Monthly calendar
    • 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
    • A6 size
    • Thickness: 8 mm (0.3”)
    • Monthly calendar
    • Yearly calendar
    • Yearly index
    • Graph paper notebook pages

    Specifications

    Cover
    SizeH: 165 x W: 244 x T: 3 mm / H: 6.5" x W: 9.6" x T: 0.1"
    *Excluding pen holders
    *Specifications may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 100 g
    Main materialExterior: Polyester / Interior: Polyester
    Book (Original English Edition / English / January Start)
    SizeA6 size
    H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 15 mm / H: 5.8"" x W: 4.1"" x T: 0.6""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 195 g
    LanguageEnglish
    Pages464 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    *Monthly calendar pages are 3.45 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week or Sunday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 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- / Sunday-start).
    Daily QuotesOne quote per two-page spread (English)
    Weekly Pages Not included
    Memo Pages17 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 / Looking Back at the Year 2025 / 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 / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Planner / English / January Start)
    SizeA6 size
    H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 15 mm / H: 5.8"" x W: 4.1"" x T: 0.6""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 190 g
    LanguageEnglish
    Pages448 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size4 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 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 daily 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 Not included
    Memo Pages16 pages
    Bonus PagesImportant Contacts / International Size Charts / The Ultimate Packing List / My 100 / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Oodles of Noodles / Personal Notes
    Listed InformationDay of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and daily pages) / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Original / Japanese / January Start)
    SizeA6 size
    H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 15 mm / H: 5.8" x W: 4.1" x T: 0.6"
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 195 g
    LanguageJapanese
    Pages464 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    *Monthly calendar pages are 3.45 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week or Sunday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 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- / Sunday-start).
    Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese)
    Weekly Pages Not included
    Memo Pages15 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 / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Gifts / Age Table / Addresses (for 6 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 (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Original Avec / Japanese / January Start / 2-Book Set)
    SizeA6 size x 2 books
    Each Book: H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 8 mm / H: 5.9"" x W: 4.1"" x T: 0.3""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightEach Book: Approx. 110 g
    LanguageJapanese
    PagesEach Book: 240 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    *Monthly calendar pages are 3.45 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexBook 1: Dec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 pages)
    Book 2: Jun. 2025 - May 2026 (6 pages)
    Monthly CalendarBook 1: Dec. 2024 - Jul. 2025 (16 pages)
    Book 2: Jun. 2025 - Jan. 2026 (16 pages)
    Daily PagesBook 1: Jan. 1 - June 30, 2025 (187 pages)
    Book 2: July 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 Not included
    Memo PagesBook 1: 2 page
    Book 2: 0 page
    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 / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Gifts / Age Table / Addresses (for 6 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 (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
    OtherSee the Exploring Each Type page for more details
    Book (Original - One Piece Edition / Japanese / January Start)
    SizeA6 size
    H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 15 mm / H: 5.9"" x W: 4.1"" x T: 0.6""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 195 g
    LanguageJapanese
    Pages464 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    *Monthly calendar pages are 3.45 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 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.
    *All daily pages include character names of those who celebrate their birthday that day (as of Vol.107)
    Daily QuotesOne per day (Japanese / One Piece edition)
    Weekly Pages Not included
    Memo Pages14 pages
    Bonus PagesOne Piece Chronology / Phrases from One Piece to use when it counts / Ten great scenes chosen by readers to read over and over again / WANTED / Timetable / Favorites / My 100 / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Addresses (for 6 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 (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars only include full and new moon)
    Book (Day-Free A6 size / Japanese / Monthly)
    SizeA6 size
    H: 148 x W: 105 x T: 8 mm / W: 4.1"" x H: 5.9"" x T: 0.3""
    *Actual book size may vary slightly
    WeightApprox. 110 g
    LanguageJapanese
    Pages240 pages
    Paper Type / BindingThin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding
    Graph Paper Size3.7 mm
    *Monthly calendar pages are 3.45 mm
    Start of WeekMonday-start week
    Yearly Calendar2024, 2025, 2026
    Yearly IndexDec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (8 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 / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Gifts / Age Table / Addresses (for 6 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.

    Color and print may vary slightly

    This material is first printed or dyed and then later sewn onto the cover. While colors are designed to be consistent, there may be uneven coloring or slight shade variances between covers. This may also happen across a single cover, such as a pocket compared to the rest of the cover. In addition, on rare occasions, there may be small black or white dots visible on the print. This is an unavoidable aspect of the manufacturing process.

    Cover may contain variations in stitching or loose lining

    Due to the structure of the cover that opens flat 180 degrees, exterior stitching areas may appear puckered and lining material may be loose.

    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.

    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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