The Hobonichi Itoi Shimbun will release the 2015 Hobonichi Techo planner on September 1st. This year, in addition to the paperback-sized "Original" with one page per day, the A5-sized "Cousin," the wallet-sized weekly planner "WEEKS," and the English version of the "Hobonichi Planner," the planner will debut the "Avec" planner, which allows you to record information in six-month increments. The "Original" and "Cousin" have been given a lighter color scheme for easier viewing, and the dates are standardized to match the Cousin format, resulting in a clean, sophisticated planner. The newly released "Avec" planner is divided into two sections: the first half (January to June) and the second half (July to December). The planners will be available in two sizes: "Original" and "Cousin." Additionally, a wide variety of covers will be available, featuring collaborations with artists, traditional Japanese performing arts, and famous manufacturers. "Mamitas" (4,000 yen), a collaboration with Shoko Nakagawa, features an illustration of her beloved cat. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to animal protection activities. "Words Like a Ball" (2,400 yen), a collaboration with Taiyo Matsumoto, features the cover illustration of the paperback book of the same name printed on cloth to recreate the texture of canvas. "HIMALAYA" (6,500 yen), a collaboration with photographer Naoki Ishikawa, uses photos taken while climbing the highest peaks on the seven continents. "It's said that if you pass through here, your wishes will become sound" (4,000 yen), designed by picture book author Ryoji Arai, is a work created specifically for this collaboration, depicting a "utopia" where humans and animals coexist.
Other collaborations include the video game "MOTHER 2: Giygas Strikes Back." "MOTHER 2 Onett" (4,400 yen) was created under the direction of Shigesato Itoi, the game's designer, who wanted to delight gamers. The cover features designs of the game's towns, "Onett" and "Cape Beak." A special bonus item is a red "Saturn-san desk pad" printed with the "Saturn-san font." The popular annual collaboration with mina perhonen and the "Henri Series" will also be available. Marking the fifth year of collaboration, mina perhonen's "sometimes lucky" (6,500 yen) features a hidden four-leaf clover on the cover. "hana hane" (6,000 yen) features the brand's iconic butterfly in vibrant colors. The classic "tambourine" (8,000 yen) features the brand's first neon orange color, inspired by designer Akira Minagawa's desire to "bring out hidden aspects." "piece," (14,000 yen) is made from discarded fabric from minä perhonen, and will feature two items, "colorful mix" and "dark mix." Meanwhile, "ESSENCE CAFFE" (40,000 yen), part of the "Henri Series," now in its sixth year, features a beloved design by Italian leather craftsman Henri Beguelin. The cover fastener has been changed to a belt-type fastener, and a bamboo charm has been added to the end of the bookmark.
Two items will also be sold from the Made in Japan planners, which use traditional Japanese techniques that Japan is proud of around the world. "Juppu tenp02 Sashiko Weave Navy" (6,000 yen) is a collaboration with "Temp," a brand designed by illustrator Toshiyuki Fukuda. The planner cover uses fabric woven by Obatake Kenichi, Japan's only sashiko weaver. Meanwhile, the "Coohem TWEED Red" (9,000 yen) is a zippered planner created in collaboration with Coohem, a knitwear brand from Yonetomi Seni in Yamagata Prefecture. Five different types of yarn, each with different materials, colors, and shapes, are woven together using a technique called "cross-knitting" to create a three-dimensional effect and vibrant colors.
The "Base" (15,000 yen), created in collaboration with PORTER, is the first Hobonichi Techo cover that can be used for both the original and the cousin. It is designed in the image of Porter's classic nylon bag style. It features a double zipper closure and ample storage pockets, making it extremely versatile. It can be carried like a clutch bag, or used as a shoulder bag with the included strap.
This year's "Zipperz" lineup features designs that are characterized by their soft texture. The "ORCIVAL Marine Stripe" (6,500 yen) is made from cotton fabric from the Lyon-based marine wear brand ORCIVAL. A matching striped shirt will be sold in the online shop. The "fog linen work Chambray Cyan" (6,000 yen) is a collaboration with "fog linen work," a company that sells linen and other household goods. Available in two colors, "Chambray Cyan" for the original version and "Chambray Red" for the cousin version, these striking pale colors are a highlight. The "Faux Fur" (7,500 yen) features a cover designed to resemble gray rabbit fur, with a smooth feel. The "SSACK" series (starting at 1,200 yen), which debuts this time, is based on the idea of wrapping a single sheet around a notebook to create a cover. The soft, stretchy silicone resin feels amazing to the touch. Once the notebook is wrapped, the edges fasten with magnets. Other accessories include a pen holder, card pockets, bookmark, and marking flap. The original versions are available in black, mint, red, and yellow. The cousin version will be available in three colors: black, peach, and blue.
The "Hobonichi Planner" (31,500 yen) was created in collaboration with ARTS & SCIENCE. The 2015 edition features a zippered cover for the "Hobonicho Planner." While maintaining simple functionality, various improvements have been made to the main body, including the addition of dinner marks for recording meal plans and what you've eaten. The planner is made of leather tanned by artisans in Tuscany using tannins extracted from plant skins and fruits. It will be available in four colors: orange, wine, green, and dark navy.
The Hobonichi Techo lineup, with a total of 76 designs, will be on sale from September 1st at Loft stores nationwide and on the "Hobonichi Techo 2015 Web Shop." Please note that some products may not be available at all stores.
