The 2018 edition of the Hobonichi Techo, an original product of Shigesato Itoi's website "Hobonichi Itoi Shimbun," will be available in a lineup of 79 designs starting September 1st.

Now in its 17th year since its launch, the 2017 edition is loved in 86 countries around the world. It comes in four types: the paperback-sized "Original" (2,000 yen), the A5-sized "Cousin" (3,500 yen), the weekly "Weeks" (starting at 1,800 yen), and the English-language "Planner" (2,500 yen).

A new version of "Weeks," "Weeks MEGA" (2,200 yen), will be released on November 1st. It triples the number of grid memo pages to 212, while remaining only about twice the thickness of the previous version. Available in five colors: sunset red, coral pink, sand gray, forest green, and ultramarine, the planners will also be available in a yellow, exclusive Loft version at Loft stores nationwide. The "Cousin" weekly diary has been improved to allow for 24-hour schedules, and the bonus end pages have also been revamped. Other collaborations include a teddy bear-themed cover by German stuffed toy manufacturer Steiff; a "The Beatles" planner designed by art directors Gugi Akiyama and Yuni Yoshida and illustrator Izumi Shiokawa; a "Japanese Fabric" series featuring traditional textiles from across Japan; and a planner featuring beautiful illustrations by artist Mutsumi Kagoshima, who also collaborated on the Hobonichi Tobichi logo. This year, there will be eight collaborative covers with the popular mina perhonen. Among the designs are "imagine," depicting a mysterious world of trees and animals; "tori-to-hana," featuring embroidered birds and flowers; "mermaid," featuring arcs of three-dimensional embroidery; and the patchwork "piece," which will be sold by lottery. Other items include the "FLOWER RUG," a floral cover made from sock fabric by ANTIPAST, a first-time collaboration with the sock-focused brand. These items are available at the Hobonichi Techo Web Shop, Loft stores nationwide, and participating bookstores. Also, from September 1st to 18th, a launch event called "On the Desk" will be held at Ginza Loft. In addition to the items for sale, 10 artists, including book designer Shin Sobue, book designer and graphic designer Naoko Nakui, and author Moegara, will create their own unique worlds on their desks. There will also be a "Special Talk Event" (first-come, first-served) with Moegara and Shigesato Itoi on the 2nd, and a "Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan" (advance registration required) on the 10th.