Hobonichi FAQ

Curious about the popular Hobonichi planners? On this page, we've put together a guide to the planners and accessories, the history of Hobonichi, and how to get one for yourself for the upcoming year. We'll also keep this page updated regularly on the status of Hobonichi restocks and orders at our shop.

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Hobonichi status updates

August 22, 2026: The Hobonichi Preview Exhibit begins on August 25! During this special event, which runs through August 31, we'll have Hobonichi's entire 2027 lineup displayed in our event space. This is one of only four US locations where you'll be able to see and touch the new 2027 products before the August 31 release. Tap the link to learn more!

Following the Preview Exhibit, the 2027 Hobonichi products will be available for sale online starting 10pm ET on August 31, and in-store starting 11am September 1.

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FAQs

What is Hobonichi?

The Hobonichi Techo is a Japanese planner brand created in 2001 by writer, musician, game designer, and actor Shigesato Itoi. The planner was created to be a "Life Book," a versatile companion that could be used in any way as a record of one's daily life. Hobonichi users often use their books as planners, journals, commonplace books, sketchbooks, places to collect ideas, and more.

Hobonichi books come in three sizes: the A6 Original, A5 Cousin, and a tall and thin Weeks. They're made with ultra thin yet strong Tomoe River paper that allow the books to be portable despite having a full year's worth of pages. The Original and Cousin each have one-page-a-day designs, while the Weeks has a vertical weekly design.

In addition to the thoughtfully designed interior, Hobonichi is also known for their yearly launch of new planner covers and accessories. Cover designs are made in collaboration with artists and other creatives and are unique each year. The big reveal of each year's designs happens at the end of August.

Release Date: August 31, 10pm (ET)

Hobonichi's big yearly launch for January start planners happens at the same time in all stores worldwide. In Japan, the time is 11am on September 1. For us, in Newton, Massachusetts, that translates to an online release at 10pm the night before.

There is also a second release in February of planners that start on April 1, the beginning of Japan's academic and fiscal year.

Because Hobonichi launches their products only at these two times of year, the planners are often out of stock worldwide in the months between releases.

Previews start August 25

Before the August 31 launch date, Hobonichi allows shops to put their collection online for preview. Approximately ten days before the launch date, Hobonichi will begin previewing designs on their website and social media accounts. We'll also put the upcoming year's products up for preview on our website, where you can browse and start planning your purchase. Unfortunately, we cannot accept preorders of Hobonichi products before the 31st.

NOTE: All new Hobonichi items will appear as Out of Stock until launch time on August 31. This is only a website quirk; everything is still in stock and has not yet been put up for sale.

Will you have Hobonichi in your store?

Yes! We will have the same items available in-store as we have online.

Where can I buy Hobonichi?

Of course we'd love it if you purchase from us! Aside from shopping the Hobonichi Collection on our website, or picking up your favorites from our brick and mortar store in Newton, MA, however, there are also many other options.

Orders can be placed through Hobonichi's official website at the link below. If you order direct from Hobonichi, the order will ship from Japan. This is the only way to get the yearly Uni-ball Jetstream pen and other exclusive giveaway items. A few products are also only sold through the official Japan store. Tariffs may apply to orders shipping to the US.
https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/

If you're not local and would like to see the products in person, you can also browse Hobonichi's Store Locator to find a shop near you. Partner Shops (like The Paper Mouse) will have a larger selection of goods than non-Partner Shops. Of note, only Partner Shops carry techo covers.

Should I stay up to order on launch day?

One long-standing Hobonichi tradition is the countdown to launch day. Many people camp out at stores and websites, waiting for their favorite designs to go on sale. Oftentimes, items will sell out on launch day. Is it worth staying up for the big event?

It's entirely up to you and your circumstances. Here are some of our recommendations for making your plans:

  • If you must have our exclusive Hobonichi Day giveaways, stay up and order fast!
  • If you want to experience the excitement with a community, stay up and see what it's all about! Our staff will be on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok at launch time to chat and answer any questions you may have. Many people also post their carts on social media, get on Discord chats, or otherwise treat the launch as an event to enjoy with friends.
  • If you have your heart set on a specific item and can't bear to miss out, launch day is your first chance at getting it. Although we can't guarantee restocks of anything, however, almost all items have been restocked at least once after launch in past years. Unless it's a matter of life or (stationery) death, it's not critical to stay up.
  • If you only want a new planner book or would be happy with many different designs, there's no need to stay up. There will be plenty of chances to pick up a techo at your convenience. We do recommend getting one before the start of the year, however; we do not usually restock dated planners after December and will only have on hand what happens to be left.

What happens if the thing I wanted sold out?

In past years, we've been able to restock most products at least once. If you miss it the first time around, sign up for restock notifications on the product page, and keep an eye on your inbox and our social media accounts for restock announcements! It's also worth checking other independent stores and the official Hobonichi store to see if they still have the item in stock.

Will you have the collab collections?

  • Moomins: yes!
  • V&A: yes!
  • Yumi Kitagishi: yes!
  • Leo Lionni (Frederick): yes!
  • Tsuki no Iro/Kakimori: yes!
  • ONE PIECE magazine: yes! (Launches October 1)
  • Suica Penguin: unfortunately not. The Suica collection will only be available in-person at Hobonichi's new store in Tokyo Station.
  • SUNSUN: unfortunately not. At the moment, the SUNSUN collection is only available directly from Hobonichi and affiliated stores in Japan.

Will you have the acorn charm and Uniball pen?

We will not. These store bonus items are only available directly through the Hobonichi store. However, we will include our own Paper Mouse exclusive bonus items with each Hobonichi order while supplies last!

Still curious about Hobonichi?

At the links below, you can:

Questions for our staff?

You can reach us by email at hello@studiopatron.mom!

FAQs

You do not! This online counter is here so that you can track your progress in line and return when your number is about to be called. We encourage you to take a look around our shop and West Newton Square while you wait.

Unfortunately not. In order to keep the lines flowing, we ask that all members of a group be present to request their own ticket.

No, each ticket is for one person only. The exception is children 6 and under, who can enter with a parent or guardian.

The wait can vary significantly by day. You can ask our staff for an estimate when you arrive. On peak days when there is a line, we will be limiting attendees to 30 minutes each in the venue.

Please check in with staff at our shop to get a new ticket if you wish to re-enter the event. When there is a queue, we will not allow re-entry until the queue has cleared.

Please try to be at the event space when the ticket counter is around 10 numbers away from yours.

If you were not around when your number was called, let our staff know. You'll be the next to enter once there is enough space in the venue.

Yes, there is. Our bathroom is not wheelchair accessible, however; if you use a mobility device and cannot walk down a flight of stairs, please let our staff know so we can tell you about nearby alternatives.

Show your event ticket at Moments Cafe (1284 Washington St) from August 25 to August 31 to get 20% off your order.

This promotion does not apply to online orders.