Hobonichi Techo 2024 Lineup Guide: Books, HON, and Weeks Explained

Introduction

The Hobonichi Techo has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved Japanese planners, and the 2024 lineup is one of the most varied yet. For the first time, covers and planner books can be purchased separately, which makes it easier to mix and match a cover you love with the book format that suits your planning style.

This guide walks through the main book formats and the highlights of the 2024 cover collections, so you can decide which combination makes sense before ordering.

The Paper: Tomoe River S

Paper is where Hobonichi planners set themselves apart. The A6 and A5 books are filled with Tomoe River S, a paper that behaves very similarly to the old Tomoe River stock. That means you can still pair it with your favorite gel pens, fountain pen inks, and markers without worrying about a dramatic change in writing feel.

The Weeks and Weeks MEGA planners continue to use old Tomoe River for now, and they will switch to Tomoe River S with the April-Start edition. If you are particular about paper, that timing is worth keeping in mind.

2024 Cover Collections Highlights

The 2024 cover lineup draws from a wide range of collaborators. Denim brand Blue Blue combines Indigo German Cloth with diamond-patterned sashiko fabric, while illustrator Hiroko Kubota returns with her whimsical animal drawings, this time on a matching pencil board.

There are plenty of texture-first options too. Laurent Garigue contributes covers made from shimmering tweed, Linton brings its signature fancy tweeds to the blue and white Vacances covers, and the Tomomi © Nishikawa Dog covers use jacquard fabrics for colorful, unique textures. Liberty Fabrics, a frequent collaborator since its founding in 1875, offers a fresh Hollyhocks design with a matching Weeks Cover that includes card slots and a zipper pouch so it can double as a wallet.

Japanese textile brand minä perhonen offers three beautifully varied designs for 2024, including classic book-style covers and a Zippers cover. The Zippers covers themselves are made of high-quality synthetic leather, with the A5 version opening from the top pocket and the A6 version opening from both the top and side.

Several covers celebrate Japanese culture and art. Taro Okamoto’s covers feature elements of his Tower of the Sun monument from the 1970 World’s Fair in Osaka. Tomitaro Makino, known as the “Father of Japanese Botany,” lends his intricate botanical illustrations to covers and accessories. Illustrator Yumi Kitagishi’s Little Gifts design features actual items she owns and loves, and Jin Kitamura contributes charming pandas playing with tires, with a matching Deco Rush decoration tape available.

Fans of games and illustration get options as well. The MOTHER 2 covers, tied to the video game written by Hobonichi founder Shigesato Itoi, include exclusive stickers. PAMM’s Generous Interior Techo is based on a design originally used for a pajama set, and Hobonichi Zippers covers round things out in clean single colors.

Hobonichi Techo HON A5

The HON is the hardcover expression of the Hobonichi format, and the English A5 HON is available now. Most HON planners are hardcover, with the softcover Black Gingham as the exception. Every HON comes with a clear pencil board that includes pen loops, a small but genuinely useful addition for writing on the go.

The A6 and A5 MOTHER editions feature the logo of the game and come with exclusive stickers, though these are Japanese-language planners. English A6 HON planners were set to arrive in November, so if you prefer the smaller size in English, it is worth checking availability.

Hobonichi Techo Weeks

The Weeks is the wallet-sized weekly format, ideal for anyone who wants a full year of planning in something that slips into a pocket or bag. The 2024 lineup covers a wide range of tastes: some Weeks planners are made of the same materials as neckties and button-up shirts, giving them a distinctly textile feel.

Cover construction varies by design. The Smooth and White Line planners have soft covers, while the Paper and Leather Cover series use hard covers with a bit of flex. The Cats & Me Weeks has a matching Deco Rush available, extending the decoration-tape idea from the main lineup.

Hobonichi Techo Weeks MEGA

The Weeks MEGA takes the same wallet-friendly weekly format and doubles the memo pages, making it the better pick if you use your planner for more than appointments. Anyone who jots down lists, notes, or journal fragments alongside their schedule will appreciate the extra writing space without moving up to an A6 or A5 book.

Like the standard Weeks, it uses old Tomoe River paper for now, with the switch to Tomoe River S coming with the April-Start edition.

Choosing Between Weeks and Weeks MEGA

The decision comes down to how much you write. If your planner is primarily a schedule, the standard Weeks keeps things as compact as possible. If you treat your planner as a catch-all notebook, the Weeks MEGA’s doubled memo pages make it the more practical choice.

Both formats share the same weekly layout and, for now, the same old Tomoe River paper, so the paper feel will be identical between the two until the April-Start edition arrives.

Overall Buying Advice

Start by choosing the book format that matches how you plan, then pick a cover that fits your daily carry. The ability to buy books and covers separately makes it easy to refresh a cover later without replacing the planner itself. If fountain pens or markers are part of your routine, the Tomoe River S paper in the A6 and A5 books is a strong reason to consider those sizes, while the Weeks family wins on portability.

Also keep in mind that the 2024 lineup extends beyond what is covered here, with drawer pouches, 5-Year Techos, and ONE PIECE products arriving in October, so it is worth browsing the full range before committing.

Conclusion

The 2024 Hobonichi Techo lineup offers something for nearly every planning style: the hardcover A5 HON for a book-like feel, the slim Weeks for pocket-sized scheduling, and the Weeks MEGA for anyone who needs more room to write. With separate covers and books, the paper quality Hobonichi is known for, and a genuinely diverse set of cover designs, it is a lineup that rewards a little deliberation before you buy.