If you’ve spent any time in the stationery world, chances are you’ve heard whispers (or shouts!) about Hobonichi. For over two decades, this Japanese planner has grown from a cult favorite into a worldwide phenomenon — inspiring creatives, professionals, and everyday journalers with its unique blend of design, paper quality, and cultural storytelling.

At Misc Store, we’re excited to finally bring Hobonichi to the Netherlands and Europe — and in this blogpost, we’ll introduce you to what makes Hobonichi so special, and highlight some of its most exciting collaborations.

The Story of Hobonichi Techo

The Hobonichi Techo (手帳, “techo” meaning notebook or planner in Japanese) was first launched in 2001 by Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun, an online magazine founded by Japanese copywriter and cultural figure Shigesato Itoi.

From the start, Hobonichi stood out. It wasn’t just a planner — it was a creative tool, designed to hold not only schedules but also thoughts, drawings, and memories. Its signature features include:

• One page per day format (in most editions)

• Grid layout for structure and flexibility

• Moon phases and cultural notes

• Daily quotes curated from writers, artists, and readers

• Lay-flat binding for ease of use

• Tomoe River paper — ultra-thin, smooth, and fountain-pen friendly

Over time, Hobonichi expanded its lineup to include the A6 Original, A5 Cousin, Weeks, and other formats — each gathering passionate fans across the globe.

The Arts & Science Collaboration — Bringing Hobonichi to the World

In 2013, Hobonichi took a significant step toward international audiences through a collaboration with Arts & Science, a multidisciplinary design label founded by Sonya Park in Tokyo.

About Arts & Science

Arts & Science is more than just a fashion or lifestyle brand. It represents a philosophy of everyday living — blending clothing, home goods, books, and stationery into a coherent vision of craftsmanship, subtle luxury, and functionality. Sonya Park, originally a stylist, has built A&S into a platform where Japanese artisanship meets modern design values.

Hobonichi Planner A6

The collaboration led to the Hobonichi Planner (A6), designed with international users in mind. Unlike the Japanese editions, the Planner featured:

• An all-English layout

• A minimalist black matte cover with the kanji “Techo” embossed in gold

• Curated daily quotes translated into English

• The same beloved Tomoe River paper and functional extras

This made Hobonichi accessible to a new global audience — while staying rooted in Japanese culture. For many outside Japan, the Arts & Science Hobonichi Planner was their first step into the world of Hobonichi.

POTR Covers by Yoshida & Co. — When Planners Meet Japanese Bag Design

Hobonichi isn’t only about paper — it’s also about the covers. Each year, Hobonichi collaborates with artists, designers, and brands to create unique planner covers that turn the diary into a personal object of style.

One of the most anticipated collaborations in recent years has been with Yoshida & Co., the legendary Japanese bagmaker behind the Porter brand.

About Yoshida Porter

Founded in 1935, Yoshida & Co. is known for its high-quality, handmade bags under the Porter label. The company’s philosophy is “Heart and Soul into Every Stitch”, and each product reflects careful Japanese craftsmanship. Porter bags are functional, durable, and understated — coveted worldwide for their blend of utility and style.

POTR × Hobonichi

In the Hobonichi universe, the collaboration takes the form of POTR covers (POTR stands for “Porter Tokyo”). These covers aren’t just cases; they’re designed like miniature bags, often with:

• Durable nylon Oxford fabric

• Multiple pockets and compartments

• Pen holders and card slots

• Shoulder straps for carrying on the go

They combine Hobonichi’s creative planner system with Porter’s iconic bag design, making them perfect for people who want their planner to travel everywhere with them.

Why Hobonichi Resonates Globally

So what makes Hobonichi more than “just another planner”?

1. Craftsmanship → From Tomoe River paper to stitched binding, Hobonichi values quality.

2. Cultural depth → Japanese design sensibilities + collaborations with leading brands and artists.

3. Versatility → A tool for planning, journaling, drawing, scrapbooking.

4. Community → Hobonichi has inspired a worldwide network of fans who share setups, art, and journaling ideas.

Hobonichi at Misc Store

At Misc Store Amsterdam, we’re thrilled to bring Hobonichi 2026 to our community. From the classic A6 Original to the Cousin A5, Weeks, and accessories, plus collaborations like Arts & Science and POTR by Yoshida Porter — Hobonichi represents exactly what we love: design objects that enrich everyday life.

Pre-orders for Hobonichi 2026 open September 1st, with the lineup revealed from August 22nd.