Hey, it’s Tak from the overseas team.

“Hello!” “Bonjour!”
I’m here in Toronto, Canada, a city rich in diversity, where people from all over the world gather and over a hundred languages fill the air.
It’s a vibrant place where British and French cultures blend together, shaping the town’s unique history. Just walking down the street, I find myself in awe of the city’s energetic atmosphere, where new beginnings seem to await at every turn.



While I’m still riding that sense of excitement, I’d like to report on Canada’s very first Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan, which was held in March 2026.

In this report, I’ll share with you moments from the event, which was brought to life by each participant’s unique passion for techo and stationery — a scene made possible by Toronto’s diversity.

The meeting was held at Wonder Pens, a store located in a residential area a short distance from the city center. On weekends, this neighborhood sees a lot of foot traffic from the morning.



The charming shop features a spacious interior lined with all sorts of stationery. Within the warm atmosphere of a family-run shop, the shelves are lined with fountain pens, inks, and carefully selected paper, offering visitors an exciting experience that feels like a treasure hunt.

The owners have a deep respect for Japanese stationery, and they’ve filled the entire store with their passion for writing.



The event was divided into two sessions and attended by a total of 13 participants. Gathering around a large table in the center of the store, we kicked off the event in an open atmosphere where even passing shoppers could glance over to see what was going on.

We began by thanking everybody for joining and introducing ourselves. As we introduced some of Hobonichi’s other activities, the participants began to respond with recognition and positive reactions, and the mood quickly became relaxed.



Next, we moved on to the main segment of the Meeting Caravan event. We asked the participants to introduce themselves as they laid out the techo they brought with them on the table. Page by page, each participant took time to go over the personal story behind their techo, giving way to meaningful conversations.

Everyone in attendance had been using their Hobonichi Techo for longer than I have, so I listened closely and absorbed as much as I could.

Now, one by one, let’s take a look at how each participant uses their techo.

Writing freely in the Hobonichi Techo, serving as the margins of their mind



This participant has been using their Hobonichi Techo for three years, ever since they received their first one as a gift from their partner.

Rather than using their techo to manage their schedule, they like to use it to freely write down their thoughts each day. They began the year with neat, detailed entries, but as the days went on, their handwriting got bigger, and the entries became rougher. They explained that they like to write in their own rhythm. During holiday seasons, for example, they tend to write more.

Personally, I came away with respect for their commitment to keep writing, regardless of the content.

Keeping their career and life organized with on-the-job notes



This next participant mainly uses their techo to keep all important information directly related to their career in one place, including notes on people they met on the job and their work, as well as their certifications.

When asked what they do on days when they’re too busy to write, they responded, “I just give it a quick stamp. That way, I don’t have any blank days on my techo.” That sounds like a helpful solution for those who don’t like to leave spaces blank.

A color-coding system in sync with a digital calendar



This participant started using their Hobonichi Techo as a tool to help get themself back on track after dealing with health issues in university. They explained that they journal in their techo to maintain their health.

They also shared a creative way to use the Hobonichi Techo — they use color pens to organize information using the same color-coding system they use on Google Calendar. The other participants reacted with audible admiration at their meticulous system. By using the same colors, they seamlessly connect their digital and physical calendars, allowing them to find scheduled appointments at a glance.

I found myself both surprised and impressed by this hybrid method of using a techo.

Scenes in watercolor to carry their mother’s passion forward



This techo belongs to a user who, through daily watercolors and sketches, continues an inner dialogue with their late mother, who was a painter.

“The quality of the paper is very high. Anything I paint on it turns into a beautiful scene,” she explains.
In their job as a design instructor, they sometimes use their techo to show their students that planning is not a chore, but a creative activity that calms the mind. Everyone nodded thoughtfully in response.

A master of customization, decorating their techo in their own style



“It sometimes takes me three hours to decorate the cover page of my Weeks,” this next participant shared, laughing. They make their techo their very own by punching holes in the Clear Cover to attach their favorite keychains.

Instead of using their techo to manage their schedule, they use it to reflect on the highlights of each week. For instance, during the week of Valentine’s Day, they use colors like pink and brown to capture the seasonal mood. Just by looking at it, you get the sense that they’re really enjoying it. They also decorate the pages with positive messages like “I love myself,” explaining that they use the techo as a tool to encourage themself.

I realized that even the smallest things can help shift your mindset in a more positive direction.

An all-purpose A5 log for every aspect of daily life



This participant uses their techo to keep track of all kinds of things, from work, meals, and their household budget to their daughter’s education plans. They even keep a shopping list for Legos, which their daughter is passionate about. Filled with snapshots of their relationships with their family and moments from their daily routine, their techo is a genuine record of their life.

They also shared a surprising way of using their techo — traveling the world on YouTube. After watching travel videos, they research more about each country and compile what they learn in their techo. Everyone was fascinated by the engaging way they use their techo to explore the world without spending any money, an activity they call “creating online travel pages.”

The allure of high-quality paper, and a deep passion for watercolors and fountain pens



This next participant was so impressed by the quality of the paper in their Hobonichi Techo that they started using watercolors and fountain pens on it. Their entries are thorough, going as far as to keep a record of the medicine they took when they got sick by painting the bottles.
It’s really amazing how they turn even the smallest moments into art. Although keeping records day after day can be hard work, in my mind, I picture them taking joy in every part of the process.

They use a separate techo to record the dishes they prepare each week, which over time has developed into their very own treasured collection of recipes. At the end, they shared that adding to it over time is one of the things they look forward to.

Wrapping up with group photos


Participants in the first session


Participants in the second session


Based on what everyone shared in Toronto, I was really left with the impression that the Hobinichi Techo isn’t just for keeping records. It’s something that makes daily life more rewarding and serves as a valuable source of support.

Rather than perfectly polished entries, what I saw were pages that quietly came to life with the everyday discoveries that each person made through writing.

Which city will we head to next, and what kind of techo stories will we encounter there?

The Hobonichi Techo Meeting Caravan connects people across oceans and borders. All of us on the overseas team are looking forward to seeing you again somewhere, in another city.

Last but not least, we want to give a shout-out to the owners of Wonder Pens, where the Meeting Caravan took place. We are truly grateful to John and Liz for making this event possible.

And let’s not forget Goose, the ten-week-old puppy who brought joy to all our hearts. He’s an Australian Cattle Dog. His adorable presence made our meeting in Toronto that much warmer and more memorable.

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