In this work, the artist avoids the prominent outlines typical of ink painting, using only delicate gradations to depict a windswept pine forest with hazy light seeping through the mist. Off in the distance are snow-capped mountains, filling the image with humid, cold air.
Pine Forest is a work of art that was painted by Hasegawa Tohaku nearly 420 years ago during the Azuchi–Momoyama period. The painting currently resides in the Tokyo National Museum as a national treasure and is considered a masterpiece in early modern ink painting.
This popular national treasure, which has stolen people’s hearts with its enigmatic charm, is now available on a Hobonichi Techo cover.
The A5 Cousin size cover focuses on the left-hand screen of the original Pine Forest painting. Whether the techo cover is open or closed, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of this national treasure.
One of the butterfly stoppers is illustrated with the snow-capped mountain from the left-hand screen of the original Pine Forest painting, which gives the overall piece a feeling of depth.
The bookmarks are thin, elegant ribbons as not to detract from the serene beauty of the artwork on the cover.
The cover interior is a light blue faux leather that evokes the image of thawing snow. When you open your techo, you’ll be soothed by the fresh, cool color scheme and matte texture. The left-hand pocket is pressed with the Tokyo National Museum logo.
The cover comes with an informational card that gives an overall view of the entire original Pine Forest painting, which stretches across a left- and right-hand screen. You can bend the card and stand it up to have a miniature version of the original.
Hasegawa Tohaku was born in 1539 in Nanao, Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. He painted Buddhist pictures in his hometown of Nanao as a painter until his early 30s, after which he was discovered by Sen no Rikyu and moved to Kyoto. He was believed to be in his 50’s when he painted Pine Forest. Some believe that Tohaku, who lost his son at a young age, may have painted this image from memory while imagining the coast of his hometown where he walked with his son.
Looking at this artwork can put your mind at ease, provide a sense of comfort, and remind you of your own hometown or memorable place. Pine Forest has an almost magical charm to it in the way the scenery transcends time and place to resonate with all viewers. We hope this techo will bring comfort to those who carry it on them.
*A portion of proceeds from this product will be donated to the Japan Red Cross in support of recovery and reconstruction after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster of 2024 and the Noto Peninsula Heavy Rain Disaster of September 2024.
In the Hobonichi Techo 2025 lineup, the Cousin book comes in either English or Japanese.
*The English book is only available as the January-start version.
Introduction to the Tokyo National Museum series products
(Hobonichi Techo 2025 spring lineup)
Size | H: 228 x W: 337 x T: 3 mm / H: 9" x W: 13.3" x T: 0.1" *Excluding pen holders *Specifications may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 170 g |
Main material | Exterior: Polyester / Interior: PU |
Size | A5 size H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 10 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.4" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 260 g |
Language | Japanese |
Pages | 288 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Jul. 2025 - Jun. 2026 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Jun. 2025 - Jan. 2026 (16 pages) |
Daily Pages | Jul. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (190 pages) *Three blank pages are featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book. *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead. *All daily pages include daily quotes. *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start). |
Daily Quotes | One per day (Japanese) |
Weekly Pages | Jun. 30, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 (54 pages) |
Memo Pages | 4 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
Size | A5 size H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7"" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 445 g |
Language | English |
Pages | 544 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Jan. 2025 - Dec 2025 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Dec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages) |
Daily Pages | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (377 pages) *A blank two-page spread is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book. *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead. *Every two-page spread includes one daily quote. *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start). |
Daily Quotes | One quote per two-page spread (English) |
Weekly Pages | Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 4, 2026 (106 pages) |
Memo Pages | 6 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Oodles of Noodles / Words to Remember / 365 Days Check-Off Sheet / Getting the Most Out of Your Hobonichi Techo / Gifts / Addresses / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
Size | A5 size H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7"" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 445 g |
Language | Japanese |
Pages | 544 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Apr. 2025- Mar. 2026 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Feb. 2025 - May 2026 (32 pages) |
Daily Pages | Apr. 1, 2025 - Mar. 31, 2026 (377 pages) *A blank two-page spread is featured at the very beginning of the book to provide a free area when starting out the book. *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead. *All daily pages include daily quotes. *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start). |
Daily Quotes | One per day (Japanese) |
Weekly Pages | Apr. 1, 2025 - Apr. 6, 2026 (106 pages) |
Memo Pages | 4 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
Size | A5 size H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 18 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.7"" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 445 g |
Language | Japanese |
Pages | 544 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Jan. 2025 - Dec 2025 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Dec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages) |
Daily Pages | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (377 pages) *A blank two-page spread is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book. *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead. *All daily pages include daily quotes. *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start). |
Daily Quotes | One per day (Japanese) |
Weekly Pages | Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 4, 2026 (106 pages) |
Memo Pages | 6 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
Size | A5 size x 2 books Each Book: H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 10 mm / H: 8.3" x W: 5.8" x T: 0.4" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Each Book: Approx. 260 g |
Language | Japanese |
Pages | Each Book: 288 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Book 1: Jan. - Dec. 2025 (4 pages) Book 2: Jul. 2025 - Jun. 2026 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Book 1: Dec. 2024 - Jul. 2025 (16 pages) Book 2: Jun. 2025 - Jan. 2026 (16 pages) |
Daily Pages | Book 1: Jan. 1 - Jun. 30, 2025 (187 pages) Book 2: Jul. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 (190 pages) *A blank two-page spread (three pages for Book 2) is featured at the beginning to provide a free area when starting out the book. *A page is included at the beginning of each month to help in planning ahead. *All daily pages include daily quotes. *Includes a mini monthly calendar at the bottom right of every two-page spread (Monday-start). |
Daily Quotes | One per day (Japanese) |
Weekly Pages | Book 1: Dec. 30, 2024 - Jul. 6, 2025 (54 pages) Book 2: Jun. 30, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 (54 pages) |
Memo Pages | Book 1: 8 pages Book 2: 4 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars and weekly pages) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (daily pages include every phase, monthly calendars and weekly pages only include full and new moon) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
Size | A5 size H: 210 x W: 148 x T: 8 mm / H: 8.3"" x W: 5.8"" x T: 0.3"" *Actual book size may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 220 g |
Language | Japanese |
Pages | 224 pages |
Paper Type / Binding | Thin, light Tomoe River paper resistant to bleeding and designed for planners / Stitch-binding |
Graph Paper Size | 3.7 mm |
Start of Week | Monday-start week |
Yearly Calendar | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Yearly Index | Jan. - Dec. 2025 (4 pages) |
Monthly Calendar | Dec. 2024 - Mar. 2026 (32 pages) |
Daily Quotes | Included (Japanese) |
Graph Paper | 171 pages |
Bonus Pages | Time Table / Graph Paper / Favorites / My 100 / Sample Symbols and Icons / How to Have Fun Keeping a Diary / Recommended Noodle List of 47 Prefectures / Solar Terms / Emergency Preparedness / Gifts / Age Table / Conversion Chart / Getting the most of Hobonichi / Addresses (for 8 people) / Personal Notes |
Listed Information | Day of the year / Week of the year (listed on monthly calendars) / Old lunar calendar / Rokuyo (traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar) (listed on monthly calendars) / Solar terms / Japanese holidays / Moon phase (Full and new moon listed on monthly calendars) |
Other | See the Exploring Each Type page for more details |
In order to provide you with the most satisfaction for your product, we've compiled a list of warnings, potential issues, and tips to keep in mind for this particular product. Please be sure to read this information carefully before placing your order.
Each item is individually assembled and sewn by hand by a factory worker. Best efforts are made to ensure consistent sizes and specifications, but there may be slight differences.
This material is first printed or dyed and then later sewn onto the cover. While colors are designed to be consistent, there may be uneven coloring or slight shade variances between covers. This may also happen across a single cover, such as a pocket compared to the rest of the cover. In addition, on rare occasions, there may be small black or white dots visible on the print. This is an unavoidable aspect of the manufacturing process.
Due to the structure of the cover that opens flat 180 degrees, exterior stitching areas may appear puckered and lining material may be loose.
The pen holders are rigid at first, making it difficult to insert pens. You can speed up the breaking-in process by rolling the pen holders in your hand.
The pen holder is designed to perfectly fit the 12.2 mm (0.48”) diameter Jetstream pen offered as a free Hobonichi Store Exclusive. Pens with certain shapes and materials may be difficult to pull through the holder. The holder can fit pens up to 13.5 mm (0.53”) in diameter.
Please avoid storing your product in hot, humid places or placing it atop other objects for long periods of time as this may result in lower quality and color stains.
This cover uses thicker materials than usual, so it may not fit. Forcing it into a Cover on Cover may damage the products.
When using fountain pens or water-based ink pens, depending on the environment, you may notice smudging, bleed-through, or slow drying of the ink. We recommend testing the pen somewhere in the book beforehand, such as the back memo pages, before use.
If you’ve used any of these products, we welcome your notes on what you like about them or what led you to buy them so we can share it with customers who are currently considering these products. We’d also love to welcome comments from customers who purchased their techo outside the Hobonichi Store or received their book as a gift.