*While the piece, covers were previously available through lottery sales, starting from the 2025 edition, they will be available through normal sales. Please note that they are only available for sale through the Hobonichi Store and will not be available at Tobichi Tokyo, Kyoto and other stores.
minä perhonen creates timeless, all-original garment textiles that are specially dyed, embroidered, and woven to recreate hand-drawn designs.
We’re pleased to bring back the piece, series for the 2025 spring lineup. These patchwork covers are assembled by hand using all the left-over pieces saved during the production of clothing.
The Cousin Spring Mix cover is a patchwork design that comes to life with the union of ten meticulously created textiles of various colors, fabrics, and styles. In the hope that you will feel the arrival of spring with flowers blooming around you and feel lighthearted when picking up your techo daily, we included the “flower crown” textile that features flower motifs. We also use the “rytmi” textile featuring pencils in its design to represent the handwriting that expresses the users’ habits and emotions.
The cover interior is made from vibrant yellow cow leather. It’s accented with a butterfly embroidery.
Two dotted lace bookmarks are attached.
Each patch is cut from a different spot in the original textile and sewn into the patchwork by hand, giving every cover an entirely unique look. We hope you enjoy the differences in feel and texture of each textile.
Textiles used in piece, (Cousin Spring Mix)
1. tarte (2007-08 Autumn / Winter)
Ellipses uniformly surround colorful stitches. This textile was inspired by tartes glistening in the display of a patisserie.
2. land puzzle (2013-14 Autumn / Winter)
Corduroy ridges form various patterns, with shadows and 3D effects making it look like a scene you’re looking down on from the sky.
3. sunny yarn (2015 Spring / Summer)
Plaid patterns with colors that evoke the image of trees and grass are overlaid with sparkles of lights that shine through, using velvet jacquard.
4. piha (2022 Spring / Summer)
The small flowers peacefully blooming in the spring light tickle our hearts and give us a bright feeling.
5. tambourine (2000-01 Autumn / Winter)
Freehand-drawn circles are embroidered in dots that protrude from the fabric in this minä perhonen classic.
6. flower crown (2024 Spring / Summer)
The embroidery expresses the lively flowers and grasses that bloom with the arrival of spring. The design reminds us of the flower crowns we made in our childhood.
7. fruitree (2023-24 Autumn / Winter)
The abundance of fruits on the trees looks like light illuminating the forest. The design evokes a story of animals excited by the fragrance of fruits brought by the wind.
8. rytmi (2024 Spring / Summer)
The design depicts pencils lined up in a rhythmic pattern. It was born from an aspiration to preserve the quality of tools that reflect the users’ habits and emotions.
9. tähti (2023 Spring / Summer)
The design looks like an accumulation of light in the night sky. The series of dots in velvet jacquard reminds us of blinking starlight.
10. ballade (2007-08 Autumn/Winter)
Small flowers that bloom when the snow begins to melt away are illustrated on this Cut Jacquard textile. The dainty flowers evoke the image of spring.
*The years in parentheses are the seasons the designs were first released.
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.
minä perhonen is a brand created by designer Akira Minagawa.
First founded in 1995 under the name minä, and renamed “minä perhonen” in 2003. In Finnish, “minä” means “I,” and “perhonen” means “butterfly,” expressing Minagawa’s hopes to create designs as light-hearted and beautiful as a butterfly’s flapping wings.
https://www.mina-perhonen.jp/en/
Interviews with minä perhonen’s Akira Minagawa
Introduction to the minä perhonen series products
(Hobonichi Techo 2025 spring lineup)
Size | H: 204 x W: 340 x T: 3 mm / H: 8" x W: 13.4" x T: 0.1" *Excluding pen holders *Specifications may vary slightly |
---|---|
Weight | Approx. 151 g |
Main material | Exterior: Cotton, linen / Interior: Cow leather, polyester |
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.
The patterned fabric has not been aligned to a specific layout, so the placement of each design will vary by product. The product will not be an exact replica of the one in the product photographs.
Please note that embroidered areas may contain threads that protrude from the design.
Stitching may be slightly curved or bumpy as a result of sewing together materials of various thicknesses.
The textiles comprising the patchwork design differ by design and location for each cover. Please understand the random nature of the design before ordering.
In order to allow customers the enjoyment of all-natural leather, the leather is processed in a way that retains its original feel. This may leave imperfections visible on the surface of the cover, such as wrinkles, scratches, stains, or vein marks.
Depending on the conditions in which the cover is used, natural oils of the leather may emerge and appear as stains. We ask for your understanding for these naturally-occurring characteristics of genuine leather.
The material in this product snags easily on sharp objects, so please handle with care.
These Hobonichi Techo cover designs were directed by minä perhonen, but produced by Hobonichi. Inquiries about these covers cannot be answered at minä perhonen shop locations, so please contact the Hobonichi Store with any questions or concerns.
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.