Hobonichi Clear Cover Case - Yoshie Watanabe: Dotted Plaid (A5)

The clear protective sleeve "Dotted Plaid" by art director Yoshie Watanabe sits as a second layer over the Hobonichi Techo Cover in A5 size, protecting it from dirt and scratches. The pattern is created by evenly distributed dots in four colours – white, green, blue and pink – applied using screen printing, which together form a subtle checked pattern. The transparent sleeve allows the colour and texture of the underlying cover to show through, while the printed motif creates a different effect depending on the background colour.

Features

• Four-colour screen print: The dots in white, green, blue and pink are applied using screen printing – a printing process renowned for precise, opaque colour layers. The result is an even, clearly defined raster pattern on the transparent film.
• Protection without compromise: The sleeve fully encloses the A5 cover, protecting the fabric and surface from abrasion, stains and everyday wear – without blocking access to the back pocket of the cover, as the rear remains open.
• Versatile in effect: Because the sleeve is transparent, the colour of the underlying cover changes the appearance of the pattern. On a deep dark cover, the dots appear more vibrant; on a light cover, the pastel tones of the colours stand out more.
• Space as a design area: Postcards, photographs or printed inserts can be placed between the cover and the clear sleeve – a simple way to personalise the exterior of your Techo without altering the actual cover.
• Fit for Colors and printed covers: The sleeve is cut to fit A5 covers with butterfly clasp, as used in the Colors series and printed Hobonichi covers. Leather and faux leather covers are not compatible.

Use & Tips

• Choose a backing motif: A single-colour white or cream paper placed between the cover and sleeve intensifies the effect of the dot raster and makes it appear almost like a standalone pattern – without obscuring the actual cover.
• Seasonal inserts: If you want to vary the cover feel throughout the year, simply slide postcards or prints behind the sleeve and change them with the seasons or your mood – the Dotted Plaid pattern acts as a filter over them.
• Combine with light cover colours: The four printing colours look particularly fresh on pastel or white Hobonichi covers. Dark covers emphasise the white dots and create a stronger contrast.
• Application without effort: The sleeve is easiest to apply once the cover is already wrapped around the book. Work evenly from one corner to prevent the film from becoming skewed.

For Hobonichi Enthusiasts

Yoshie Watanabe is known as an art director for work that combines classical pattern language with graphic precision. The Dotted Plaid pattern translates the principle of checks into a point-based raster structure – a motif that works particularly well in screen printing because each colour channel can be applied individually and cleanly. The four colours don't overlap but sit side by side in the raster: this creates an optically additive pattern that varies slightly in intensity depending on the viewing angle and background colour.

Technical Specifications