Hobonichi Cover Kyohei Sakaguchi: Field Sky (A5)
The A5 Cover "Field Sky" showcases a pastel painting by Kyohei Sakaguchi – writer, musician, architect and painter from Kumamoto, Japan. The motif was created on 17 October 2021: a wide autumn sky in soft pastel blue, white billowing clouds, trees swaying in the wind. Although the depiction appears almost photographic up close, the surface reveals its creation method: painted with pastels and fingers, printed on fine-grain polyester fabric that makes the powdery, handmade texture of the original tangible.
Features
- Pastel painting in full-surface print on fine-grain polyester fabric – the grainy texture created with finger-blended pastels remains visible in the printed image, giving the cover a warm, slightly textured feel.
- Butterfly pen holder: Two pen loops on front and back that also serve as a closure – a single pen threaded through both loops keeps the planner securely closed. Maximum pen diameter: 13.5 mm.
- The motif continues on the butterfly pen holder – a detail that carries the full image across the entire cover surface.
- Interior lining in white faux leather, deliberately reminiscent of pastel drawing paper in appearance.
- Two bookmarks in cool light grey, colour-coordinated with the overall tone of the cover.
- The cover lies flat and seamless across the A5 Cousin format – the image composition and proportions are specifically designed for this size.
Use & Tips
- Compatible with all Hobonichi Techo books in A5 format (Cousin size) – the cover protects against wear and keeps the spine of the bookblock stable.
- The butterfly pen holder works with slim to medium writing instruments: fine-liners, slim fountain pens or ballpoints up to approximately 13.5 mm diameter fit securely inside. Writing instruments with heavily textured grip zones or very soft rubber material may create some resistance – this is normal wear-in after the first few weeks of use.
- Those adding a cover on cover can additionally protect the polyester fabric whilst adding card pockets or viewing windows – the surface is smooth enough to securely hold transparent covers.
- Two bookmarks allow marking two locations simultaneously – practical for those switching between daily pages and monthly overview.
- All Hobonichi covers are handcrafted. Minor variations in stitching or interior lining are manufacturing-related and not a quality defect.
For Hobonichi Enthusiasts
Kyohei Sakaguchi began growing vegetables in a community garden in Kumamoto in 2020. On the way to the garden, he photographed the landscape with his smartphone – these images served as templates for his pastel works. In his essay "The Path to the Field" from the art book Pastel, he describes drawing as a daily habit, like brushing your teeth. The cover transfers this attitude to the Techo: not as a display object, but as something held in the hand every day. The printing on fine-grain polyester is a deliberate choice – the fabric's grain imitates the rough surface of the pastel paper on which the original was created.
Technical Specifications
| Model / Series: | Kyohei Sakaguchi: Field Sky – A5 Cousin Size |
| Format: | A5 (fits Hobonichi Techo Cousin) |
| Dimensions (without pen loops): | 228 × 337 × 3 mm |
| Weight: | 170 g |
| Outer material: | Fine-grain polyester fabric, full-surface printed |
| Inner material: | White faux leather (PU) |
| Bookmarks: | 2 × cool light grey |
| Pen holder: | Butterfly pen holder (2 loops, also serves as closure), max. pen diameter 13.5 mm |
| Motif: | "Field Sky", pastel painting by Kyohei Sakaguchi, created on 17 October 2021 |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Scope of delivery: | Cover only (without bookblock) |
