Hobonichi Techo 2026 Lineup: My Picks & What to Buy

Every September, Hobonichi fans around the world look forward to the release of a brand-new lineup. The 2026 edition is here, and once again it’s packed with new covers, collaborations, and accessories that speak to every kind of planner user.

In this post, I’ll share why I’ve decided to return to Hobonichi this year, walk you through the 2026 buying guide, and highlight the covers and accessories that stood out to me the most.

Why I’m Returning to Hobonichi in 2026

In 2024, I used two Hobonichi Weeks—one for daily life and another for personal goals—and found it incredibly helpful. It was a huge help when I was preparing for the JLPT, giving me structure and accountability. I even shared the layouts I used for studying in a separate blog post. In 2025, I decided to skip Hobonichi for several reasons, which I also wrote about in another post. While I’ve been enjoying my System Techo as my main planner, I found myself missing the days with Hobonichi—the smooth writing feel of the paper and, more importantly, the sense of momentum it gave me to keep moving toward my personal goals.

For 2026, I’ve set a new personal goal and want a planner that keeps me on track. That’s why I’ve decided to return to Hobonichi, and once I made that decision, browsing through the 2026 lineup became even more exciting.

Hobonichi Buying Guide 2026

Before diving into my highlights and picks, let’s start with a Hobonichi Buying Guide—because knowing when and where to buy is just as important as deciding what to buy.

When to Buy

The official release is on Monday, September 1, 2025 at 11 AM (Japan time). The full lineup is available now on 1101.com.

Where to Buy

There are several options, depending on your location and budget:

• Hobonichi Official Store (1101.com)
  • Ships internationally
  • Note: free shipping option is no longer available, so factor in shipping costs. For international orders, Hobonichi uses EMS shipping, which can be quite expensive depending on your location.
• Amazon
  • Some items from the 2026 lineup are already listed, though pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet
  • Amazon Japan often offers wider selection than Amazon US
• Trusted Stockists Outside Japan (US shipping available)
  • Yoseka Stationery – one of my favorite shops, US-based, great for fast delivery
  • JetPens – a well-known site for Japanese stationery imports
  • Boston General Store – curated picks, sometimes stocks exclusive covers
  • Pinky Elephant – smaller retailer but often carries fun accessories

Personally, I’ve ordered from Yoseka, JetPens, and Pinky Elephant in the past. JetPens is especially convenient because they offer a free shipping option and their delivery is usually quick. Pinky Elephant is another shop I like browsing, but I’m not sure if they’ll run a special sale to match this year’s Hobonichi release. These shops are reliable alternatives if you want to avoid international shipping directly from Japan.

Hobonichi Techo 2026 Lineup Overview

The Hobonichi Techo 2026 lineup includes all the formats Hobonichi fans have come to expect:

• Original (A6) – compact and portable
• Cousin (A5) – larger, with more writing space
• HON (A6/A5) – hardcover versions for durability
• Weeks – slim, wallet-friendly, and easy to carry
• Day-Free – flexible daily and monthly structure
• 5-Year Techo – long-term journaling and memory keeping

The core formats remain the same every year, but what makes each release exciting is the new set of covers, collaborations, and accessories. For 2026, Hobonichi introduced more character tie-ins, added softer pastel color options, and expanded the accessory lineup for easier customization. From playful to minimalist, there’s something to match every style.

Collaboration Highlights for 2026

Hobonichi has always been known for collaborations, but the Hobonichi Techo 2026 lineup takes it up a notch. This year, we’re seeing partnerships that cover a wide range of styles:

• Moomin – A long-time fan favorite, bringing whimsical Nordic charm.
• Tamagotchi – Riding the wave of 90s nostalgia, this is one of the most talked-about collabs.
• 100% Orange – Known for playful illustrations, adding lighthearted and quirky touches.
• Mother (EarthBound) – A returning favorite for video game fans.
• Junji Ito – The unexpected horror element, appealing to those who love dark, artistic covers.

I really appreciate how the lineup covers different tastes—from lighthearted cute to strikingly dark and bold. Browsing through this range felt even more fun than last year. The lineup was revealed gradually in early August, one item per day, and it was genuinely exciting to check the new design every single day.

Spotlight on Hobonichi Weeks 2026

The Hobonichi Weeks 2026 lineup is where I personally focused most of my attention. Weeks has always been my favorite because it’s lightweight and perfect for daily carry.

New Solid Color Lineup

In the past, Weeks solid covers often leaned on vivid, almost saturated tones. For 2026, Hobonichi added more pastel and muted shades. The new Strawberry Milk and Sky Mist covers are standouts—soft, dreamy, and easier to match with different accessories. I think these pastel tones will be especially popular.

My Favorite Designs

When the lineup was first announced, I thought I’d immediately grab a Moomin Weeks. While Moomin is still charming, I found myself drawn to three other covers that really stood out:

1. White Cat’s Daily Life by Yumi Kitagishi – Gentle and whimsical, perfect for daily journaling.
2. Squirrel’s Moving Day by 100% Orange – Quirky, bright, and fun, with an energetic vibe.
3. Random Dog & Cat by Candy Stripper – Playful and modern, especially if you love pets.

I briefly considered the Tamagotchi Weeks too, since I grew up with the digital pets. I actually loved Tamagotchi so much as a kid that I once had five of them, so this design definitely brings back a sense of nostalgia. However, the actual design wasn’t quite my style. Still, it shows how varied the lineup is—you can find something for almost any taste.

2026 Hobonichi Techo Accessories Worth Considering

One of the most exciting aspects of every Hobonichi release is the wide range of accessories. Beyond just being add-ons, they’re designed to make planning more enjoyable and to give each planner a personal touch. Some are highly practical, others lean more on the playful side, and many have become collectible items over the years. For the 2026 lineup, I’m focusing on the accessories that caught my attention the most—especially pencil boards, stamps, and a few special items that I might add to my cart this year.

Pencil Boards (Shitajiki)

Every year, I pay the most attention to pencil boards. For 2026, the Tamagotchi pencil board is impossibly cute, and it’s at the top of my list. I’m also considering the Happy Tea Time pencil board by Iyo Okumi. If I’m not careful, I might end up with a collection of too many pencil boards!

Push-Button Stamps

This year, I’m trying something new: Hobonichi’s push-button stamps. The Moomin and Tamagotchi stamps immediately caught my eye. They’ll be perfect for marking monthly pages in Weeks without needing to carry extra sticker sheets.

Drawstring Bag

The Ukrainian Flowers drawstring bag also stood out, though I’m hesitant. The price feels high compared to its utility. If my budget allows, I’ll pick it up, but this might be one of those accessories I skip.

Miknits Knitting Kits

A surprise addition for me was discovering Miknits knitting needles and kits in the Hobonichi store. I’m not sure if these were always available, but they caught my attention since I’ve been exploring knitting more seriously. I’ll need to check reviews before deciding, but it’s definitely interesting to see Hobonichi branching into crafting tools.

Of course, these are just a few of the accessories that stood out to me. There are also plenty of smaller but equally fun items—stickers, sticky notes, folders, pens, and more—that make browsing the lineup an enjoyable experience on its own. Even if you don’t plan to buy everything, looking through the accessories always feels like part of the tradition with every Hobonichi release.

Conclusion

The Hobonichi Techo 2026 lineup is bigger, brighter, and more diverse in its covers and accessories than ever. From playful character collaborations to soft pastel designs and practical add-ons, there’s something to match almost any style.

If you’re planning to pick something from this year’s lineup, think about what will truly support your goals and make your daily planning more enjoyable. As for me, I already have a few items on my wishlist—and I’ll be sharing a detailed review once I get them, so stay tuned!