Hobonichi Launch Day Joy
It’s Hobonichi 2026 launch day! I discovered Hobonichi after many years trying and failing with bullet journals. For me, I felt the pull to be 100 per cent creative and simply too much to keep up with. Then I found the Hobonichi. It helped me to slow down and focus more on expressing my day and aid with my daily flow. This was just what I needed. I got my first Hobonichi after planner season and missed out on the cover I would have preferred. However, I fell in love so much with the artist of the one I did end up getting. So this year I have some more coming. More on that later.
So this year was my first Hobonichi launch day experience. As someone of a certain age, I am not prone to a 3am stay-up (UK launch time). However, my excitement and teenage son kept me going. After weeks of debating and changing my mind as to the covers I wanted, I did get everything that I wanted. I had a wonderful successful first Hobonichi launch day.
Why an “Ecosystem” Instead of Just One Journal?
At this point, I feel like I have to point out that Hobonichi isn’t just stationery for me. It is part of a slow-living journaling eco-system. I’ve spent a number of years trying to keep up with the speed of the world. This was having a detrimental impact on my wellbeing. So, my goal for 2026 is to implement slow living into my life. This means working hard, but at a pace that suits me. I find that when I’m able to do this I’m more productive, more active, and most importantly, more present. With this in mind, this eco-system is designed with my needs in mind, some of which business related. Don’t feel that you need a whole eco-system for yourself. This is simply what works for me and each year I’ll evaluate and adjust accordingly.
This eco-system is designed to create balance for me in my everyday life. Each journal has its own role, and this new 2026 lineup is very much designed around slow living. It’s about rhythms of life, recognition and the ability to nurture. It’s not about adding more to my schedule, more about creating harmony with the things I love.
My Hobonichi 2026 Journal Lineup
Hobonichi Cousin – Yuichi Inoue – Jo (Going up; Work Planner)
This is a new addition to my current eco-system. I am currently using an A6 Original for my work planner, yet the space just isn’t enough. I work for a publisher, but I am also expanding my business. Leaning on my extensive design background, I will be bringing you some digital journals and stickers for 2026. I need a larger space for design ideas, and content planning. Thus, this will be my anchor for business creativity.
I have actually purchased the entire Yuichi Inoue collection. The visual aesthetic called to me with its bold yet minimalistic style. More significantly is the meaning behind the artwork, which you can find here on the Hobonichi website.
Hobonichi Cousin – Hiroko Kubota – Twinkle-shells (Personal Planner)
It’s not always about buying this year’s new releases. Having arrived late to the Hobonichi party last year, I chose The Tone of Illuminated Flowers by Hiroko Kubota. I fell in love with the simple yet poetic minimalism that The Tone of Illuminated Flowers provided. Reaching for this became my daily comfort. So for 2026 I chose another cover by Hiroko Kubota. I love the subtle colours which I feel, whilst whimsical, still marries to the minimalism of the Yuichi Inoue range. This is where my daily journaling and memory keeping goes. It’s where I attempt to focus on gratitude and little moments, as well as a safe space to be me.
Hobonichi Original – Yuichi Inoue – Hana (Flower; Book Tracker)
This is my favourite in the Yuichi Inoue range. I decided on this as a reading log for both business and personal reasons. Books the Word was born from my love of reading – a place to share my love for books. I have a bad memory and so find different approaches to reading useful, including annotation. However, I saw Helen, from the CoffeeMonsterzCo, recording her notes as she concludes a session. This builds a more in-depth analysis and understanding of what she’s reading, and I wanted to do the same. By using a Hobonichi Original, it will allow me to see the progress of my reading and understanding by the day. This will also allow me to share more thorough reviews and a space to curate the playlists.
Hobonichi Weeks – Yuichi Inoue – Amenimo Makezu (Bridge Journal)
The Weeks was an interesting decision for me. I was debating a weeks or a second Original. I need this one for its portability. The Weeks will act as a bridge journal between the rest of my eco-system. The reason for this is to be able to take information outside (from my work cousin). This will allow me to work from cafes or whilst I’m away. It will also allow me to record health flare ups or ideas whilst I’m out. I will then be able to transfer this information into my other journals. It’s my on-the-go peace of mind.
Hobonichi Hon (A5) – Hiroko Kubota – Waiting on the Chord
This past year and a half has been somewhat of a health challenge for me. I have had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and atopic dermatitis for over two decades. But these past few years I’ve also been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), kidney stones, and gall stones. These conditions are significantly increased in those with PCOS. My NAFLD is early and reversible. In May 2025, I had my gall bladder removed. During the waiting period I implemented a recommended new diet. I had managed to lose around 3 stone (19kg / 42lbs), reversing my borderline diabetes (also, linked to PCOS). I haven’t been able to get help from my GP, so I am starting a health journal to identify cause and effect. It will be a caring, non-judgemental place and in terms of Books the Word will hopefully help with awareness.
Hobinichi 5-Year Journal (A5) – Hiroko Kubota – The Sea’s Dream at Dawn (Long-term health reflections)
Of course, another Hiroko Kubota cover, sharing that minimal peace and tranquillity woven across all their designs. This one will capture health developments at a slower pace across five years. It’s important to note the difference between this and the Hon health tracker. The Hon will capture immediate cause and effect. The Hon will allow me to identify and respond to flare-ups. However, the 5-year journal recognises long-term patterns. This may include seasonal impact and slower developing problems.
Not a Hobonichi but…
Traveler’s Notebook – Limited Edition, Tokyo (Commonplace Journal)
I am a learner, an observer and yet in need of being more present in the moment. This will be a more free-flowing, unstructured journal. I will have one insert for my exploration of interesting topics. I will also have a sketch insert for urban sketching. The Traveler’s notebook will be my soulful wanderer. It will remind me to slow down and notice life as it unfolds, the little things in life.
Looking Ahead: From My Desk to Yours
This won’t just be my system, but a system which you can adapt to your life and your needs. Do you use Hobonichi, Traveler’s Notebook, or another journal? I’d love to hear how you’re setting up for 2026. 2026 feels like the beginning of a softer, more balanced story. A new chapter.