Hobonichi Cover 100%ORANGE: Squirrel Squadron (A6)
The A6 cover "Squirrel Squadron" by 100%ORANGE is covered from top to bottom with squirrels – each with its own character, round eyes, bushy tail, and a facial expression somewhere between serious and amusing. Behind the cover is the artist duo Kenji Oikawa and Mayuko Takeuchi, who create illustrations, picture books, and animations together under the name 100%ORANGE. The design is based on their picture book "Ohikkoshi", which first appeared in a magazine in 2007 and was published as a book a year later. The cover fits all Hobonichi Techo Original and Planner in A6 format.
Features
- All-over squirrel pattern: No blank space outside – the squirrels march across the entire cover in different fur colours and poses. One looks back; if you find it, you know the book.
- Bright yellow inside: The interior is in vibrant yellow and also features squirrels in neat rows – the design continues consistently to the inside.
- Butterfly pen holder in synthetic leather: Two white pen loops in synthetic leather that also serve as a closure – threading a pen through both loops keeps the cover securely closed.
- Nut-shaped charm: A white nut-shaped charm hangs from the top of the spine – a small detail that fits the picture book's theme.
- Patterned outer pocket: The pocket on the outside also features a decorative pattern and provides space for cards or individual sheets.
- Polyester material: Easy care, slightly wipeable, holds its shape in everyday bag use.
- Handcrafted finish: All Hobonichi covers are made by hand – minimal variations in stitching or lining are typical of production and not a defect.
Use & Tips
- Breaking in the pen holder: The butterfly loops are initially tight. If you insert a pen daily, you'll notice after a few weeks how the loops become more flexible and grip better.
- Pay attention to pen width: The loops are designed for pens up to approximately 13.5 mm outer diameter. Pens with non-slip rubber coating may slide in slightly less smoothly.
- Cover on Cover: The cover can be combined with a matching A6 Cover on Cover, which additionally protects the polyester outer material – worthwhile for anyone who carries their Techo in a bag every day.
- Matching the 100%ORANGE series: Hobonichi offers matching accessories from the same "Ohikkoshi" world – A6 folder sets, sticky notes, and stationery – which can complement the cover into a cohesive ensemble.
- Two bookmarks: The cover comes with two ribbon bookmarks, practical for anyone who wants to keep track of multiple sections in their Techo simultaneously – for example, the current week and the monthly calendar.
For Hobonichi Enthusiasts
100%ORANGE is the joint pseudonym of illustrators Kenji Oikawa and Mayuko Takeuchi. The duo has been working for publishers such as Fukuinkan Shoten, Gakken, and Heibonsha for years and won the Grand Prize of the 13th Japan Picture Book Award in 2015. "Ohikkoshi" – literally "moving" – tells in loose episodes of a colony of squirrels moving together from A to B: crossing bridges, descending stairs, taking a break on a wire fence. The cover motifs translate this movement into a flat surface: the squirrels run, they look, they carry umbrellas and apples. Anyone familiar with the picture book will recognise individual scenes in the cover.
Technical Specifications
| Model / Series: | 100%ORANGE: Squirrel Squadron |
| Format: | A6 (compatible with Hobonichi Techo Original / Planner) |
| Dimensions: | approx. 165 × 244 × 3 mm (without pen loops) |
| Material (cover): | Polyester |
| Material (pen loops): | Synthetic leather (white) |
| Outside colour / pattern: | All-over squirrel pattern (100%ORANGE "Ohikkoshi") |
| Inside colour: | Bright yellow with squirrel illustration |
| Closure: | Butterfly pen holder (2 loops, dual function as pen holder and closure) |
| Charm: | White nut-shaped charm on the spine |
| Bookmarks: | 2 ribbon bookmarks |
| Country of origin: | Japan |
| Delivery includes: | 1 cover (without Techo insert) |
