Hobonichi Cover Yumi Kitagishi: White Cat House (A6)

This A6 cover by Yumi Kitagishi showcases a world of hand-painted table decorations – cat-shaped teapot, flower vase, ribbon-tied napkin, delicate details – painted in acrylic gouache and printed onto the cover's polyester fabric. The inner lining also features illustrations drawn by Kitagishi herself. The cover fits the A6 Hobonichi Techo (Original) and is made in Japan.

Features

• Illustration by Yumi Kitagishi: The outside displays a house inhabited by the white cat and her friends, all painted in Kitagishi's characteristic, storybook-style acrylic gouache and printed onto polyester fabric.
• Hidden illustration in the back pocket: Those who reach into the large pocket on the back will discover another drawing – part of it is already peeking out.
• Illustrations inside too: The red and white checkered inner lining was also designed by Kitagishi and extends as an illustrated detail into the inner pockets.
• Butterfly Stopper pen holder: Two pen loops that thread a single pen through them keep the cover closed – functioning as a closure without a flap or elastic band. Compatible pen diameter: up to approx. 13.5 mm.
• Card pockets and inner pockets: Multiple compartments for cards, notes, and memos. The left pockets are designed so that papers and colored items peek out visibly – an illustrated detail in everyday use.
• Exclusive brand card: Included is an original Hobonichi design card that can be placed in the inner pocket.
• 180° flat opening: The cover opens completely flat so nothing gets in the way while writing – ideal for fountain pens and all writing instruments that need back pressure.
• Polyester exterior material: The fabric is light and flexible, feels soft in hand, and doesn't transfer moisture to the inner book as quickly as leather or cardboard.
• Made in Japan.

Application & Tips

• Fits A6 Techo with spine width up to 1.27 cm: The cover comfortably accommodates the standard A6 Techo; thinner books sit slightly looser, thicker ones up to approx. 1.3 cm still fit properly.
• Pen holder compatibility: The Butterfly Stopper is designed for pen diameters up to 13.5 mm. Slim roller gel or ballpoint pens with round shafts slide in most easily; wide clips or pronounced facets can be problematic.
• Protection with Cover-on-Cover: A transparent Hobonichi Cover-on-Cover can be placed directly over this cover to protect the print motif from wear – and also provides storage space for photos, stickers, and postcards.
• Plan for color variations: Since the motif is printed on white polyester fabric, small color variations may occur between cover areas (e.g., pocket vs. outer surface) – a production-typical feature common in textile printing.
• Pocket as mini-gallery: The inner pockets can be filled so that washi tape rolls, letters, or colored cards peek out visibly – the pocket illustration intentionally reinforces this effect.

For Techo Enthusiasts

Yumi Kitagishi's technique is based on acrylic gouache – an opaque, matte gouache with acrylic binder that produces rich coverage with a soft, almost pastel color effect. Unlike digital designs, this print template retains the brushstrokes and minor irregularities of the original, which remain perceptible on the polyester fabric as a lively texture. The cover opens flat to 180 degrees; the side seam areas may develop slight wrinkles and the inner lining may lie slightly loose – this is structural by design and not a defect. Those using Tomoe River S paper with a fountain pen especially benefit from the flat opening: the pen runs without kinking through the saddle area and the paper lies flat on the surface.

Technical Specifications