Yumi Kitagishi: Little Gifts / A6 Original Cover for Hobonichi Techo

Illustrator Yumi Kitagishi is popular both in and out of Japan, and now you can get her illustrations on a techo cover.

The world in Kitagishi’s acrylic gouache paintings evoke warm, nostalgic feelings reminiscent of childhood days spent gazing at picture books.

The artwork on this cover is called “Little Gifts,” and is filled with over 80 carefully drawn items with various themes. These include not only imaginary items, but many that Kitagishi has actually bought or received and cherishes. You can find all kinds of sparkling treasures across the design, including a seal snow globe, a clasp pouch with a face, a cat stamp, and a rose tea bag.

The themes pictured on the cover are the kind that could tickle a girl’s fancy, but the black background gives the overall design a mature look that really brings it together.

Look closely and you can see the overlap of paint colors and precise brush strokes that reflect Kitagishi’s art style. The cover interior is a dull shade of mint green. The pockets are also covered in illustrations. 

The interior left pocket contains a cat-shaped brand card. It looks cute peeking out from the pocket, so you could even leave the card in so you have something to look forward to every time you open your cover. The pink and pale yellow bookmarks provide a nice accent to the cover design. The bookmarks are simplified by leaving off the charms.

The Hobonichi Techo is used by pairing a techo book with a cover.  Please note this purchase is for the cover only. Pick out a Hobonichi Techo Book here!

• Fits the A6 Original Hobonichi Techo
• Material: Polyester
• Size: 165 x 244 x 3mm
• COO: China