Hobonichi HON A6 2026 Planner: Hiroko Kubota - Waiting on the Chord

In a quiet, open landscape with a beautiful view, the world of Hiroko Kubota shines with originality, beauty, and unique ideas.

In Waiting on the Chord, Kubota picks up the imagery of a previous work and further expands the world, expertly weaving a new story in this drawing.

On the piano key for the note Mi, a single cat seems to be waiting for someone.
And again on the back of the cover, another cat is on the Mi key, quietly reading a book.
If only they get a little bit closer.
Only a little bit closer...and they could be forming a chord.
Perhaps these two are waiting for each other.

Right in front of the two cats, a wide lawn spreads out, drifting the fresh scent of grass directly to you.
A design that seems to suggest that someday, even in this quiet world, music will reach your ears.




A white cat that is cradling a red flower bud as if it were something precious.
It seems like it’s listening closely for something. Like it might be waiting for something...That’s the tale its expression seems to be telling.




On the back of the cover, a black cat is quietly reading a book. This cat also has something about its expression that makes you want to understand its deepest feelings, the thoughts quietly tucked into the corners of its heart as it sits there on the keyboard all by itself.




Also on the back cover are a large violin and a small blue bird. Perhaps, this little bird is also patiently waiting for the perfect time to sing its song, or maybe even to pluck the strings of the violin for a performance.




The front cover and spine include the year 2026. The silver foiling gives off a refined shine when it catches the light.

The bookbinding on the HON has thread-stitch binding similar to the Hobonichi Techo books, so it opens 180 degrees onto the table. It stays flat even if you don’t hold it down.




The book uses thin and light yet durable Tomoe River paper. It's characterized by its ability to hold ink well and provide a smooth writing experience.




The back of the book has bonus pages, including Memories 2026, 12 Switches to Help You Focus, and For a Comfortable Night’s Sleep.




As a special exclusive only for the HON, this techo comes with a pencil board. The board is clear, with 5mm grid lines printed across it. There are measurements printed along one side in 1mm increments, which allow for use as a ruler. It also has a pen holder attached to it where users can store pens by their clips.

Specifications

Size	H: 156 x W: 110 x T: 16 mm / H: 6.1" x W: 4.3" x T: 0.6"
Weight	Approx. 210 g
Main material	Matte paper (PP coated) / Paper