Review – Daily Monday

The Jibun Techo Lite Mini

I decided to get a new planner for work next year. I was going to purchase Hobonichi Weeks for that, but I suddenly got reminded of a planner I used two years ago from Kokuyo, the Jibun Techo.

I remembered that they released a new minimal and aesthetic version of it either this year or last year. I decided not to get it last year since it didn’t suite my planning style when it comes to non-school related stuff. But I remember it being a wonderful planner for people who has busy schedules since it allows planning down to the hours and minutes. So I thought this would be a better option compared to Hobonichi for work-related planning.

I had posted a first impression for the original Jibun Techo back in 2018. In comparison, I love this Lite Mini (LM from here on) version way better than the original one for several reasons. First would be the aesthetics. The LM version does not have a detachable cover. It’s hard to describe it, but the surface feels velvety. I consider it to be a bit flimsy for a cover, but it does its job. Plus, that gold on blue print is just gorgeous.

Second, they simplified a lot of stuff. They got rid of the ‘how to use‘ page and lets you jump directly into the yearly view. Another thing I love his their rework on the fonts. The original version had a robotic bold fonts that wasn’t really appealing to me. The LM version in contrast, uses thin fonts which makes it look overall clean. They also combined the monthly view with the charts, which was originally put in separate pages.

The design simplification can also be seen in the weekly view. It’s overall cleaner with more muted and soft colors. It’s also makes it less distracting when you try to plan. They do still keep the daily weather tracker and also your mood for the day on the top and bottom parts respectively.

Last but not least, they provide enough empty space to take notes and make your own list of items. I personally still don’t know what I’m going to use the list page for. I was thinking I could use it to track movies to watch and books to read, but since I want to dedicate this planner solely to work-related stuff, I think I’m going to repurpose it for something else. Oh well, I’ll figure out in the future.

I’m not looking forward to work yet, but I am looking forward to use this planner next year!

Review: Hand Stitched Leather T

I ordered a handmade leather cover for my Hobonichi weeks last month and it arrived just yesterday, 3 weeks after the seller shipped it. I purchased the Weeks cover from this Etsy shop for 35 euros after watching a review from a Youtuber the other day. The leather looked so nice in that video so I decided to get myself one since the price was rather affordable and it was free shipping.

Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, the package arrived in a bit deformed shape. There was another plastic wrapping made by the Japan post office and a little note stating that the package had arrived drenched so they had to dry it off for some time in their office before sending it to me. They even apologized that they had to send me the package in that state. I mean, it’s not their fault the package got deformed anyway lol. Japanese companies are so good with customer service, I swear.

It’s a bit hard to notice, but you can see the signs of the wrapping paper got wet on the right side.

I was a bit relieved that the leather cover itself had sustained no damage from the water seeping through. Tanya (the seller) even included a bonus key holder. The leather smelled so nice and I love how thin and floppy the leather is. I thought I could just ignore the damaged package since the product was alright until …

There was a chipped part of the leather on the backside of the cover! My heart sank a bit when I discovered it. I’m fine with scratches on the leather but a chipped part … Sigh.

Other than the chipped part, the interior of the cover seemed fine. There’s a tiny stain on the upper left part but I guess complaining about it wouldn’t change anything lol.

The planner fits perfectly inside the cover. It closes nicely too. When I made the order, there was an option whether I wanted an elastic closure and pen loop and I didn’t opt for it since I don’t want to drill a hole on my cover. Based on the Youtube reviews, you could also request specific designs such as secretarial pockets on the sides. I didn’t ask for any either this time and I kind of regret it. Haha.

Overall, I think the product is well made. But I guess I’m a bit disappointed with the cover because of the chipped part and stain since I had high expectations from reading the shop and Youtube reviews. I originally thought of ordering another cover for my other planners if it had turned out great, but I guess I’ll put off that idea for now.