Hobonichi Techo - A5 Cousin Cover - Kyohei Sakaguchi: Field Sky

He doesn’t construct buildings, yet he’s an architect. He writes, sings, photographs, and paints. Kyohei Sakaguchi has continued creating in all these forms—effortlessly, like breathing. This Hobonichi Techo cover features one of his pastel paintings.

Living in Kumamoto Prefecture, Sakaguchi began growing vegetables on a plot he rented in a community garden in 2020. On his way to the garden and while tending his plot, he captures the scenery with his smartphone. He uses these photos as references for his pastel artwork.

This picture, “Field Sky,” was drawn on October 17, 2021. The tall autumn sky glows pale blue, with dry air and white clouds swelling upward. The trees swaying in the wind, the strong, sprawling branches and leaves stretching into the vast sky—all radiate the vibrant force of nature.

In his essay “The Path to the Field,” featured in the artbook Pastel, Sakaguchi writes, 
“Like brushing my teeth, washing my face, or taking a bath, I go to the field and draw with pastels.” 
We hope that opening this techo will become just as naturally integrated into your daily life.

On the Cousin-size cover, the picture is laid out to fill the surface generously. The cool blue sky, white clouds, and deep green trees together tell the story of a sky over a fertile field.

Though almost photographic in its precision, a closer look reveals the powdery texture of the pastels—the gentle smudges and strokes made by hand give the piece a warm, tactile feel. To capture this texture, the artwork is printed on fine-grained, delicate polyester fabric.

The interior is made of white faux leather, resembling the paper used for pastel drawings. The bookmark is a soft, cool gray to complement the overall tone.

A portion of the picture is also printed onto the butterfly-stopper pen holder.

Sakaguchi is someone who excels at continuing—whether it’s drawing, writing, or making music—but you get the sense he’d gently remind you: “Write when you feel like it. Don’t force it when you need a break. That’s perfectly okay.” 
Look up, and there’s the sky. Look down, and there’s a drawing of the sky.
This cover carries the promise of bright, clear days ahead.