Kokuyo's Jibun Techo planner has been a staple in the world of personal organization for years. Combining the Japanese words "Jibun" (meaning "oneself") and "Techo" (meaning "planner"), this thoughtful tool allows you to express your individuality while staying organized. With high-quality Thin Paper and Mio Paper, specially developed for this planner, you can fully express yourself and have a pleasant writing experience. Whether you're using it for daily journaling, planning or anything in between, the Jibun Techo adapts to your needs and personal style.
Table of Contents
On this page, you’ll find an overview of all the planner types, as well as detailed information about each one. Whether you’re a newbie to the Jibun Techo or a veteran journaler, there’s something to discover about the thoughtfulness and quality behind its design. Let’s see what it’s all about!
Jibun Techo Characteristics Overview
| Type Name | Product Image | Main Page Layout | Size | Cover | Booklet Included | Paper Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly & Weekly |
StandardFirst Kit |
|
|
A5 slim B6 slim |
Clear Cover + Color sheet + Rubber band sheet |
Dairy LIFE IDEA |
Diary - THIN LIFE - MIO IDEA - THIN |
| Standard Diary |
|
|
A5 slim B6 slim |
Clear Cover + Color sheet |
Diary | THIN | |
| Biz |
|
|
A5 slim B6 slim |
Colored Cover | Biz Dairy | MIO | |
| Lite |
|
|
A5 slim B6 slim |
Colored Polyurethane Cover |
Lite Diary | THIN | |
| Monthly + Daily | DAYs |
|
|
A5 slim B6 slim |
Clear Cover + Color sheet |
DAYs Diary |
THIN |
Discover Each Jibun Techo Type
Jibun Techo offers four types that cater to both Planning and Journaling, adaptable to your style. The Standard type, Biz with a monochrome, calm color palette and quick-drying MIO Paper, Lite with a simple design for easy life logging, and DAYs with a one-page-per-day layout that gives plenty of space to write. Additionally, Jibun Techo Goods are available to further enhance your Planning and Journaling. Let’s thoroughly explore each item to help you find the perfect planner and accessories for you.
1. Standard Type
A planner that changes every year. But don’t you often wish to keep some information beyond the year? And don’t you find that there’s sometimes too little or too much space on the memo pages? With the Jibun Techo Standard Type, you get a layout designed to meet all your needs:
- A DIARY with a weekly layout to track the events of the year.
- A LIFE booklet to store important lifelong information that you want to keep beyond the current year.
- An IDEA booklet for writing down anything and everything that comes to mind.
This three-booklet style is designed to be flexible, allowing you to manage your records in a way that fits your needs. The LIFE booklet helps you capture key life moments, such as birthdays, anniversaries, travel memories, or goals you want to achieve in your lifetime. The DIARY allows you to record events throughout the year. And if you need more space, the IDEA booklet is there for all the extra notes you want to write down.
The Standard type is available in two versions: a Diary-only version and a First Kit that combines the LIFE, DIARY, and IDEA booklets into one.
Standard: Diary Details
The Standard Diary is carefully designed to help you efficiently record everything throughout the year. The main weekly pages use a 24-hour vertical format, so you can track your day in detail. The layout allows you to view the entire week on a single spread, making it easy to check your plans and manage the week as a whole. Unlike the common horizontal (landscape) planners, where writing in one section can overlap into the next time slot, the vertical (portrait) layout provides a natural flow. With time running from top to bottom, you can easily see how your day is structured. It’s a design that naturally helps you understand the flow of your day. In addition to the vertical weekly and block monthly layouts, there is also a Gantt chart, which is great for project management and tracking habits. This feature makes it easier to plan the entire year and track your progress, making the Standard Diary a thoughtful, well-rounded tool for organizing your time and goals.
Diary Full Content (in order of inclusion)
How to Use Jibun Techo: This page provides an overview of the contents included in the planner. It outlines the types of information you can record in the planner. Turning the page, you’ll find an example of how to use the weekly vertical layout.
3-Year Calendar: This two-page spread features a block-style calendar for 3 years. It’s a great way to plan ahead and reflect on the upcoming years. You can use it to think about how you want to spend your time or mark important anniversaries each year.
Annual Schedule: This two-page spread gives you a clear overview of your entire year. Marking important dates, anniversaries, and long holidays helps you keep track of your major plans and stay organized.
Age Quick Reference (left) / This Year’s Dreams/Goals (right)
On the left, you’ll find an Age Quick Reference chart. Have you ever thought, "Wait, how old am I now?" or "What year was my mom born?" It’s common to struggle with quickly matching ages to birth years. This chart lists the ages for each year, making it easier to figure out age at a glance.
On the right is the section for writing down the Year’s Dreams/Goals. While it can be a challenge to write down dreams every month, setting yearly goals is much easier. We’ve broken down the goals into categories, making them more manageable and easier to plan.
Financial Planning
It’s easy to overlook how much we spend on living expenses each month. Why not write it down and make it more visible? There are also sections where you can jot down any additional expenses. Take some time to imagine how you’d like to spend your money wisely—it could be a fun exercise to plan ahead.
Japan Map
This map lets you record the places you’ve traveled to or lived in Japan - when, where, and with whom. You can also write down places you’d like to visit in Japan someday.
Weekly Schedule
This page is for jotting down your key plans for the week. By organizing the tasks you must complete each week, you can clearly see your free time. Just taking a moment to think about how you’ll spend that time, whether for relaxation or fun, can make a big difference in how fulfilling your year feels.
100 Things to Do This Year
Create a list of things you want to try at least once this year. It’s a great way to reflect on how you want to live. From serious goals to fun or silly ideas, feel free to write anything down. As you check off each item, you might find yourself adding even more to the list as the year goes on!
Favorite Quotes List
Write down words that have made you smile, feel brave, or inspired you - whether from a moment of reflection or laughter. Be sure to note the date you encountered these words, as it might help you recall the moment or feeling later on. Since you’ll be seeing these quotes every day, they can serve as a gentle reminder to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
Recommendations List
This list is for writing down things recommended by others. It’s helpful to note not only what you want or don’t want to forget, but also who recommended it to you. You can also use it to write down items you’d confidently recommend to someone else. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift for someone special or a little something to brighten daily life, keep track of those recommendations. And of course, feel free to add your own favorite Kokuyo stationery!
Books List
This list lets you record the books you’ve read throughout the year. You can note the title, the date you finished reading, and even add your thoughts using a rating system. Even after some time has passed, this list will help you recall the essence of each book. It’s also a great place to jot down books you’d like to read in the future.
Movies List
This list lets you record the movies you’ve watched throughout the year. You can write down the title, the date you watched it, and add your thoughts using a rating system. Even after some time has passed, this list will help you remember the details of each movie.You can also jot down movies you want to watch in the future.
Gift List
It’s easy to forget the gifts you’ve received over the year. Even if you plan to return the favor, you might forget unless you write it down. On the right page, you can note who gave you what, and on the left, you can record the gifts you’ve given to others. This list is a great way to keep track of gift-giving and prepare thoughtful returns. Looking back at this list a year from now, you might find yourself reflecting on a year surrounded by generosity and feeling grateful for all the thoughtful exchanges.
Promises List
We all make promises that don’t always get fulfilled. The reason? Often, they’re not reminded or revisited. Make it a habit to jot down any promises you make here, so you can keep track and follow through.
Free List
This page lets you create lists on any topic you like—whether it's books you want to read, movies you’ve watched, gifts you've received, or meaningful words that have stayed with you. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to use it however you wish.
Monthly Project
This section lets you view a two-month period at a glance, making it perfect for project management. By breaking down tasks on the left side, you can easily track progress. It’s not only great for managing projects but also useful as a habit tracker, where you can log things like daily routines, water intake, and weight. It’s also handy for recording study time or tracking hours spent on other activities.
Monthly Block
This block-style diary lets you view the entire month at a glance. It’s perfect for noting important events while keeping track of your plans for the whole month. If a month starts mid-week, the previous month’s end is also displayed, making it easier to see the transition. It’s designed to be usable all the way through to March of the following year.
Weekly Vertical
A 24-hour vertical layout with evenly spaced sections for weekdays and weekends, allowing you to record your day from morning to night, including sleep time. You can capture everything you did throughout the day, down to the smallest detail. It’s also great for planning your entire week.
Year in Review
This section lets you reflect on the Jibun Techo you’ve filled over the year. You can review events month by month, reflect on your personal growth, and assess how the year went. It’s a chance to look back on your year and gain insight into your journey.
Railway Map (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Sendai, Yokohama, Kobe, Fukuoka)
This is a railway map of major cities in Japan. It’s perfect for when you’re traveling around Japan. With so many rail lines and stations, it’s easy to get lost. If that happens, just take a quick look at the map to get back on track.
Time Zone World Map
Ever wonder what time it is in the country where your friend is right now? It’s a hassle to calculate that in your head, isn’t it?
Personal Data
Not only should personal information be protected, but it should also be organized and easily accessible. You can store your essential details, such as your basic information, company or school contacts, and health-related information all in one place. It can even serve as a reference for stopping your cards if you lose your wallet. For sensitive data, make copies and keep them in a safe place to ensure security.
Standard: First Kit Details
The Jibun Techo First Kit combines the LIFE, DIARY, and IDEA booklets into one, designed for convenience and to provide everything you need in one package. The content of the DIARY booklet is the same as described in the Standard Diary Details above. Since all three booklets are bundled together, a Rubber Band Sheet is included for easy organization.
LIFE Booklet Details
The LIFE Booklet allows you to record important information that you want to keep even after the year ends. Once the new year begins, simply replace this booklet with the next year's Jibun Techo, so you don’t have to transfer your notes to a new planner. It’s a booklet you can continue to use for life. Made with smooth and tough MIO PAPER, it’s perfect for long-term storage and easy writing.
LIFE Booklet Full Content (in order of inclusion):
How to use Jibun Techo LIFE (right page) + Life Dreams (left page)
The right page provides an overview of the contents of this "LIFE" booklet. It gives you an idea of what kind of information you can record.
On the left, there is a page to write down your long-term life dreams, which are different from your yearly dreams. The goal categories are broken down, making them easier to think about. Also, writing actions to achieve those goals makes them easier to accomplish.
100 Things You Want to Do in Life
This list will help you reflect on how you want to live by writing down things you want to try at least once. Feel free to write anything from serious goals to fun, trivial things. The list will give you a fresh perspective on life.
Personal Motto List
Are there words that have been engraved in your heart for life? Write down your personal "creed," "ideals," or "ambitions" to keep as reminders or sources of inspiration.
Life Planning Chart
For those with a home and family, why not create a life plan? The year field is flexible, allowing you to start writing at any time. You can plan up to 40 years into the future, but the most important thing is to start writing and become more aware of your long-term goals.
Annual Anniversary List
As you accumulate more anniversaries - birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates - life becomes richer. It’s also helpful to write down things like warranty expiration dates for appliances. Additionally, the list includes unique anniversaries that occur throughout the year. While these may not be officially recognized by institutions, feel free to use them as conversation starters.
Japan/World Travel Map
This map lets you record places you’ve traveled or lived in. It’s convenient to write down when, where, and with whom. You can also mark places you’d like to visit in the future.
Personal Timeline
A timeline isn’t just for historical figures. Record the events of your life and your family’s, along with global news that occurred at the time. It’s a great way to look back on what’s happened in your life and see how your personal history unfolds. It’s also a wonderful way to track milestones, like your baby’s growth.
Family Tree
There are times at family gatherings when you can’t remember who is who. This is where a family tree comes in handy. It’s a way to map out the path your family has walked so far. You can include your spouse’s relatives and even pets. There’s also space to draw your family crest, something many of us don’t know much about but can be a meaningful addition.
Emergency Contact List
Everyone will eventually leave this world, and it’s regrettable to leave without preparing for it. Keep this list in your planner as a reminder of who you want to contact in case of an emergency to express your gratitude. You can write down people you’d like to invite to a wedding or funeral, or things you want to say. For example: “In case of an emergency, please contact these people and ask them to reach out to others involved.
Password Hint List
This list is for recording the growing number of passwords in your life. It’s safer not to write down all your passwords, but you can write down hints to remind yourself.
Asset Section (Bank/Credit Card/Insurance/Securities/Pensions)
This section is useful not only when you’re moving or if you lose something, but also if something happens in the future. Organizing your assets is important for managing your life. It’s recommended to categorize and organize your information.
Medical History
This page is for summarizing your ongoing treatments, past illnesses, injuries, and medications. It’s also helpful to write down information for your family or pets, making it a useful reference for everyone.
Favorite Photos
Stick your best photo here. Or, you can paste family photos or pictures with your partner. It’s a great way to make the planner feel more personal.
IDEA Booklet Details
The IDEA Booklet is an easy-to-use notebook with grid-lined pages. By writing the date and title on the left side of the vertical line, it becomes much easier to search through your notes. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for journaling, note-taking, collection lists, book reviews, sketching or meeting minutes. The possibilities are endless!
2. Biz Type
The Jibun Techo Biz features a calm monochrome color scheme and font, making it suitable for both business and personal use. The content is similar to the [DIARY] Booklet, but with a more subdued color palette and font that fits professional settings. Additionally, it uses MIO PAPER, which dries quickly and resists bleed-through, making it more suitable for business use. The paper has just the right amount of stiffness, making it easy to flip through the pages.
Biz Details
The Biz Type is designed to help you use the year efficiently. The main weekly pages adopt a 24-hour vertical format, so you can record your day in detail. Additionally, it features a layout that allows you to overview an entire week on a single spread, making it easy to check your plans and review your week.
Besides the vertical weekly layout and block monthly layout, it also includes a Gantt chart for project management and habit tracking. This planner is meticulously designed to make yearly planning and record-keeping easier and more organized.
Biz Type Full Content (in order of inclusion)
The content is mostly the same as the [DIARY] Booklet in the Standard Type. Please note the following differences:
- No railway line maps for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Sendai, Yokohama, Kobe, or Fukuoka.
- No world time zone map.
- 3 pages of plain grid pages are included.
Unlike the Standard Type DIARY, the Biz Type uses a more subdued color palette and font to suit a business setting.
Differences in Color Scheme
Biz
Standard Diary
Differences in Headings (List Pages)
Biz
Standard Diary
Differences in Headings (Vertical Weekly Pages)
Biz
Standard Diary
3. Lite Type
The Jibun Techo Lite is a simpler way to track your life. Keeping the 24-hour time format, this version is designed with a minimalist approach to help you write only what’s necessary. It comes in a calm color scheme and uses a smooth polyurethane cover, giving it a comfortable feel. Additionally, it uses THIN PAPER, which is lightweight, resistant to bleed-through, and won’t warp even when using erasable pens.
Lite Details
The main weekly pages use a 24-hour vertical layout, so you can record your day in detail. The design also includes a spread that allows you to view the entire week at a glance, making it easy to check your plans and reflect on the week. Unlike the Standard and Biz types, this version has a simpler design.
- The free space at the bottom of the weekly section is a little wider.
- The layout shows both the monthly view and habit tracker in a single spread, making it easier to log habits and reflect on them.
In addition, there are 6 free-list pages, where you can list monthly to-dos, wish lists, things you want to do, or anything else you prefer. The layout allows you to freely customize the lists to suit your needs.
Lite Type Full Content (in order of inclusion):
Annual Schedule
A page that gives you a full view of your year. Mark important dates, special occasions, and long holidays, so you can clearly keep track of your big plans.
2-Year Calendar (left) + This Year’s Goals (right)
The left side features a 2-year block calendar, letting you see your upcoming plans. It’s perfect for thinking about how you want to spend your time over the next two years. You can also mark important dates for each year.
The right side includes a space for recording your dreams and goals for the year. Writing down a yearly goal is easier than monthly ones, and breaking them down into categories makes them easier to achieve.
Free List (6 pages)
These pages allow you to list things like books you want to read, movies you want to watch, or gifts you’ve received. Organize these items by category for easy reference and recall. You can also customize the lists for monthly to-dos, wish lists, and more.
Monthly Block Schedule & Project Layout: A layout that allows you to view both your monthly block schedule and a Gantt chart, making it easier to track and reflect on your habits or projects.
Weekly Vertical Schedule: A simple, easy-to-use layout that makes it easy to record your weekly schedule.
Free Memo Pages (11 pages): Pages for journaling, note-taking, collection lists, book reviews, sketching, meeting notes, or anything else. It’s up to you.
Year in Review: Reflect on the year you spent with your Jibun Techo. This section lets you summarize your journey and record events not only in your life but also from your family, friends, and the world around you.
4. DAYs Type
With a layout full of unique ideas, the Jibun Techo DAYs makes it easy and enjoyable to record your important days. It’s the only Daily format in the Jibun Techo lineup.
DAYs Details
The design places a 24-hour timeline in the center, allowing you to separate your work, family schedules, to-do lists, and life logs on either side. On the right, you can create your to-do list and plan your day, while on the left, you can record the activities of the day or reflect on it.
If you're looking for a way to combine both planning and journaling in one notebook, this is the perfect option. Starting from the 2024 edition, based on user feedback, DAYs has been updated from a six-month format to a full-year format.
DAYs Type Full Content (in order of inclusion):
3-Year Calendar
This is a two-page spread featuring a block-style calendar for 3 years. You can look ahead and think about how you want to spend the upcoming years. It's also a great way to mark important anniversaries each year.
Annual Schedule
A two-page spread that lets you view your year at a glance. Mark important dates, anniversaries, long holidays, and more, to ensure you're aware of your major plans.
This Year’s Goals (left) / This Year’s Events (right)
On the left, you can write down your goals for the year, while on the right, you can list important events month-by-month. The page for this year's dreams and goals allows you to break them down into categories, making it easier to focus and plan.
100 Things to Do This Year
This page allows you to create a list of 100 things you want to do this year. Having a clear list gives you something to look forward to and pushes you to live each day with intention.
Free List (3 pages)
This section allows you to create lists for things like books you want to read, movies you’ve watched, or gifts you’ve received, making it easy to find and recall them. You can also set up monthly to-dos, wish lists, or things you want to do, giving you the freedom to organize it however works best for you.
Monthly Block & Habit Tracker
This layout displays both the monthly block schedule and a Gantt chart on a two-page spread, making it easy to track habits and reflect on them. The Gantt chart can be used for project management at work or as a daily habit tracker, offering versatile ways to stay organized and on top of your goals.
Monthly Opening Page
This page allows you to summarize your goals and events for the month. Writing based on themes makes it easier to reflect and stay on track. It appears right before the first page of each month.
Daily Pages
With a one-page-per-day format, the T-shaped timeline layout lets you record different content on the left and right sides of the page. The top of the timeline shows the dates for the next three weeks, and as each day passes, the horizontal axis shifts one space to the left, making it easy to track your position within the week. For example, on the right, you can create your to-do list for the day, while on the left, you can record your activities or reflect on the day. The layout allows you to use the space for both planning and journaling, making it versatile for any needs.
Free Memo Pages (5 pages)
These are grid-lined memo pages that you can freely use for quick notes or to record important events. Whether it's journaling, note-taking, creating a collection list, writing book reviews, sketching, or taking meeting minutes, these pages are perfect for anything you need. The possibilities are endless.
Year in Review
At the end of the year, you can reflect on your Jibun Techo journey. This section allows you to summarize the events you recorded throughout the year. Look back on your personal growth, the events that shaped your year, and take time to appreciate all the progress you've made. It’s a great way to reassess how the year went and what you’ve learned.
Jibun Techo Goods
| Product Image | Item Name | Explanation | Type/Size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clear Cover | A transparent matte cover included with the First Kit and DIARY of the Jibun Techo. | A5 slim B6 slim |
|
Shitajiki (Under-mat) | This mat is the perfect size for the Jibun Techo. It provides firmness and smooth writing surface. The tab can also serve as a bookmark. | A5 slim B6 slim |
|
Index tabs | Tabs for 1–12 months and major contents. Sized to fit the planner, low-adhesion material, includes 2 sheets. | 2 types For Standard For Biz |
|
Template Plan version | This template helps draw schedule borders, clock faces, photo frames, etc., matching the Jibun Techo layout. | NA |
|
Template Icon version | Template with icons for numbers, weather, outings, trips, faces, and more. | NA |
|
Zipper case | Zippered case with card pockets. Fits inside the cover. Holds tickets, cards, small items. | A5 slim B6 slim |
|
Film sticky notes Once it is sold out, it will end |
Perfect size for vertical/monthly layouts. For tentative plans or highlights. | NA |
|
To-do sticky notes Once it is sold out, it will end |
Sized for Jibun Techo, perforated, great for notes/lists. | For A5 slim For B6 slim |
|
IDEA Booklet Pack of 2 | IDEA and LIFE booklets can be purchased separately. Can be inserted front/back of the clear cover. Note: First Kit already includes these booklets pre-attached. | A5 slim B6 slim |
|
LIFE Booklet |
