Hobonichi Hiroko Kubota: The Tone of Illuminated Flowers A6 [Cover Only]

Two cats are walking their bikes on a spring evening. The scene is filled with cherry trees in full bloom and the petals fluttering everywhere. Illustrator Hiroko Kubota created this enigmatic scene, which combines the stillness of the night with the murmur of the wind scattering cherry blossoms.

The cats, too, seem to be taken by this overwhelming sight. Oh, it appears that one of them even has their eyes closed. And why is that? Look on the back of the cover. You’ll see them heading towards a brilliantly shining crescent moon, which is a harp being played by a mouse. Maybe the cat is closing its eyes as it listens to the tone of the harp.

The butterfly stoppers and the interior pockets of the cover are also covered in cherry blossom petals. The bookmark charms are shaped like petals. The cover interior is yellow with a soft hint of blue to mimic the moonlight. This color is covered up by your book when you insert it into the cover, but isn’t there something delightful about getting a quick peek of it when you open your book?

Having this dreamlike landscape by your side will make those special moments of introspection when you open your Hobonichi all the more tender.