Your pocket-sized companion for on-the-go sketching
Color:
4 colors
| Ruled lines: | Unruled (blank) |
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| Dimensions: | A6 landscape (105 mm × 148 mm) |
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| Thickness: | 15 mm |
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| Pages: | 128 pages |
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| Materials: | Paper, elastic band, plastic clasp, and eyelet |
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| Country: | Made in Japan |
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A perfectly portable sketch notebook for whenever creativity strikes. Made with thicker paper than an ordinary notebook, it’s designed for those who want to enjoy sketching freely—without the formality of a traditional sketchbook. Ideal for artists who love to capture ideas in the moment—on a walk, in a café, or wherever inspiration appears—this compact, unruled notebook keeps your “I want to draw!” feeling always within reach.
The notebook lies completely flat at 180°, so you can draw comfortably without needing clips to hold pages down. It also folds back 360°, making it ideal for quick sketches outdoors or when holding it in one hand. Open it wide for a panoramic spread—perfect for expansive compositions.
We collaborated with 20 avid sketchers to select the perfect paper—HS Light Force. It offers a smooth yet slightly firm texture, giving just the right amount of resistance for pencil or pen. In user testing, it was highly rated for sketching with pencil or colored pencil, illustration with fountain pen and ink, and Zentangle drawing with fine markers. Many users also enjoy using it for light watercolor sketches and ink-based artwork. Despite having 128 pages, the notebook weighs only about 125g, making it as light as an apple or a small notebook—perfect for carrying anywhere.
Each notebook is sewn with strong thread binding to prevent pages from coming loose. The exposed “Kanreisha” fabric spine, achieved through Codex binding, gives the notebook a clean, airy look. Every piece is carefully hand-finished by skilled Japanese craftsmen, blending precision machinery with artisanal touch.
For the first time, this notebook features softly rounded corners on all four edges—a design choice that prevents bends and damage when carried around. The smooth, curved finish not only protects the notebook but also gives it a gentle, refined look and feel.
The deep, chic tones of the cover are paired with a contrasting elastic band, adding a subtle touch of playfulness. The gently foil-stamped logo, inspired by the letter “y” from yokobon, symbolizes its versatility—designed to be used both vertically and horizontally.
In Japanese bookbinding terminology, “yokobon” (横本) refers to a book that is wider than it is tall—essentially a landscape format. Its key feature is the wide horizontal space it provides when opened, making it a popular format for photo books. The expansive layout of a yokobon also makes it well suited for sketching.