About this time of year and at the beginning of the fiscal year (April), you will see lots of techo (planners) at various stores in their stationery section. There are so many varieties to choose from--pocket sized, weekly, A4 (like 8.5"x11" but smaller)....covers with Hello Kitty, leather bound, binder style...the choices are pretty much endless.
Some have train/subway maps in them.
Some have the Japanese holidays and good luck/bad luck days too (which could be a post in itself but is explained here).
I first started using a techo when I studied in Japan.
After coming back from studying abroad, I would try to visit my host-family during October-November so that I would be able to buy a new one.
Or if someone was going to Japan for business/vacation, I would ask them to buy me one.
I especially liked the binder style, which you can put in or take out pages if need be.
Plus, you don't have to buy a new binder, just get a new refill.
In the beginning, I wouldn't write much in them, just appointments and birthdays here and there.
Then gradually I started writing what I was eating.
Then the weather.
For the upcoming year, I decided to change to Moleskine's daily planner. It is bigger (and heavier) than what I am used to carrying around, but I figure it would give me more space to write down things.
Maybe this way I could be more detailed with items, not just writing "bento" (boxed lunch) or "sozai" (pre-made foods).
I can't wait to use it. Do you use a planner?
How do you use your planner?
It is Friday here, hope you have a nice weekend!
17 comments:
I use my planner religiously - otherwise I'd never keep track of work and personal stuff at all! (I'm hopeless at remembering) Mine looks very much like that very last photo. I love the idea of shopping for all that variety in planners, and I bet the variety is amazing in Japan!
P.S. Just popping back in to say thank you so much for that super-quick translation of the Whopper/Windows 7 food ad! So awesome! (Haha, makes the ad even more random somehow :)).
Yes, I use a planner/calendar datebook. I write everything in it, from my appointments to my 'to do' list, to things to buy, eating, birthdays, etc... I write everything! I'd be lost without it. ;-)
Paz
I love my planner- I'd never be able to plan dinners and stuff w/o it! I use a Coach planner that zips up all the way around which I like, plus all I pay for now is the paper insert :o)
The variety is awesome Jude, especially since they bring in Europe, US planners plus the ones that Japan makes. Oh and you are welcome for the Windows7/Whopper translation. I wish we had a BK here in Osaka, it is only in Tokyo.
That is awesome Paz :)
Your planner sounds nice K, and I like that you only need to buy the refills.
Take care everyone.
Kat
i love how your planner is serving as a mini journal. such a wonderful idea, especially on such an amazing journey!
Thanks Heather :)
Take care.
Kat
You got me there on the planner. Me? I just write things down on my hand or a scrap of paper for small stuff. For the bigger stuff like appointments I use the free calender that our supermarket gives away each year. For really important stuff (like sagras and vacation!) I put it all down online in my yahoo calender, complete with emailed alerts so I won't forget. I tried using planners once but never could get into the rhythm of using them. Imagine how jealous I was when my then boss got his first Blackberry. I was like, if I had one of those all my activities would be in there!
Rowena, I do put a lot into my iPhone, but somehow don't trust it, so I do write it down in my planner, jus in case ;)
Take care.
Kat
Kat, I use Google Calendar for everything! It works great even when synced with the phone. :)
Hi Kat,
I think I just got the same Moleskine planner you got - A4 and it feels too big to me.
It's 11 1/2" x 8+
This year's planner was a week at-a-glance because I was late buying it, but it's ring-bound so I can fold it. And even though I can't read my own hand writing, it is nice to see the week-at-a-glance on a 2-page spread.
The Moleskine is going back to Amazon! ! ! Thanks for help me with my decision.
Carolg
Wow you got the big one Carol, I got the one below that, maybe it is called large?? Anyway, I look forward to using it, am jealous you can get it on Amazon, I think we can too but our prices are a bit higher than the States.
Take care.
Kat
Hey Kat! I use a Moleskine as well, except I use the tiny weekly one...I find there's just enough space to write down what I need, and it's small enough to stick in my bag without too much additional weight!
I use a planner but mostly for appointments--not so much like a journal and I lack discipline. ;-)
That is cool you can sync it with your phone Rick.
Yes they can be quite heavy Kathy :)
I guess it does take some discipline Debinhawaii ;)
Take care everyone.
Kat
Hi Kat! I commented once, maybe last year, about the orange flavored M&Ms. Anyway, also a Hawaii girl. I enjoy your blog. It always makes me hungry.
Just wanted to comment this time on the planners.I only use Moleskine planners. Every since I discovered Moleskine several years ago in Japan I can't use anything else. The history behind them is interesting too. I first got an 18 month planner which was nice but you have to time it right. My friend in college loved it so much she requested I get her one from Japan because apparently it couldn't be purchased in the States.
Generally I get a weekly one(sometimes small, sometimes big) but can't seem to fill up much space. I like your idea of writing things others than appointments and such. Wish I were more creative with them...They're coming out with so many different types its going to be hard to choose for the coming year.
Keep on eating and posting:) Have a great week!
yes there are many creative ways to use the Moleskine, Sequoia. I've seen people draw in their daily planners on Flickr, very very creative.
Take care.
Kat
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