Everyone, are you able to stay calm?
Shigesato Itoi frequently talks of the importance of the word “Ochitsuke.” Rather than rushing into situations or letting ourselves get carried away by emotion, we should take a moment to remind ourselves: “Stay calm.” These items keep the power of those words near at hand.
The essence of “Ochitsuke” is expressed through the lyrical brushwork of calligrapher Kyuyoh Ishikawa.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Hanging Scroll
This is a hanging scroll that allows you to take in the spirit of “Ochitsuke” in your daily life. It will calmly watch over yourself, your family, your coworkers and your friends at at moments when you tend to rush or get carried away by emotion. Its compact size (W: 175mm x H: 320mm / W: 6.9" x H: 12.6") allows you to place it where it will always be within eyesight, such as your living room, entrance, or by your desk. Hang it up by hooking its string on a hook or push pin.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Pin Badge
Carry the words “Ochitsuke” around written by calligrapher Kyuyoh Ishikawa with this square-shaped pin badge. You can put this on your bag or pen case, or put in on your desk at work - whatever meets your fancy. You can tell yourself to stay calm by keeping this word within eyesight. It may be a great present to those who are about to take entrance exams, about to take on an important job, or starting a new life.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Key Ring
The words “Ochitsuke” are engraved in a deep brown color using laser machining on a key ring made of walnut wood. Keep this on your key or something that you carry around with you to keep it within eyesight. Since it’s imprinted, it’s also calming to the touch. Use it to accent your handbag.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Mug
When you are about to rush or want to stay focused, take a break drinking tea or coffee with this mug. Its trapezoid shape with a wide base makes it hard to knock over accidentally. The outside features a fresh and calming light blue. The word “Ochitsuke” will be within eyesight by looking at the inner rim of the mug.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Aroma Sachet
Calm your emotions with incense from the “Ochitsuke” series. This original blend by Azabu Kogado is made from fragrant wood, which has long been thought to sharpen the senses and make you more alert. Keep it in your handbag or purse and bring it up to your nose whenever you need it to enjoy the subtle scent. Kyuyoh Ishikawa’s calligraphy is featured on the bag, which is made from the same necktie material as the “Bow & Tie” series of Weeks books, allowing for intricate embroidered details.
Hobonichi’s “Ochitsuke” Leather Mirror
This slim leather mirror can be used to check your eyes and mouth when facing a tense situation. Made of cow leather that fits well in your hand, it has the words “Ochitsuke” written by calligrapher Kyuyoh Ishikawa. Slide it to reveal the mirror, and calm yourself down by seeing the words while touching up on your appearance. Once you feel calm, get your head up and confidently move forward.
About Kyuyoh Ishikawa
Born 1945 in Fukui Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Kyoto University.
Beginning early with his own poetry, his brushwork has graced post-war poems, classical literature, contemporary poetry, before returning again to his own prose and poetic compositions. He continues to explore new ways to break the limits of what can be expressed through calligraphy by actively producing intriguing pieces that resonate with modern music, art and even with modern poems. Has published various books featuring his own work.
Related articles on the Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun
・Hobonichi’s Ochitsuke (Japanese)
・Kyuyoh Ishikawa and calligraphy (Japanese)
・The words of “Stay Calm” you want to say to yourself (Japanese)
Size | W: 175mm x H: 320mm / W: 6.9" x H: 12.6" |
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Weight | Approx. 45 g |
Main material | Paper, cloth |
Size | W: 30mm x H: 30mm / W: 1.2" x H: 1.2" |
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Weight | Approx. 8 g |
Main material | Stainless steel |
Size | W: 18mm x H: 42mm / W: 0.7" x H: 1.7" |
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Weight | Approx. 4 g |
Main material | Walnut, cow leather |
Size | W: 77mm x H: 86mm / W: 3.0" x H: 3.4" |
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Capacity | Approx. 300cc (when full) |
Main material | New Born China |
Size | W: 50mm x H: 50mm / W: 2.0" x H: 2.0" |
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Weight | Approx. 5 g |
Main material | Outer pouch: Polyester Contents: Sandalwood, cinnamon bark, Korean mint, star anise, spiked ginger lily, benzoin, mint |
Size | W: 110mm x H: 20mm x T: 15mm / W: 4.3" x H: 0.8" x T: 0.6" |
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Weight | Approx. 30g |
Main material | Natural cow leather, glass mirror |
In order to provide you with the most satisfaction for your product, we've compiled a list of warnings, potential issues, and tips to keep in mind for this particular product. Please be sure to read this information carefully before placing your order.
- The fabric and paper are both weak against water and moisture. It should not be in direct contact with water, and also should be be placed in areas close to humidifiers, and areas that emit steam (if placing this product in your kitchen or bathroom)
- It may become “sunburnt” from lights such as sunlight and fluorescent lamps.
- There may be black sports unique to washi paper.
- Due to its design, you may hurt yourself with the sharp areas, so please handle with care.
- Please be sure not to swallow the small parts of this product.
- Please store this item in areas out of reach from small children.
- Please be careful when attaching this badge to your clothes as ti has a needle. Additionally, please store this item with its cap on when it is not in use.
- The item may turn slightly yellow over the years.
- Please be sure not to swallow the small parts of this product.
- The grain varies from item to item. Please note that the grain of the keyring you receive may differ to what is shown on the product detail page.
- When attaching this item to a zipper, please ensure that you do not pull the wooden area on its own. This may cause the leather string and the catch to fall off or break apart.
- Wash immediately after use. It may be harder to get the stains off it left for a long time.
- Please use a neutral detergent with a soft sponge to clean this item. By washing using cleaners and scrubbing brushes may damage the product.
- Please use kitchen bleach following their prescribed directions to remove tea stains, scales, and other stains that are hard to get off.
- China may break when sudden strong pressure is applied, or is under sudden temperature changes. Once broken, please stop using this product as you may injure yourself.
- Please avoid use over direct heat and from boiling this product.
- When washing this mug using a dishwasher, please follow its prescribed direction.
- Please use mats and clothes when in use on tables that are easily scarred.
- Do not use in oven toasters, as it may break under heat expansion. This product may be used with microwave ovens.
- Avoid long-term storage in humidity or direct sunlight, as this may cause stains.
- The scent can last anywhere from 3-12 months, depending on usage conditions.
- Gently knead the pouch to release the scent if the scent seems weak.
- Use caution with kneading as excessive force can cause the contents to come out of the pouch.
- Do not ingest. Place out of reach of children.
- The scent gradually changes and softens after some use, so enjoy the shift in the aroma.
- If the outer bag gets dirty, remove the non-woven fabric bag inside it which contains the incense, and gently hand-wash with a neutral detergent.
- To keep the leather’s natural texture, this product has not been given any special processing. Therefore, each product has a different look and has scratches and stains inherent to cow leather.
- Friction and wetting may cause stains, color fading, or color transfer. If the product gets wet, wet a cloth with water and wring it thoroughly, then gently wipe it off.
- As the leather is used, it will tan, soak up the grease from your hands, and turn into a deeper color. Dirt, scratches, tanning, and stains are also part of the leather’s change over time, so please enjoy the aging.
If you’ve used any of these products, we welcome your notes on what you like about them or what led you to buy them so we can share it with customers who are currently considering these products. We’d also love to welcome comments from customers who purchased their techo outside the Hobonichi Store or received their book as a gift.