Hobonichi Kyohei Sakaguchi: Field Sky A6 [Cover Only]

The Hobonichi Techo A6 Kyohei Sakaguchi “Field Sky” features a pastel painting by Kyohei Sakaguchi—an unconventional architect, writer, singer, photographer, and painter who creates as effortlessly as breathing. This cover captures his unique artistic vision, where vitality and delicacy coexist.

Drawn on October 17, 2021, the artwork depicts a tall autumn sky glowing pale blue, with dry air and swelling white clouds, while trees sway in the wind and branches stretch strongly into the vastness above. Inspired by his daily visits to a community garden in Kumamoto, Sakaguchi transforms photographs of nature into pastel works filled with life.

As he writes in his essay “The Path to the Field” in the artbook Pastel:
“Like brushing my teeth, washing my face, or taking a bath, I go to the field and draw with pastels.”
A reminder that writing, like drawing, can be a natural, everyday ritual.

The artwork is generously laid out across the cover, showcasing the cool blue sky, white clouds, and deep green trees. From afar it looks almost photographic, yet up close the powdery pastel texture reveals gentle smudges and hand-drawn warmth. To preserve this quality, it is printed on fine-grained polyester fabric.

The interior is crafted from white faux leather, reminiscent of pastel drawing paper, and includes a soft gray bookmark ribbon. One of the two pen holders that, when a pen is inserted, allow the cover to stay closed is also printed with a portion of the artwork.

Sakaguchi’s message is gentle yet inspiring: “Write when you feel like it. Don’t force it when you need a break. That’s perfectly okay.” Look up, and there is the sky. Look down, and there is a drawing of the sky. This cover carries the promise of bright, clear days ahead.