In this series, we highlight how different individuals use the Left-Handed Planner, a thoughtfully designed product by Hidari. The interviews are conducted by our store manager, a passionate stationery enthusiast! Through these stories, we hope to spark inspiration for how you can make the most of your own planner.
Meet Saaya Masaki: Illustrator and Paper Goods Creator
Saaya Masaki is an illustrator from Kagawa, Japan, known for her work in a variety of fields, including illustrations, logos, and product design for leading publishers and manufacturers. Alongside her illustration projects, she designs and creates original stationery items. You can explore her work through her website and online shop.
Why Did Saaya Choose the Left-Handed Planner?
"I had been following Hidari on social media for a while," shares Saaya. "In 2021, a left-handed friend of mine showed me the Left-Handed Planner, and I immediately liked how it looked. I started using the 2022 edition."
Before switching to the Left-Handed Planner, Saaya used a different planner for about five years, but it was redesigned and no longer suited her needs. After trying out several planners, none of them felt like the right fit—until she found the Left-Handed Planner. "It felt like a perfect match," she explains.
Features That Worked for Saaya
For Saaya, the left-handed design was a huge plus. "I also love how the planner offers plenty of memo and free space," she notes. "The overall design is simple and functional—nothing unnecessary, which makes it perfect for work."
Saaya uses the planner exclusively for her work. "The weekly pages are the most useful for me," she says. "I jot down deadlines and meetings on the right-hand page. In my line of work, plans often change, so I end up rewriting a lot. I used to use a vertical planner, but switching to this layout was seamless—it works great for me."
On the left-hand memo page, she often sticks post-its or adds quick sketches she makes during meetings. "The grid design helps me keep everything neat and organized," she says.
In the monthly pages, I record long-term plans like solo exhibitions, group shows, and popup events where I sell my paper goods. These are events that rarely change once set.
A Personal Touch: Customizing the Planner
Saaya has also customized her planner with personal touches. "The back pages are my favorite for jotting down all sorts of things—personal notes, an address book, or even quick Illustrator tips I want to remember," she shares. "It’s become an essential tool for my work!"
She keeps the planner by her desk and uses her right hand for the mouse while writing with her left. "Being left-handed has definitely been a plus for my work. People often tell me I work quickly, and using my left hand for drawing and my right for the mouse helps a lot."
What Saaya Loves Most About the Left-Handed Planner
For Saaya, the most standout feature is the paper quality. "The texture is smooth and a joy to write on—it's definitely the best out of all the planners I’ve tried," she says. She also appreciates the warm tone of the paper. "It’s not a stark white, and it’s really pleasant to write on, which is why I’ve used up half the memo pages so quickly."
The planner’s layout is another highlight. "The holiday labels are easy to spot without being distracting, whether you’re looking at the monthly or weekly pages."
Accessories to Pair With the Left-Handed Planner
In the past, Saaya had an issue with planner pen holders tearing off. "The Left-Handed Planner doesn't come with a pen holder, which I actually love—it keeps the design clean and simple," she explains. Now, she uses a book strap pencil case with her planner, which holds several pens and a small ruler.
Saaya's Favorite Left-Handed Stories
"As a lefty, I write with my left hand but use the computer mouse with my right," Saaya says. "When I'm working on illustrations, I draw with my left hand on a pen tablet and use the mouse with my right. It’s a natural rhythm that helps me work quickly."
She also recalls a memorable experience from art school: "Quite a few of my classmates were left-handed. When I posted on social media about getting a Left-Handed Planner, one of them messaged me saying, 'I got one too!' That made me so happy."
Looking Ahead: Saaya’s 2025 Left-Handed Planner
Saaya has been a loyal user of the Left-Handed Planner, and for 2025, she’s chosen the cheerful yellow cover. "It’s perfect for my creative routine," she says, adding her personal touch with a handmade book band.
As an illustrator and stationery lover, she frequently visits stationery shops for inspiration. "I have an extensive personal collection of antique labels and wrapping papers from around the world," she shares.
We hope Saaya's story has inspired you to make the Left-Handed Planner a part of your creative process!
Left-Handed Planner 2025
If you’re ready to try the Left-Handed Planner for yourself, check out the options below: HIDARI Left-Handed Planner 2025 (Japan Edition)
