In this series, we shine a light on how different people use the Hidari Left-handed Planner, a product created by HIDARI. The interviews are conducted by our store manager—who is a devoted stationery lover! We hope these stories give you ideas and inspiration for how to enjoy your own planner.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2022.
This time: SAAYA MASAKI
[Profile]
Illustrator from Kagawa, Japan. Active in a wide range of fields, from illustrations and logos to character and product design for major publishers and manufacturers. In addition to her illustration work, she also creates original paper goods.
[Website] [Online Shop]
How did you first learn about the Hidari Left-handed Planner, and when did you start using it?
I had been following HIDARI on social media for a while.
Editor’s note: In Japan, HIDARI is known as "左ききの道具店 (Left-handed Tools Shop)."
In 2021, a left-handed friend of mine showed me the planner and it looked great—so I started using it from the 2022 edition.
Actually, I had been using another planner for about five years, but it was redesigned and no longer suited me. I tried a different planner each year after that, but none of them really felt right—until I finally found this one. It felt like a perfect match.
What made you decide to try the HIDARI Left-handed Planner?
Of course, the left-handed design was a big plus. I also liked that it had lots of memo and free space, and the overall design was simple—no unnecessary extras. It looked like something I could use for work, too, which sealed the deal.
What kinds of things do you write in your planner, and how do you use it?
I use the Hidari Left-handed Planner exclusively for work. I rely on the weekly pages the most.
On the right-hand schedule page, I jot down deadlines and meetings. In my line of work, plans often change after they’re set, so I end up writing and rewriting a lot. I used to use a vertical-type planner, but switching to this layout was smooth—it still works well for me.
On the left-hand memo page, I often stick post-its or paste in quick sketches I make during meetings. The grid design helps keep my writing neat.
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.
The free pages at the back are where I write all sorts of things—like personal notes when I get an especially exciting project, an address book of shops and galleries I work with, or even quick tips for using Illustrator that I don’t want to forget.
When I’m working, I keep the planner by my desk. I use my right hand for the mouse and write in the planner with my left hand. It’s become one of my essential tools for work!
What are your favorite features of the planner?
Above all, the paper. The texture is smooth and pleasant to write on—definitely the best out of all the planners I’ve used.
I also love the slightly warm tone of the paper, rather than a cool blue-white. It’s so nice to write on that I ended up using half the memo pages at the back in no time.
The layout is easy to read, especially the placement of the holiday labels. They’re visible but don’t get in the way of writing your plans—on both the monthly and weekly spreads.
Do you use any other stationery or tools with your planner?
One issue I had with a previous planner was that the pen holder on the cover eventually tore off. The Hidari planner doesn’t come with a pen holder, which keeps the design neat—and I like that.
Now I use a book strap pencil case with it. It can hold several pens and a small ruler, so it’s really handy.
Do you have any favorite left-handed tools or left-handed stories to share?
I write with my left hand but use a computer mouse with my right. So when I’m working on illustrations, I draw with my left hand on a pen tablet and use the mouse with my right at the same time. People often say I work fast—being left-handed has definitely been a plus there!
Also, back in art school, quite a few of my classmates were left-handed. When I posted on social media that I got a Hidari planner, one of them messaged me saying, “I got one too!” That made me really happy.
SAAYA has been a repeat user of the Hidari Left-handed Planner over the years, and continues to use it today.
For 2025, she’s chosen the cheerful Yellow cover! Her handmade book band adds such a lovely personal touch.
An illustrator who works across books, products, and more, she also creates charming original stationery.
As part of her creative routine, she regularly visits stationery shops for inspiration and has an impressive personal collection of antique labels and wrapping papers from around the world.
It was such a joy to hear her stories—thank you, SAAYA!
