Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Himitsu Bako

Himitsu-Bako (ひみつ箱) translated as "Secret Box" is a wooden box that can be opened only if you know it's secret.

The pattern on the box, is a special traditional design coming from Hakone.
I've ordered 2 small boxes and 1 big box. The one displayed is very small, only few small coins will fit inside.

Once opened, inside, the shop's seal is visible. It's truly an amazing piece of handcraft. I was amazed how many different types exists.

I was reading lately that only few people (less than 5) are now the secrets keeper of this traditional product.

What is more amazing, is that after talking to my japanese friends, not all of them know it. Some of them are quite easy to open...others...require some more time ;)

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hello. My name is Drew and I am a Canadian who is in Kobe city for 1 week. I was looking to buy a himitsu-bako in Kobe city to take back for a friend. But I am not sure where in the city I can buy one.

Do you have an address of a store where I could purchase one?

Kindly,

Drew

Davide Crudo said...

Hi Drew!

Thank you for asking! Unfortunately I've never seen this box in Kobe. It's coming from Hakone which is another city a little bit far.

I did order in the past from this website: http://www.yosegi.net/ and they ship internationally. Maybe you could have them send it to you directly to Canada...

Regards!
Davide

Unknown said...

Hi again. Can you point me in the direction (street address) of a good place to buy some really cool gifts to bring back home. Perhaps somethings that are representative of this region of the country? Also I am looking for a store that sells manga comics (something that I know nothing about). They are for a colleagues daughter.

Cheers,

Drew

Unknown said...

So great presentation and awesome sharing
Himitsu Bako