15-Apr-2025
Today was a very windy day. However, since I stayed in my workshop all day, I was able to make good progress on various tasks. The main ones were the 2.5-sun box and the 3-sun box.
For the 2.5-sun box, I attached the top and bottom panels. This time, the design is a combination of traditional yosegi and Nyatoh wood. Since the Nyatoh wood hasn’t arrived yet, I couldn’t go further, but it’s scheduled to arrive later this week, so I should be able to continue soon. I’m a bit concerned about using it right away due to moisture issues, but the wood is supposed to be well-dried before shipping. Also, it’s already cut to usable thickness. If it were still in large blocks, I’d need to thin it down and dry it more. But in this case, it’s what we call “dried wood,” meaning the moisture level has already been reduced through a controlled process, so I feel more at ease. Even so, I’m thinking of letting it sit in my workshop for a little while longer to dry more before using it.
The task that took the most time today was assembling the frame for the 3-sun box, making the Aruki panels, and fitting them in. It’s now evening, but before I go home, I’m planning to prepare the yosegi panels for the top and bottom of the box, cut them to size, and get them ready. I had already made the frame parts yesterday, but since I hadn’t assembled them or added the parts yet, that’s what I started with today. Once the glue had dried, I made the Aruki panels to fit the frame. Since the 7-step mechanism only requires two panels, it takes less time to make. However, precise measurements are very important, so I have to stay focused during the process. In the afternoon, I fitted the completed Aruki panels into the frame. Tomorrow or later, I plan to paste the yosegi panels that I’ll be making next. Once they’re ready, I can attach them at any time. This time, I’m making about 40 boxes, and all of them will have traditional yosegi designs on both the top and bottom panels.
Just a little side note—lately, I often make and eat takoyaki at home😄 I heard that takoyaki has become very popular among visitors from abroad when they come to Japan. I personally really like the taste, so I eat it often. However, when I buy it from shops, I feel it’s a bit expensive. Each takoyaki ball is about 3 to 4 centimeters in size, and one serving usually includes around 8 pieces. It costs about 700 to 900 yen. But if I make it at home, I can make around 30 pieces for the same price. Of course, you need a special takoyaki maker, but it’s easy to find in stores for about 2,000 to 3,000 yen. It’s electric and very simple to use. Sometimes, instead of octopus, I use squid or shrimp. Both taste great! Lately, the price of octopus has gone up, so it seems that more takoyaki shops are starting to use squid as a substitute. It’s still delicious, but after trying different versions, I still think octopus is the best match for takoyaki. If you ever come to Japan, please give it a try!
