25-Apr-2025
Today, I continued the work from yesterday. First, I started with the finishing work for the 2.5-sun box and the 3-sun box. This time, both types have traditional yosegi marquetry on the top and bottom surfaces, and solid wood side panels, so the finishing process is the same for both. I polished the solid wood side panels, then cut all the corners of the boxes at an angle. After that, I polished the traditional yosegi panels on the top and bottom once more. With that, the finishing process was complete, and the boxes are now ready for painting. I decided not to do the painting today and will do it tomorrow instead. For now, I fixed the boxes back into place with rubber bands and stored them safely in the case.
After that, I worked on attaching the yosegi panels to the top and bottom of the Mame puzzle boxes that I’m making in large quantities. I really wanted to finish gluing them all today, so I focused on the work. Since I had to attach about 300 panels this time — much more than usual — it took quite a bit of extra time. The way of attaching the panels is a little unique for the Mame puzzle boxes. The side panels are already attached, so the top and bottom panels have to fit snugly in between them. Getting the right tightness is very delicate, and I always work carefully to make sure it fits just right. Also, since these yosegi panels are attached to the Aruki panels and will slide when the box is opened, the tightness affects the movement as well. I always make them just a little bit tight. If it’s too loose, you can’t fix it later. But if it’s a little tight, you can adjust it by shaving a little off afterward. However, if it’s too tight, you won’t be able to attach it at all, so it’s a very fine balance.
In Japan, there is a holiday period called Golden Week, which runs from the end of April to the beginning of May. Today, I saw on the news that some people will start their holidays early from tomorrow, Saturday, making it a long Golden Week. Because of that, it seems that airports are already starting to get crowded this evening. The last day of Golden Week this year is May 6th. Here in Odawara and Hakone, it sounds like it will be very busy with many tourists visiting. There will also be a traditional festival held at Odawara Castle nearby. Since I’m not very good with crowds, I plan to just keep working as usual😂
Wishing you a great weekend!
