Hello everyone. My name is Hiroyuki Oka. I’m a Japanese puzzle box craftsman. I was born in Odawara City, Japan, and have been making these puzzle boxes for over 20 years. My workshop (OKA CRAFT) is located in Odawara City. I post a blog about my production process every day from Monday to Friday (with some diary-like entries as well). The same articles are also written on my website (https://www.japanesepuzzlebox.jp), where these are transcribed. I would be delighted if you read it. Since I create each box by myself, it might take some time to restock sold-out items of my online-shop. Please be patient. Additionally, I occasionally make unique boxes that are not sold on other sites, so please check it together with this blog. Enjoy my puzzle boxes! Hiroyuki
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/okapuzzlebox/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092391755590
Website/Online-shop : https://www.japanesepuzzlebox.jp/
About Japanese puzzle box (Himitsu-bako)
Hakone Town and Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, are renowned for producing Japanese puzzle boxes, also known as Himitsu-bako. This type of woodwork has been passed down through generations, with its origins tracing back to the Edo or Meiji era (around 1870). The puzzle box operates through a series of sliding panels; when moved in the correct sequence, the lid opens, creating a true puzzle.The number of movements required to open the lid determines the name of the box. Additionally, the length of the longest panel is measured and included in the name. For reference, 1-sun equals 3 centimeters.These puzzle boxes are often decorated with traditional Hakone and Odawara artwork known as Yosegi-zaiku or wood inlaid work (Zogan). Thinly sliced pieces of Yosegi are meticulously pasted onto the box, serving both as decoration and to maintain the proper function of the puzzle box. In other words This decoration not only enhances the aesthetics but also provides protection.Creating a Japanese puzzle box requires perseverance and advanced craftsmanship. Despite their intellectually engaging design and functionality, they are far from mechanical. The feel and sound of the sliding wood are simple and gentle, adding to the charm of the Japanese puzzle box.