Keep
Today, I will explain how to store Japanese puzzle boxes. Every puzzle box I make comes with an outer case (paper gift box). Each puzzle box is placed in a plastic bag, as shown in the picture, before being put into the outer case. The reason for this is not only to protect the boxes from scratches but, more importantly, to safeguard the puzzle boxes from changes in external temperature and humidity.
The Japanese puzzle boxes are made in Japan's environment, so if your country has a different climate (which is often the case), the boxes may get damaged as they try to adapt to the new climate. Japan is a relatively humid country. Therefore, in many cases, the puzzle boxes tend to dry out when they reach the recipient's country. To prevent this, I take my time during the production process, ensuring the wood is thoroughly dried and carefully working through each step.
Since the puzzle boxes are made entirely of wood, taking this time is very effective. Wood can expand or contract due to moisture, dryness, or sunlight. During production, the wood expands once due to the moisture from adhesives, and by letting it rest, it stabilizes before moving on to the next step. Therefore, taking as much time as possible in the production process is beneficial.
Therefore, I recommend storing the puzzle boxes in the provided plastic bags (and outer case). The plastic bags will help prevent extreme climate changes. However, the plastic bags are not completely airtight and will allow a small amount of air to pass through. This is important because it allows the puzzle boxes to gradually adapt to your country's climate without suffering significant damage. The worst thing for the boxes is a sudden change in environment. Therefore, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, placing them in areas with air conditioning drafts, or storing them in very humid places like bathrooms. Please keep this in mind.
Additionally, the outer cases are also made by specialized craftsmen. The number of these craftsmen has been decreasing over the years, and there are now only two or three in our area. Each of these paper boxes is handcrafted. In Japanese, they are called "Haribako." Nowadays, plastic outer cases are more common, and fewer people produce these handmade paper boxes due to cost issues. Since paper boxes cannot be fully automated, they are truly the work of craftsmen. It is challenging to neatly attach the paper without any blemishes. I hope that this craft of making paper boxes continues🙏☺️
The Japanese puzzle boxes are made in Japan's environment, so if your country has a different climate (which is often the case), the boxes may get damaged as they try to adapt to the new climate. Japan is a relatively humid country. Therefore, in many cases, the puzzle boxes tend to dry out when they reach the recipient's country. To prevent this, I take my time during the production process, ensuring the wood is thoroughly dried and carefully working through each step.
Since the puzzle boxes are made entirely of wood, taking this time is very effective. Wood can expand or contract due to moisture, dryness, or sunlight. During production, the wood expands once due to the moisture from adhesives, and by letting it rest, it stabilizes before moving on to the next step. Therefore, taking as much time as possible in the production process is beneficial.
Therefore, I recommend storing the puzzle boxes in the provided plastic bags (and outer case). The plastic bags will help prevent extreme climate changes. However, the plastic bags are not completely airtight and will allow a small amount of air to pass through. This is important because it allows the puzzle boxes to gradually adapt to your country's climate without suffering significant damage. The worst thing for the boxes is a sudden change in environment. Therefore, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, placing them in areas with air conditioning drafts, or storing them in very humid places like bathrooms. Please keep this in mind.
Additionally, the outer cases are also made by specialized craftsmen. The number of these craftsmen has been decreasing over the years, and there are now only two or three in our area. Each of these paper boxes is handcrafted. In Japanese, they are called "Haribako." Nowadays, plastic outer cases are more common, and fewer people produce these handmade paper boxes due to cost issues. Since paper boxes cannot be fully automated, they are truly the work of craftsmen. It is challenging to neatly attach the paper without any blemishes. I hope that this craft of making paper boxes continues🙏☺️
