This new design is surprising! *Himitsu-bako* have traditionally always been made from natural, unstained wood. When I first saw this box featuring blue-stained wood, I was a bit hesitant. However, you explained on your blog that this type of stain has long been used in *Zougan* art as well as on many other items, such as children's toys. From that moment on, my perception of stained wood changed for the better.
The blue-grey stain has delicately infused the poplar wood rather than simply coating it; as a result, the wood grain is beautifully highlighted and blends perfectly with the warmth of the bubinga and walnut. The colors complement each other wonderfully.
Congratulations on daring to use this stained wood for a *himitsu-bako*—it creates an exceptional contrast!
Of course, as always, the movements are incredibly smooth, and the item was carefully packaged. Thank you, Hiroyuki.

A lovely creation with a clean, minimalist design. Here, there is no interplay of contrasting wood types, no *yosegi* marquetry, and no contrasting patterns—just walnut in all its beauty. It allows us to rediscover the simplicity of the box, while showcasing a meticulous selection of walnut—a wood that is becoming increasingly hard to find in such fine pieces! Walnut enthusiasts will be delighted. Thank you, Hiroyuki.

I'm amazed by the quality of this puzzle box. The Ichimatsu (checker board) pattern is so well matched that it's difficult to see or even feel the slides, and placing the same pattern on all 6 sides makes it even more difficult! These is no top, bottom or starting point. It's truly genius. My only regret is that I was unable to get the 27-step cubic in this design before it sold out!

Everything about this is different from a classic *himitsu bako*—starting with its dimensions compared to a traditional 4-sun box. The opening steps are intriguing, and you get a pleasant surprise right from the very first move!
An 11-step *himitsu bako* is also unusual.
It is a beautiful, unique, high-quality piece; the movements are very smooth, as always, and it arrived in a gift bag, protected by a lovely cardboard box.
Thank you, Hiroyuki, for this *himitsu bako* that stands out from the ordinary—I was pleasantly surprised by the modifications.

I absolutely love this puzzle box!
The craftsmanship needed to cut and assemble the various small wood pieces into such a beautiful work of art is definitely highly skilled! I’m not only amazed of its appearance, but also of the smooth precision of each step.
This is my first purchase from Hiroyuki Oka and I am extremely happy with my purchase!
I definitely will be purchasing more Oka Craft products in the future.

A large-format himitsu bako (Japanese wooden box) with a magnificent traditional yosegi (wooden frame) on top and walnut wood underneath. This piece looks like it came straight out of the 1950s, with the yosegi ichimatsu having a vintage feel. Even the paper of the inner cardboard box isn't white but beige, reminiscent of paper yellowed by time! A true homage and a leap into the past!
The box works perfectly and smoothly, as usual. Thank you, Hiroyuki, for this contemporary piece with an old-fashioned design.

This tiny box is already astonishing by its size, which is slightly wider and taller but has the same length as a box itself, but it has two sliding keys that allow it to be opened in 12 steps! The small keys work perfectly and smoothly. Decorated with a magnificent Yosegi, it is a joy to handle such a pretty little box. Thank you always for writing your daily blog about the design, the manufacturing parameters, future projects, and many other things!
Good luck, Hiroyuki, for future designs and projects.👍🏻