The Japanese Puzzle Box, known as Himitsu-Bako (秘密箱), is a unique works of art that combines clever mechanism, skilled craftsmanship, and rich tradition.
Secret box. Trick box. Mystery box. Regardless of what you call these Japanese wonders, they are among the most interesting and aesthetically-pleasing wooden craftsmanship in the world.
At first glance, this puzzle box appears to be nothing more than an enclosed wooden box. There’s no visible gap, nor any obvious opening. However, as one examines the box closely under the light, subtle clues begin to emerge.
The Origins of the Japanese Puzzle Box
The Japanese puzzle box traces its origins to the Hakone region (箱根) in the early-to-mid 19th century.
These boxes, initially called Sikake-Bako or Tie-Bako, were sold as souvenirs to travelers visiting Haokne's hot springs.
- Sikake means "device" or "trick,".
- Tie refers to "idea" or "intelligence."
In its original form, these boxes had simple designs and were used by sailors and workers to secure documentations and personal items. As their popularity grew, the mechanisms became more sophisticated and complex. These boxes then further envolved into collectible keepsakes for traveler's passing through Hakone on their way to Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
The Evolution of Himitsu-Bako
In the Meiji Period (1868-1912), three master craftsmen—Mr. Takajiro Ohkawa, Mr. Tatsunosuke Okiyama, and Mr. Kikukawa—revolutionised the puzzle box by incorporating Yosegi-Zaiku (寄木細工), a traditional Japanese marquetry technique. This art form involves combining wooden rods of different colors and textures into geometric patterns, which are then sliced into thin veneers to decorate puzzle boxes.
They created the first Himitsu-Bako, or "personal secret box," blending artistry with intricate mechanisms. Their work established the foundation for modern Japanese puzzle boxes.
The Japanese government later recognised Hakone Himitsu-Bako and Yosegi-Zaiku as a National Traditional Handicraft, underscoring their cultural significance. Today, only about 100 artisans in Hakone continue to practice this traditional craft.
How To Solve a Japanese Puzzle Box
When one examine the box carefully, the surface reveals a few movable pieces—one that slides here, another that slides there, and perhaps one to push from an entirely different side. Solving it is a meticulous process, requiring precision and patience.
Each move must be executed in the correct sequence, step by step, to unlock its secret. An out of sequence move renders the box unsolvable.
The time and effort required to solve each box depend on its design, ranging from just one step to as many as 1,536 steps.
Traditional Measurements
These boxes come in various sizes, measured traditionally using the Japanese unit of length called sun:
- 1 sun = 1.22 inches = 3.09 cm = 30.9 mm
Among the variety of sizes available, the most common are the 4 sun (4.88 inches / 12.36 cm) and 5 sun (6.1 inches / 15.45 cm) boxes, which are favored for their handhold nature.
Regardless of sizes, these boxes reflects the skill and dedication of its maker.
A Legacy of Mystery and Beauty
Japanese puzzle boxes represent a unique intersection of engineering, art, and culture. Whether as a personal challenge or a collector’s item, each box tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition, inviting you to unlock its secrets one step at a time.
Japanese puzzle boxes are much more than a simple entertainment. With expert craftsmanship, they are a wonderful means of storing things in secret. Today, they are regarded as a wonderful gift and continue to be a very popular souvenir.
