kamei

Akio Kamei

At first I began creating wooden boxes with the idea of a secret box and then looked for a broader meaning. I gave it the name "Karakuri box" (trick box) rather than the secret box. Finally "Karakuri box" (trick box) was born. The trick box, which is opened by the effort of one person, can't be opened if that person doesn’t enjoy humor. Someone who has no experience with puzzles or trick boxes, yet has many life experiences, may have the same trouble. Sometimes the knowledge or the experience disturbs his trial. I'm usually thinking about how I can outwit people with my puzzles. I like to think of situations where minds are flooded with creative ways to solve the problem.

1948．Born in Osaka
1972．Worked for Yamanaka Wooden Puzzles
1981．Established Karakuri Yasubei and started creating original trick boxes
1983．Had the Solo exhibition at Mastuya Ginza, Tokyo
2011．Inaugurated as chairman of Karakuri Creation Group

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This isn't a stock list.
Our stock list is on Sale.

PRODUCT	ITEM	INFORMATION
8 BURR BOX	M-54	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2019. Based on “8 BURR” (K-9) produced in 1982, it was finished in a Karakuri box. The box is assembled like an interlocking puzzle, and a mechanism like Karakuri box is built in the lid. It doesn't fall apart, so it looks like a kumiki, but it functions as a Karakuri box. Created : 11/2019 Size(box body) : 80×80×80mm Size(storage part) : 32×32×32mm Material : walnut, keyaki(zelkova)
Labyrinth Chest Ⅰ	F-16-1	I spent a lot of time and effort on making the Karakuri. As a result, I think that it became a representative work among the "Chest" works. As the name suggests, it looks like a labyrinth, and it has a surprising and difficult mechanism. Akio Kamei was in charge of the Karakuri trick, Katsuhito Uchida was in charge of making the main body of the chest, and Tomoko Hasuo was responsible for the inlay. This was made as a special request product for one owner. Created : 09/2019 Size(box body) : 440×440×1185 ㎜ Size(storage part) : 186×43.5×24mm、186×77×42mm、186×77×82mm、186×77×102mm Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe),etc.
Labyrinth Chest Ⅱ	F-16-2	I spent a lot of time and effort on making the Karakuri. As a result, I think that it became a representative work among the "Chest" works. As the name suggests, it looks like a labyrinth, and it has a surprising and difficult mechanism. Akio Kamei was in charge of the Karakuri trick, Katsuhito Uchida was in charge of making the main body of the chest, and Tomoko Hasuo was responsible for the inlay. This was made as a special request product for one owner. Created : 09/2019 Size(box body) : 440×440×1185 ㎜ Size(storage part) : 186×43.5×24mm、186×77×42mm、186×77×82mm、186×77×102mm Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe),etc.
Drawer with a lid	M-53	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2018. I came up with the concept of ‘the lid of the drawer is closed’, from the previous work "Differential box" (M - 52) However, the trick used was an improved version of the one used in “Book” (P-6). Created : 11/2018 Size(box body) : 70×93×60 mm Size(storage part) : 29×40×20 mm Material : cherry
Drawing in a different direction	M-52	This work was designed for Karakuri Puzzle Party in Hakone 2018. I made two drawer boxes while referring to the mechanism of "Book" (P-6-1, 1983). The mechanism of "Book" is based on "cigarette magic" originally made in the Hakone district. Therefore, this "Drawing in a different direction" is developed from that. The wood inlay of "Bellflower" is one hint to opening it. Created : 09/2018 Size(box body) : 126×120×69 mm Size(storage part) : 76.5×30×30 mm (Two parts) Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe),cherry, etc.
Fuji chest	F-15-4	This work is part of the “seasons” collection of Karakuri Chest of Drawers. The first work was "Cherry Blossom" for spring, the second was "Autumn Leaves" for fall, the third was "Renka" for summer, and this fourth work is "Fuji" for winter. Three craftsmen were responsible for producing this: Akio Kamei was in charge of the karakuri trick, Katsuhito Uchida was in charge of making the main body of the chest, and Tomoko Hasuo was responsible for the marquetry. Hints for solving the puzzle are interspersed throughout the picture of the inlay. All but one place will be opened at any time. Created : 06/2018 Size : 1200×465×900 ㎜ Material : cherry, etc.
Cassiopeia (SMALL)	M-26-5	"Cassiopeia" and "Polar Star" on the surface of the work are the hints to opening it. I made it smaller so more people could enjoy it. The mechanism is the same as "M-26-4". Created : 03/2018 Size(box body) : 86×86×66 mm Size(storage part) : 60×66×18 mm Material : walnut, magnolia, etc.
Cable car Open!↓	P-55	This work was designed for an exhibition that theme is “Travel”. This work is not so difficult to open. However, the one direction parallelogram made production immediately difficult. A normal cable car is pulled by a rope and ascends upward but in this case.... Created : 03/2018 Size(box body) : 180×100×80 mm Size(storage part) : 103×50×50 mm Material : keyaki(zelkova), walnut, maple
Reverse Drawer	M-51	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2017. It looks like an ordinary small drawer, but there is another hiding place. It’s not difficult to open, perhaps hard to find the place. Created : 11/2017 Size : 56×112×56 mm Material : cherry, etc.
The Three Drawers	M-50	I thought about an interesting mechanism I’d like to make. I improved the mechanism used in the chest of drawers series (F - 15 series) It’s a bit trickier now. Let's figure out the trick to solving it so that we will not be deceived. Created : 08/2017 Size : 112×188×145 mm Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe), cherry
Dragon A box of paulownia wood	P-54-2	This box was remade under the theme of "a dragon". Tomoko Hasuo was in charge of the inlaid woodwork. The inlaid woodwork of the dragon is the best part. Of course the picture of the dragon becomes one hint to open this box. The device using "a ball" or the special slide are incorporated. But the solution to open became more difficult than the first "Dragon". Of course there is a device in the loading box of "Dragon" box. Created : 04/2017 Size : 350×350×127 mm Material : Shioji, etc.
BARRELⅠ-2	P-8-1-2	I made barrel (P-8) in 1983 and barrel II (P-8-2) in 2016. This time I went back to the beginning, I used exactly the same mechanism as barrel (P-8). But I used the same cherry tree as wood barrel II (P-8-2) in 2016. Created : 02/2017 Size : 112×112×120mm Material : cherry, walnut
String Box Ⅳ	M-49	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2016. It's not so difficult to open. But can you open it by yourself ? Created : 11/2016 Size : 91×91×63mm Material : katsura, magnolia, etc.
String Box Ⅲ (Binary)	M-48	You have to move the six parts by playing the four strings. The movement is "the binary system". Usually the mechanism is covered. But now the mechanism can be seen, so you can enjoy the movement. Created : 09/2016 Size : 124×124×66mm Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe), magnolia, etc.
Dragon A box of paulownia wood	P-54	I was made under the theme of "a dragon". Tomoko Hasuo was in charge of the inlaid woodwork. The inlaid woodwork of the dragon is the best part. Of course the picture of the dragon becomes one hint to open this box. The device using "a ball" or the device of the special slide are incorporated. Created : 07/2016 Size : 350×350×127 mm Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe), rosewood, etc.
Cassiopeia Ⅳ	M-26-4	The surface material is walnut. The movement is the same as "Cassiopeia Ⅲ" and you can open it in two ways. 　 Created : 05/2016 Size : 134×134×100mm Material : walnut, magnolia, etc.
Double box	M-47	"PENTAGON" (M-8) was created in July 1984. This "Double box" was made by simplifying the device of PENTAGON. There are two layers inside the box. How do you open the box inside? Created : 04/2016 Size : 120×85×58mm Material : cherry, walnut, etc.
Solar Box	P-53	This work was designed for an exhibition that theme is “Space”. Although the device is a simple system, it's difficult to open. 　 Created : 03/2016 Size : 138×138×36mm Material : keyaki (zelkova), magnolia
BARREL Ⅱ	P-8-2	I created the first "BARREL" (P-8) in 1983. I’ve now created "BARREL Ⅱ" (P-8-2) by improving "P-8" Two steel balls were used in "P-8", but now I am using three balls in "P-8-2". It now requires more movements to open it. The design was very complex. Created : 03/2016 Size : 112×112×120mm Material : cherry, walnut
Lotus Chest The top plate	F-15-3	This is the third mechanism chest series product. The first product was "a cherry blossom" in spring, the second product was "a colored leaf" in autumn. This third product is "summer" with "a lotus flower". Similarly, Akio Kamei made the Karakuri parts, Katsuhito Uchida made the chest and Tomoko Hasuo made the marquetry. In addition, there are many hints to solving the mechanism, studded within the picture of the inlay. But these hints are very hard to see. Created : 01/2016 Size : 1200×465×900 ㎜ Material : tochi (Japanese horse chestnut crepe), etc.
Present Box	P-52	These two boxes, BOX WITH A RIBBON Ⅲ（P-27）and LETTER BOX D（P-1-4）are joined together. The mechanism was simplified as much as possible so that people who are trying karakuri for the first time will really enjoy it. Created : 02/2016 Size : 80×120×68 ㎜ Material : walnut, karin, etc.
BOX WITH A RIBBON Ⅲ	P-51	This box was developed for the Christmas present for Karakuri Members 2015. The form is about the same as ribbon box (P-27) (1996 creation). Now it has more utility space and it’s much easier to open. Created : 11/2015 Size : 80×80×52 ㎜ Material : cherry, walnut, purple heart
Tortuous Box Ⅱ	M-2-2	This "Tortuous Box" was created in 1982. The original one was made out of Japanese oak. This time I remade it using Japanese oak, but the mechanism needed to be considerably reinforced. Of course it opens in the same way. Turn the six plates a little at a time. Created : 09/2015 Size : 140×140×140 ㎜ Material : oak
SMALL BURR 2	K-13-2	"Small Burr" (K-13) of the previous work was closer to resembling a box. This time "Small Burr 2" (K-13-2) is closer to an interlocking puzzle. But how to open is slightly different from that of an interlocking puzzle. I made it as a souvenir of "KPH5". Created : 09/2015 Size : 84×84×84 ㎜ Material : shiuri cherry, etc.
Colored Leaves Chest The top plate	F-15-2	It is the second product following the Cherry Blossom Chest. Similarly,Akio Kamei made Karakuri parts, Katsuhito Uchida made the chest and Tomoko Hasuo made the marquetry. Similarly, hints to solve a mechanism are studded with in a picture of the inlay. The external form is the same, but paintings of the inlay are different. It was "spring" in "a cherry blossom" last time, but is "autumn" with "colored leaves" this time. If paintings are different, naturally the hints are different, and some devices are different, too. Created : 07/2015 Size : 1200×465×900 ㎜ Material : walnut, etc.
Rotary Box Ⅱ	M-46	This work was designed for an exhibition that theme is “2”. There are two storage spaces. Both the zelkova and walnut boxes come off, but not at the same time. Created : 03/2015 Size : 100×100×100 ㎜ Material : keyaki (zelkova), walnut, magnolia
NEW PARCEL CUBE	M-45	This box was developed for the Christmas present for Karakuri Members 2014. The "Parcel Cube" series were made around 1990. The appearance of this "New Parcel Cube" is slightly different.. As a result, I became selective in the choice of material used and the making of the mechanisms. The mechanism is not so complicated but new. Created : 11/2014 Size : 80×80×80 ㎜ Material : Japanese torreya, walnut
LIBRARY (Narcissus)	P-20-3	"LIBRARY (small)"(P-20-2) (1995) was made as a set of two boxes. "LIBRARY (Narcissus)" is just one box. Of course the mechanism is clearly different from the old type. The wood inlay on top of narcissus was made by Tomoko Hasuo who made the wood inlay on "Cherry Blossom Chest"(F-15). Created :　06/2014 Size : 160×120×46 ㎜ Material : rose wood, red sandalwood,
Electric Circuit	P-50	This work was designed for an exhibition that theme is “Nostalgic”. When you want light in a room, you turn on the electric switch. But a painted switch doesn’t turn on. It’ll turn on if you use your body to do it. 　 Created :　04/2014 Size : 120×80×60 ㎜ Material : cherry
LETTER BOX D-3	P-1-4-3	At first "LETTER BOX D-3" was made in 2006. Now this box was remade. The mechanism of "LETTER BOX D-3"is more difficult to open than "LETTER BOX D" (2001). 　 Created :　05/2006 Size : 250×86×65 ㎜ Material : walnut, karin, etc,
ExpansionⅣ-2	M-44-4-2	This box was developed for the Christmas present for Karakuri Members 2013. The basic mechanism is similar to the "Expansion Series", but the movement is a little different. The new movement was added as all three parts move at the same time. This work will be the last of the "Expansion Series". Created : 11/2013 Size : 72×72×72 ㎜ Material : walnut
Cherry Blossom Chest	F-15	This was made as a special request product for one owner. Akio Kamei made Karakuri parts, Katsuhito Uchida made the chest and Tomoko Hasuo made the marquetry. You can find the hints to opening the chest in the marquetry pattern. But there is one special hint that nobody except the owner can find. 　 Created : 11/2013 Size : 1200×465×900 ㎜ Material : Japanese raisin tree, etc.
Expansion Ⅵ (Binary 83)	M-44-6	The design of the surface is almost the same as Expansion 3. The binary system was added on the Expansion mechanism and the movement was increasted. 83 ways are needed to open the box inside. 　 Created : 09/2013 Size : 104×104×104 ㎜ Material : walnut, oak
CHECKER CUBE (walnut)	K-3-3-2	"K-3-3" was created in 2013 and given away at the party. So it was not sold. This "K-3-3-2" was changed in the wood material and the painting. This was the souvenir for the atendees of "Karakuri Party in Hakone 3". This is an interlocking puzzle which was constructed by 13 parts. But the movement is surprising. Created : 08/2013 Size : 72×72×72 ㎜ Material : walnut, keyaki (zelkova)
Expansion Ⅴ (Binary 35)	M-44-5	The design of the surface is the same as Expansion 3. The binary system was added on the Expansion mechanism. 35 ways are needed to open the box inside. Created : 07/2013 Size : 104×104×104 ㎜ Material : walnut
Wood Stick (set)	P-49	Many people will imagine that these are just sticks. However, during the production I was very nervous making it. There were many contraptions to suppress the shrinkage and the skewness of the wood. This work was designed for the exhibition "Heartbeat". 　 Created : 03/2013 Size : 30×30×200 ㎜ Material : stick 1:oak, stick 2:walnut, stick 3:keyaki(zelkova), magnolia
Ring Case	Ｐ-48	This box was specially order made for a customer. When the two boxes are put together, you can open them. Yes, each box is the key for the other box. Ms. Tomoko Hasuo made the wood inlay. ＜NOT FOR SALE＞ Created : 10/2012 Size : 127×127×100 ㎜ Material : rose wood, bubinga, etc.
Book Box	Ｐ-6-2-2	This Book was originally made in 1983. The original Yoseki (wood inlay) was made by Ninomiya in 1983, as well as this revised version. The surface design is the same as before, but the internal mechanisms have been updated. Created : 02/2013 Size : 204×144×65 ㎜ Material : walnut, oak, etc.
Expansion Ⅳ	M-44-4	This box was developed for the Christmas present for Karakuri Members 2012. The basic mechanism is similar as "Expansion Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ", but the movement is a little different. The movement is basic as each block moves in turn. This movement will be developed further in future works. 　 Created : 08/2012 Size : 72×72×72 ㎜ Material : walnut
Expansion Ⅰ	M-44-1	It's made as a souvenir of KPH 2012. It has epoch-making mechanisms. It's relatively easy to open, but it's difficult to put back together. < Not for sale> Created : 08/2012 Size : 86×86×86 mm Material : walnut
Expansion　Ⅱ	M-44-2	It's a redeveloped version of "Expansion Ⅰ". Because of the new mechanism, this may be quite difficult for the first time challenger. 　 Created : 08/2012 Size : 98×98×98 mm Material : walnut
Expansion　Ⅲ	M-44-3	It's developed from "Expansion Ⅰ" as well. This box is more complicated than "Expansion Ⅱ". Created : 08/2012 Size : 104×104×104 mm Material : walnut
Love Box 4	Ｐ-3-4	I made "Love Box 3" (P-3-3) for the Christmas present for Karakuri Club members in 2000. Now I’ve created this "Love Box 3-2" by changing the mechanism a little for the public. The ribbon was also added. I also put cloth on the inside of P-3-5. (This work was designed for an exhibition that theme was "living".) Created : 03/2012 Size : 68×56×39 mm Material : walnut, Japanese torreya
Love Box 5	Ｐ-3-5	I made "Love Box 3" (P-3-3) for the Christmas present for Karakuri Club members in 2000. Now I’ve created this "Love Box 3-2" by changing the mechanism a little for the public. The ribbon was also added. I also put cloth on the inside of P-3-5. (This work was designed for an exhibition that theme was "living".) Created : 03/2012 Size : 68×56×39 mm Material : red sandalwood, Japanese torreya, cloth
Bad Radio	Ｐ-17-2	Many elder people who have handled a radio with vacuum tubes can get the solution to open this box easily. In this time, the mechanism was improved in many points. But the method to open it is the same as an old type. 　 Created : 12/2011 Size : 230×150×132 ㎜ Material : teak, mizuki(dogwood), rose wood
Rotary Box	M-43	This box was created for a Christmas present of Karakuri Club. You can open the Hakone traditional secret box by sliding the surface plates. But in this Rotary Box, you have to rotate the panels. In the mechanism the position of the rotation is the most important. So it's difficult to make the mechanism. Finally a new strange box was born. 　 Created : 01/2011 Size : 70×70×70 mm Material : walnut
Counter Parcel	K-22	This interlocking puzzle box was made of only the belt of Parcel Box (K-10). There is a small compartment inside. (9mmX9mmX9mm) Actually after the design of this box was finished, Parcel Box (K-10) was made. Now this box was made as a gift for Karakuri Party in Hakone 1st. Created : 08/2011 Size : 80×80×80 mm Material : walnut, maple
Phoenix	P-46	This Phoenix Box was made as the second version of "Apricot/P-36" which was made in 2002. Yoshiyuki Ninomiya made Yoseki parts and Haruo Uchiyama made Zougan parts. Yoseki and Zougan are not a pasted wood inlay like traditional trick boxes in Hakone. So, these wood inlay are the only one and are different a little each other. Patterns on the surface is the story that Phoenix is comming from wood inlay. The mechanism is mainly slide. But it's difficult to open this box because the movements have many misdirections. Of course there is a trick in the wood case of Phoenix. Created : 07/2011 Size : 408×216×230 mm Material : tochi(Japanese horse chestnut crepe), rose wood, etc.
My house	P-47	Two warms come out from a log. The movement of these warms is "Karakuri". 　 Created : 01/2011 Size : 100×120×100 mm Material : walnut, kaya
APPLE 2	P-15-2	"APPLE"(P-15) was created in 1987. But, it was very difficult to manufacture "APPLE". This problem has been solved. The hint to opening it is that the apple falls down by gravity. Created : 01/2011 Size : 174×100×130 mm Material : shiuri cherry, walnut
Cube & Octagon box	M-42	The shape is the same as "Cube & Octagon" (K-5). But this is not a interlocking puzzle but a Karakuri Box. So the mechanism is different at all, too. Created : 11/2010 Size : 120×120×120 mm (Only the main part ) Material : walnut, keyaki (zelcova), magnolia
PARCEL BOX	M-41	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2010. ”PARCEL" (K-10)was created in 1982. "PARCEL CUBE" (M-16) was created in 1989. These works are similar in the surface design. The newest, "PARCEL BOX" was made like an interlocking puzzle. Created : 11/2010 Size : 80×80×80 mm Material : Japanese Torreya, walnut
New Secret Box Ⅲ	M-40	The mechanism of CUBI(M-11) was changed. This is added in the New Secret Box Series. This box can be opened in Thirty- two moves. Created : 8/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : Rosewood, maple, magnolia
New Secret Box Ⅱ-1	M-39-1	This is the second version of New Secret Box. Six bars were added like a traditional secret box. This box can be opened by eighteen moves. 　 Created : 7/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : karin, walnut, magnolia
New Secret Box Ⅱ-2	M-39-2	This is the second version of New Secret Box. Six bars were added like a traditional secret box. This box can be opened by thirty moves. Created : 7/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : karin, keyaki, magnolia
New Secret BoxⅠ-1	M-38-1	The basic mechanism of this new secret box was different from the traditional secret box. So all plates can be moved. You need to move the plates six times to open the box. This box was created as the new secret box. 　 Created : 5/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : magnolia, walnut, etc.
New Secret BoxⅠ-2	M-38-2	The basic mechanism of this new secret box was different from the traditional secret box. So all plates can be moved. You need to move the plates twelve times to open the box. This box was created as the new secret box. 　 Created : 6/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : magnolia, walnut, etc.
New Secret BoxⅠ-3	M-38-3	The basic mechanism of this new secret box was different from the traditional secret box. So all plates can be moved. You need to move the plates eighteen times to open the box. This box was created as the new secret box. 　 Created : 7/2010 Size : 90×90×90 mm Material : magnolia, walnut, etc.
Small CUBI	M-11-6	This is the smallest CUBI (M-11). The mechanisms were changed a little. Springs are used. Created : 7/2010 Size : 54×54×54 mm Material : red sandalwood, magnolia, etc.
Baumkuchen	P-45	There is a box inside of the dish. When you eat the Baumkuchen, what will happen? 　 Created : 4/2010 Size : 130×110×90 mm Material : Japanese Torreya, oak, etc.
Pentagon	M-8	This is the reproduced work . The original work was made in July 1984. "When you cover the lid, you can open the box. But when you take off the lid, you can close the box." This is a paradox. But I wanted to realize this paradox. Even if you are confident that you can solve all puzzles by yourself, you can't open this box without a stroke of genius. But if something flashes in your mind, you can open it easily. Even little children can open it. In this box, all of your experiences get in the way and aren't useful. Try to find the solution. 　Ｃreated : 01/2010 Ｓize : 142 x 135 x 48 mm Ｍaterial : rose wood, mayumi
Ｓｍａｌｌ　Ｆｌａｍｅ　（Ｂｉｒｄ2-2）	P-28-4	I made 3 kinds photostands in July 1996. This work is the remake version at one of them, Birds2. The design and the device were renewed. The wood inlary in this "Small frame" was made by Haruo Uchiyama the same as last works. Ｃreated : 01/2010 Ｓize :　170 x 140 x 40 mm Ｍaterial : oak, walnut, etc.
Irregular twin box	M-37	This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2009. This work has the same base as 'Tortuous Box'and 'CUBI'. You can open this box in only one move. The parts of this box move only in one direction, so it's easy (?). 　 Created : 11/2009 Size : 80 x 80 x 80 mm Material : walnut
Sakura Mochi (Japanese Cake)	P-44	"Sakura Mochi" was made for the exhibition with the theme 'Spring'. The leaf of the cherry tree is wood inlay made by Haruo Uchiyama. The mechanism is behind the leaf. Created : 02/2009 Size : 140 x 120 x 42 mm Material : mizuki (dogwood), rose wood, oak, etc.
CUBE BOX Ⅱ	M-34-2	This box was made as a Christmas present for Karakuri Club members in 2008. This box is similar to "Cube Box"(M-34), but the mechanisms are a little different from "Cube Box"(M-34). There are two trigonal pyramids which are made of Keyaki and six triangle plates which are made of walnut. Created : 11/2008 Size : 57×57×57 mm Material : keyaki (zelkova), walnut, katsura
TOP BOX 4	M-5-4	The mechanisms were changed drastically. But the basic mechanism is the same as the old type. Anyway these mechanisms are not normal as a box. Created : 11/2008 Size : 142×135×48 mm Material : walnut, burs wood, etc.
Dice (new)	P-9-4	The way of opening this die is almost the same as the old type (P-9-3), but the lid has been changed to the sixth plate. The system was also simplified. Created : 08/2008 Size : 80 x 80 x 80 mm Material : walnut, etc.
PNEUMATIC BOX	M-18-2	The mechanism inside has been improved. The way to open it is the same. You will certainly be able to open this box. Created : 08/2008 Size : 60 x 60 x 200 mm Material : walnut, keyaki, cherry tree
String Box 2	M-36	This was created for the Christmas present to members of Karakuri Club in 2007.　This name is the same as String Box (M-21) which was made in 1995. But the mechanism is similar to Love Box (P-3-2) which was made in 1998. You can open this box by pulling the string in the correct order. Created : 11/2007 Size : 92 x 50 x 53 mm Material : walnut, others
Spring Box	M-35	You can find a red box inside through six holes. You can find six springs, too. The red box seems to be floating in the air. You can move the red box freely by the power of springs, but only one movement can open the box. The mechanism is very simple but it’s very difficult to find the correct movement Created : 09/2006 Size : 80 x 80 x 80 mm Material : walnut, rose wood
CUBE BOX	M-34	This box was made as a Christmas present for Karakuri Club members in 2005. Kamei divided a cube into four trigonal pyramids. Of course Kamei had to create a new way of opening it and the new mechanisms for this box only. At first Kamei imagined that each trigonal pyramid should move radially. But Kamei gave up this design because the mechanism became too complicated. Finally Kamei decided on “Translation”. Created : 11/2005 Size : 60 x 60 x 60 mm Material : walnut, keyaki, rose-wood, etc.
PARABOX	M-33	The name "Parabox" was made by "paradox" and "box". When you open the box, it will be locked up. The material is Silky-oak which is beautiful and rare. created : 02/2005 size : 120 x 100 x 80 mm material : silky-oak
PARABOX 2	M-33-2	The mechanism is the same as the old type. The material was changed to race wood which was rare very much. Created : 01/2009 Size : 120 x 100 x 80 mm Material : race wood
CUBIC	M-32	This box looks like easy to open. But you can find the solution hardly. The hint is "in order". created : 07/2004 size : 140 x 140 x 140 mm material : beech, walnut, keyaki, etc.
Cassiopeia 3	M-26-3	When you open the old Cassiopeia (M-26-1, M-26-2), you had to move 4 panels. But you can open this Cassiopeia by moving only 2 panels. So the mechanism was improved. Created : 6/2006 Size : 134 x 134 x 100 mm Material : rose wood, katsura
MECHANIC CUBI	M-11-5	Since the creation in 1985, many kinds of CUBI were produced. Now CUBI has no plates outside as you can see the mechanisms inside. Of course it has the mechanism of "By-Pass". It's made of 9 kinds of wood. Created : 07/2005 Size : 108 x 108 x 108 mm Material : walnut, maple, rose-wood, etc.
Nonsense Box (set)	M-9-3	Nonsense box was proposed by Yoshigahara and Kamei created it in1984. At the same time W-Nonsense box was invented and created by Kamei. These two works were created in cooperation with Yoshigahara and Kamei. Anyway these two boxes have a wisecrack. created : 08/1984 size : 100 x 100 x 100 mm material : cherry tree, walnut
Pentagon	M-8-2	After a long absence, Pentagon has been reproduced. This time, it is made of rosewood. The mechanisms inside were changed a little but the method to open it is the same as the old work. created : 06/2004 size : 143 x 135 x 50 mm material : rosewood (shitan), mayumi
Pentagon	M-8-3	The mechanism is the same as the old type. Now the material is "riogrande" which is very precious. Additionally the grain is carefully selected. Created : 09/2008 Size : 142×135×48 mm Material : riogrande, mayumi
Twin Box 3	M-1-3	This was created for the Christmas present to members of Karakuri Club in 2004. This has the same base as "Twin Box" (M-1), as you may understand from the name. The Christmas present in 1998 was too difficult to open and assemble again. And so this box can’t be taken apart. created : 12/2004 size : 80 x 80 x 80 mm material : walnut, keyaki
Stapler	P-43	This is a box. This is not a genuine stapler, though there are staples inside. Please operate it just like you operate a genuine stapler. Created : 05/2008 Size : 140 x 53 x 70 mm Material : karin, oak
Whiskey Bottle	P-4-2	The mechanism inside has been improved. The way to open it is the same. The structure has become more durable. Created : 05/2008 Size : 100 x 100 x 234 mm Material : walnut
Kamaboko	P-42	This is one of the works that were developed for the cause of the concept to "make works associated with Odawara and Hakone". One of the popular tasty foods for sale in Odawara is “Kamaboko”, which is made from fresh fish. Our Karakuri Kamaboko is easy to open, unfortunately you won't be able to eat it! Created : 02/2008 Size : 88 x 149 x 58 mm Material : mizuki (dogwood), oak
Hot Miso Soup	P-41	You can't drink hot miso soup in one sip. You must let it cool first. The delicious tofu and leek in the soup are also a part of the mechanism. There are two slits beside the Tofu. I can’t write any more than this without giving away the solution. Created : 08/2007 Size : 120 x 120 x 88 mm Material : cherry tree, walnut, etc.
Outlet	P-40	This is a familiar outlet. But of course this is a Karakuri Box. This mechanism is strange a little. Finally a tiny drawer will come out. When you lock this box, you have to make efforts a little. It's like squeezing paint from a tube. Created : 12/2006 Size : about 150 x 90 x 30 mm Material : oak, walnut, others
Bar of Chocolate	P-39	Remembering some chocolate a woman friend gave me on Valentine's Day, I decided to make this box. It can be opened if you imagine eating a bar of chocolate. Created : 1/2006 Size : 180 × 90 × 26 mm Material : rose wood, Lacewood, walnut
BOX WITH A KEY 2	P-38-2	This box was developed as the cheep edition of which was created in summer 2003. The mechanism is almost the same, but only how to open the lid is different. Even though there are two hinges. created : 03/2004 size : 100 x 86 x 81 mm material : keyaki, walnut
BOX WITH A KEY 3	P-38-3	This box was developed as the mass production of "Box with a Key 2". A heart and an arrow are emphasized rather than a key. The mechanism is the same as "Box with a Key 2". created : 03/2004 size : 100 x 80 x 78 mm material : keyaki, walnut
The Box with a Key	P-38	Usually you turn the key and you can open the lid. But in this case -----! Created : 07/2003 Size : 150 x 113 x 107 mm Material : walnut, red sandalwood, etc.
The Box with a Key	P-38-1-2	This box is an improved product of "P-38". The fluke in opening this box will be reduced. Created : 09/2006 Size : 150 x 113 x 107 mm Material : walnut, red sandalwood, etc.
The Box with a Ribbon 2	P-37	The appearance is look like "Ribbon Box"(P-27). But the mechanism isn't the same. Members may be able to open by any chance. created : 3/2003 size : 125 x 85 x 55 mm material : walnut, mizuki(dogwood), rose wood, etc.
Cassiopeia (rosewood)	M-26-2	The surface planes were made of Rose wood. created : 12/2002 size : 132 x 132 x 98 mm material : rose wood(karin), mizuki(dogwood), katsura, etc.
Small Box 3	M-24-3	A few Christmas present for members in 2002 are left over. They were sold for members only. created : 12/2002 size : 45 x 45 x 45 mm material : rose wood
Small Box (set)	M-24-4	This is the set of 3 Small Boxes. There is a new box in 3 small boxes. You could buy this as a set only. created : 5/2003 size : 50 x 50 x 50 mm material : wenge, rose wood (karin), teak
CUBI-BYPATH (rosewood)	M-11-4	The mechanisms are the same as "CUBI(BYPATH/M-11-2)". But the higher skill are needed, because of useing a hard material "Rose Wood". created : 9/2002 size : 120 X 120 X 120 mm material : rosewood
Apricot	P-36	At first, the main system is binary which is used Cubi. This is my most important system. Secondly, the wood inlay which was made by Haruo Uchiyama is the only one. It's not a pasted wood inlay like traditional trick boxes in Hakone. These wood inlay on all Apricots are different a little each other. Finally I used the beautiful wood which is very hard to plane. Maybe Apricot has made by our highest techniques. created : 7/2002 size: 420 × 220 × 220　mm material: Tochi(Japanese horse chestnut crepe), rosewood, etc.
Zig Zag	M-15-3	I made this after a long time. I used "rio-grande" at the surface which wood is very rare in Japan. The box is cut by two plane and three parts can be turned each other. when you make one form, you can open one compartment. Finally please open another compartment. created : 3/2002 size : 190 x 80 x 58 mm material : rio-grande, cherry tree
Great Bear	M-29-1	This box is a sister product of "Cassiopeia". But the way to open is not the same. Hint : When you look up real stars, you may be able to find the solution. created : 12/2001 size : 134 x 134 x 99 mm material : wenge, katura, etc.
Great Bear	M-29-2	This box is a sister product of "Cassiopeia". But the way to open is not the same. Hint : When you look up real stars, you may be able to find the solution. created : 12/2001 size : 134 x 134 x 99 mm material : rose-wood, katura, etc.
CHECKER CUBE (brown)	K-3-2	This is a new design of Checker Cube. You need a new idea to solve it. It was made as a present for the participants of 2001 exhibition opening party. created : 7/2001 size : 72x72x72mm material : Japanese oak
The Box with a Ribbon	P-27	I designed this box in the image of a Christmas Present. You can turn the ribbon. The lid is loosened and it seems to open easily. But it's not so easy. However, the solution is very easy. created : 2/1996 size : 100x100x100mm material : walnut, oak, etc.
Twin Ball	M-28	You can move the two balls in order. created : 8/2001 size : 90x90x170mm material : walnut, etc.
Double Drawer	M-27	There is one more drawer in the opposite direction. Something you put in the drawer will disappear. created : 5/2001 size : 90x90x200 mm material : walnut, etc.
Letter Box D	P-1-4	Pen case A had two spaces, but this pen case D has only one space. Space is only one, but how about the lid -? created : 8/2001 size : 250x86x65 mm material : Rose-wood, walnut, etc.
Top Box 3	M-5-3	This box is merely a reduction of "Top Box 1" (M-5-1). created : 3/2001 size : 100x100x65 mm material : walnut, shina, etc.
Love Box 3	P-3-3	This is the Christmas present for Karakuri Club members for the year 2000. size : 62x50x40 mm material : rosewood, mayumi, purple heart
Cassiopeia	M-26	A direction compass is set in as a trick. created : 8/2001 size : 134x134x100 mm material : cherry tree, wenge
Can	P-35	What do you think about this can? created : 7/2000 size : 90x90x136 mm material : cherry tree, walnut, etc.
Book Box	P-6-3	The mechanisms are same as the old one. Something you put inside will disappear. size : 204x145x64 mm material : cherry tree, walnut, etc.
Book Box	P-6-4	The mechanisms are same as the old one. Something you put inside will disappear. size : 204x145x64 mm material : cherry tree, walnut, etc.
BOOK (Zougan)	P-6-5	There were some trouble that a piece of paper broke the mechanisms inside. So the mechanism was improved, but the basic mechanism is the same as the old type. The wood inlay was made by Haruo Uchiyama who made the wood inlay of "Apricot" (P-36)(07/2002). Created : 02/2009 Size : 200×142×65 mm Material : walnut, oak, etc.
Egg	P-10-5	created : 3/2000 size : 60x60x80 mm material : walnut, keyaki, cherry tree
Egg (cherry tree)	P-10-6	created : 12/1999 size : 60x60x80 mm material : cherry tree
Coffee Cup	P-12	created : 11/1985 size : 160x160x85 mm material : teak, rose wood, mayumi
Small Box 1	M-24	created : 7/1999 size : 45x45x45 mm material : two kind of Rose-wood
Small Box 2	M-24-2	Christmas Present for Karakuri Club Members created : 12/1999 size : 45x45x45 mm material : keyaki
Money Bank	M-14	created : 1/1987 size : 80x80x60 mm material : rose-wood, etc.
Money Bank (wood inlay)	M-14-2	created : 2/1999
Dice (small)	P-9-3	created : 10/1997 size : 80x80x80 mm material : walnut, lamin
Paper Bag	P-34	created : 03/2000 size : 150x80x250 mm material : cherry tree, walnut
Two Drawers	M-25	created : 03/2000 size : 106x114x158mm material : cherry tree, walnut

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