report11-15

Karakuri Report No. 15
January 1, 2003

Topics:
*New secret box beginning production
*Nagoya exhibition title decided
*Karakuri door in production

NEW SECRET BOX BEGINNING PRODUCTION

We, the Karakuri creation group, have been devoting ourselves to the making of a new secret box since before the summer of 2002. We are now focusing on the steps to making the box.
As I write this newsletter, we are in the process of making 3 new kinds of products. we are working in earnest to complete the cutting of the rough material, letting it dry, as well as finishing the other necessary beginning steps.
Other works, such as several previously trial manufactured products and ideas have been investigated and accumulated by the group at the monthly meetings. Surface designs have already been decided, and are in parallel production.
Well, as far as this project goes, it's completely different from any other products plan. Within the group there is a partial charge for distribution of parts.

As far as the design, each member is responsible for his own work. About the design and ideas it was previously written in earlier new letters, that the groups accumulated know how thus far was going well, but it looks like original ideas will be introduced from the very first product.

For many years, skilled craftsman, Tatsuo Miyamoto has been in charge of continually making trick products. There is a special style for this plan. So far, the group has been working together in production towards one theme, because each member is skilled in different specialities, such as mosaics and toys. Therefore this style of team work has produced many products. At the same time, this comparatively mass produced style helps control the price, and aims to settle on the quality as the same craftsman makes his product.

Our "lay-out" member, Hiroyuki Oka, has been in charge of deciding the groups surface designs. These are Mr. Oka's original rough ideas that he has been investigating for more than 4 or 5 times. Mr. Oka also certainly struggles with the members selfish orders at the regular meetings. Though, thanks to him, everyone is finally able to agree and say, "This is a beautiful design." At this point I was planning on announcing the designs, but I think I'll keep it a secret. Please eagerly anticipate the announcement of the new products!

"THINK WITH YOUR HANDS! WOODEN KARAKURI EXHIBITION",
the new title for our Nagoya exhibition!

Karakuri Creation groups 2003 summer exhibition at Nagoya city's Science Museum has been titled, "Think with your hands! Wooden Karakuri exhibition". Less than half year remains. We are steadily working on the preparations.

"FROM BIRTH TO HEAVEN", new Karakuri door

One of the most important ideas of the Nagoya exhibition is the "Karakuri game of life". Almost all of the doors for this idea have been decided and are in production. The following picture is of the creators gathered for a specialists meeting. Since I ended up arriving a little late, I heard laughter coming from within... Which door will it be? What is usually a day off for most craftsmen, became an enjoyable time of concentration from morning till night.

Life is, "from the beginning of the first door to Heaven's gate". However, life is not limited to only 1 choice. Oh, I better not say anything more, I want it to be a surprise! At the factory some of the doors have been completed. Clearly this is not your average door. Even I am looking forward to seeing them all. We hope you will be just as amazed as we are as you enjoy experiencing our exhibition.

THE REMAKE OF OHKAWA TYPE SECRET BOX,
HISTORICAL PRODUCTS PHOTO,
and STEP 2 REMAKE.

In our history section, step 1 of the remake of historical products, we introduced to you in a previous newsletter, "another special trick, secret box"; the Ohkawa type secret box that was made. Yoshiyuki Ninomiya was the producer. We plan to show this at the exhibition

Still, we are gathering the karakuri workmanship historical materials, and as we obtain public establishments, and collectors help, we will promote the products pictures. Also, we have found some works that we've never seen. At present, we are arranging a large amount of pictures, but honestly, it's taking a lot of effort to know just how to use all of the gathered materials. We're still investigating this.

We are also promoting a remake of an extremely rare tabacco box.

THE GROUPS LOGO DECIDED.

The new logo for the group has been decided. What do you think of the first printing? We changed the design of the square box image for the Japanese letters for "karakuri". Now, we are in the process of printing various things, please look forward to our next newsletter.

NEW KARAKURI LOGO MARK.

Iwahara

Karakuri Report No. 14
May 28th, 2002

Topics:
-Karakuri Creation Group (KCG) will try to create some new Himitsubako
-Nagoya 2003 exhibition history corner

THE KCG WILL MAKE ITS OWN "NEW SECRET BOX"

In the near future, the KCG will challenge themselves to create a new secret box. The KCG will use their know how to strive to achieve some secret box exhibitions. The details haven't been decided yet. Until now, the mechanisms used in the traditional secret boxes have been an unlimited number of sliding devices. But we (The KCG)will use a variety of tricks. We will aim at displaying a number of various products, and plan to use our own original designs on the surface. Still, if you compare these with other karakuri products, they will seem rather simple. In order to control the cost of the product we will make the designs and shapes easy for mass production.
Well, now you know that the KCG will work hard on these new secret boxes.
However, the course of these products won't completely change. Of course, the KCG will continue to keep up with its regular creation activity. In addition to this, The KCG activities and plans will become a bit broader in scope. At the same time, the KCG believes that if this idea is successful, then it will help contribute towards the industries of the Odawara and Hakone areas.

In addition, in this news, we already introduced the name of the plan "a new secret box", but actually we aren't sure if we will use that name or not.
We also aren't quite sure what kind of products we can make. We plan to announce that at the 2003 Nagoya Exhibition.

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A book of mechanisms, and a book of Hakone products history.

SUMMER 2003 NAGOYA EXHIBITION:
RESULTS OF THE HISTORICAL CORNER REPORT

One of our plans for the 2003 Nagoya Exhibition is preparation for this area's historical trick works. The KCG was able to get its hands on a very valuable himitsu bako. The creator of this box is Takajiro Ohkawa. This box was kept safe in Mr. Ohkawa's home. Many old secret boxes have been scattered or lost. Despite that this is actually a very precious product.
The mechanisms of this box are simple but, there is only this one original, which aroused our imagination.

Still, its said that there is another original. We are planning to recreate this one at the 2003 Nagoya Exhibition. At this exhibition we are able to show you 2 modern versions of the secret boxes.

We are continually investigating the documents. In fact, the data of the reports are extremely poor. However, from many historical books we were finally able to find a description. From this research we can see an even older history of the secret box. Unfortunately, that's all that we can tell you about it in this newsletter! It's still a secret! We hope you'll join us at the Nagoya Exhibition in the summer of 2003.

REPORT OF OUR MONTHLY MEETING
We have a meeting every month, and our general meeting was held on April 6th.

This summer the KCG is not having an exhibition. We are completely absorbed in the preparations for the Nagoya 2003 exhibition. We received a phone call from one of our customers, asking when this summer's exhibition would be. We are so sorry, but this year we aren't planning one.

Well, The KCG is having its monthly meeting this year too as usual. And we are continuing with the review of our products and preparations for the Nagoya exhibition. We have also started a study meeting for making new mechanisms.

We held a general meeting and thought back the last year on April 6th. We held Matsuya Exhibition, IPP competition - the products in the competition, Help for IPP Hakone tour, Arima-onsen exhibition and etc. We were extremely busy. At the end of the year, we had an intense review meeting on the improvement of the quality of our products. One year passed in this way.
In another year we will strive to do our absolute best for the Nagoya Exhibition 2003.

over

KARAKURI REPORT NO. 13
December 25th, 2001

Topics:
-Moving in the direction of the biggest karakuri exhibit
-Report of our group's meeting
-Report on the exhibition at Arima Onsen

Gigantic Karakuri Exhibit (2003 in Nagoya)
IT'S REALLY STARTING!!......

    The preparations are being made for the Karakuri Creation Groups "Gigantic Karakuri Exhibit" (the name is not decided yet). About "the Karakuri door", the "Karakuri version of "the Game of Life", is being thought of as theme, and we are inquiring about arranging the place with many mazes of doors to go through. Within a persons life there is happiness, sadness, and various colorful events that take place, and turning points when we have met people. So we are definitely looking into how the doors will represent these things.
    In the beginning, the Karakuri Classroom was only intended for children, but the idea to open it up for adults who wanted a refreshing change, was suggested. This was a bold and daring plan for the creation groups members actual products to really be made. Please continue to challenge us. However, this is still in the thinking stage. As of right now, the best plan is still to keep the classroom for the participants, and for the actual craftsman to be there to teach the class. So we are continuing to find ways to be able to realize this.
    In our Historical Museum Corner, we are beginning the research from documents, about the roots of the modern day karakuri works. How the Hakone Secret Box began and developed. As an important historical work, the remaking of it is included in our investigation. On the day of the exhibition, while the actual products will be displayed, we are thinking we would like to introduce you to that history.
    This "Gigantic Karakuri Display" will be the outcome of our efforts during our 4 years as a group. And our goal is to start new karakuri creations. With all this enthusiasm, we aim to work hard and take a leap into 2002.

RESEARCH OF THE QUALITY AND TECHNIQUES DISCUSSED AT THE MONTHLY MEETING

    Three meetings were held after the Arima Onsen exhibition. At these regular meetings, the "Gigantic Karakuri Exhibiton" was not the only topic discussed. In the previous news I wrote about the technical aspects, and how we were continuing to put more effort into the research. It was a meeting of reflection specifically from the viewpoint of technology and quality. As of now the members have created roughly 50 products in total, and without putting any limitations on time, we would like to hear all our customers opinions about these products individually. We are continuing to candidly exchange opinions. Yes, here I wrote, "continuing", in other words, the talks are still progressing. We have had three meetings about the opinions already, but not everyone is finished speaking yet. (Next it's my turn. In the New Year, I wonder what kind of harsh opinions will be said by the other craftsmen about my work?!) Nevertheless, we talk from morning to night, all day long. I felt that it's very hard! Is this the road for a craftsman?!

ARIMA ONSEN, EXHIBITION IN "GOSYOBO"

    The Creation Group held an exhibition at the "Galleria Retiro De Oro" at Gosyobo in Arima Onsen, for roughly one month, October 3rd-29th, 2001. Of course there were the new products from summer, many products to play with, and the karakuri furniture was again on display. In the end there were more products than originally planned. It was a huge display of roughly 100 products. The customers were extremely pleased and many remarkable comments like, "it was very unique and original", were expressed.
    There was one university student who came that spent the whole day there engrossed in the playing. then he came back for a second time and brought some friends with him. As we talked he said, "my major is preschool education, but now I am really interested in woodwork". Then he suddenly became aware of the children who came to the display and started explaining things to them! This is one of the 7 mysteries of the karakuri business world. Before we knew it, he had become one of our staff! As I watched, the children really seemed to enjoy it! Must be the talents of his preschool education major! Our creation group leader often says, "coming into contact with a customer like this is one of the charms of the exhibition".
    Our first exhibition in the Kansai region was very successful. And the Gallery's staff warmly greeted customers and worked hard including their holiday, making the exhibition great! As for me, I stayed there as the staff, and was able to enjoy the hot springs many times. I had a very, very good time!

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At the Arima Onsen Exhibition

Iwahara

KARAKURI REPORT NO.12
September 1st, 2001

Topics:
Exhibition at Arima Hot Springs
Report on new products exhibition held in Matsuya, etc..
Report of the Karakuri Creation Groups meeting

*Exhibition at Arima Hot Springs and Gosyobo*

The summers display of new products have all been completed. With a slight exaggeration, there is no time to rest or even breathe before we open our next exhibition. This exhibition is located in Arima Hot Springs, near Osaka. Our new products display was located in the center of Tokyo. Compared to Tokyo, an exhibition in a hot springs town is quite a different feeling. This will be a somewhat bigger exhibition than the summer display in Tokyo. This is the first time for us to hold such a large exhibition near Osaka. For those of you living near the Osaka area, please come and visit!

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Title:    Even adults want to play!
Date:    Oct. 3rd - 29th, 2001
Place:    Galleria Le Tiro De Oro

*The new products exhibition was a huge success. Thanks to all who came.*

    The Karakuri Creation Group held its new products exhibition for 2001 in Matsuya Ginza for roughly 2 weeks, beginning the 7th of August. At the hall, customers who had attended the previous years event shared that it was so interesting last year, that they came again this year. So many visitors came to see our exhibits, that they helped to make it such a great success. Thank you so much. At this years event, which included past works, there were more total works than the previous years. From my perspective of preparing, it might be strange for me to say, but I felt it was a fairly good atmosphere. There were more than 10 purely new creations, and more than 5 older versions that were displayed for the first time in Ginza. "It was great!" responded some attendees, but really we couldn't have accomplished it without all of the support from those who visited. There was one customer in particular who had bought one of our products and let us use it as a sample until the end of the exhibition. Then, in the end, as the exhibition was closing, this same customer helped us put everything away. I can't tell you how much we appreciated his gesture.

*Opening Party/Many visitors with interest in puzzles came to our permanent display*

    On August 8th, we had our opening party for the new creations at a jazz club in Ginza. About 60 people joined us. It was such a large party that it became a place of valuable exchanges of conversation. We, the craftsmen, prepared presents made out of wood for all who came. I think everyone enjoyed the party.
    On August 13th, a large number of visitors attended our permanent display of Karakuri works. Actually, at this time, the IPP (International Puzzle Party), held its annual event here in Japan. One project of the IPP was for everyone to visit our permanent display, and we also put together a tour of Hakone, so people could look for Karakruri works, secret boxes and wooden puzzles. Right now we have "temporarily " added works they are different from the Matsuya exhibition, to the permanent display. With so many people from IPP there it was pretty chaotic, but it looked like everyone had a good time. At this display we could also show the foreign IPP members the Karakuri furniture they are idfficult to show due to the size, which everyone seemed to enjoy.

*The small report of Karakuri Creation Groups meeting*

    This summer was much busier than last years. However, After the Creation Group finished the new products display, we had already done the first review of the event. All in all, it was a huge success. On the one hand, if we were to do it again, there would be many points of reflection. At the monthly meeting we decided to work in the technical areas and put more energy into the continued research. Summer was very exciting for us, but at our monthly meeting things seemed to have returned to normal. The Creation Group plans to do its best in making a jump towards even newer and more interesting products.

Thank you

KARAKURI REPORT NO. 11
June 25th, 2001

Contents
* Announcement of the new products display at Matsuya Department Store in Ginza.
* Karakuri Exhibition in Nagoya.
* Exhibition at Arima Onsen.

New Products Display at Matsuya Department Store in Ginza
    The time has come for the new products display. This year the Karakuri Creation Group will hold another new products display at the Matsuya Department Store located in Ginza Tokyo. We hope you will all be able to come.

(Karakuri Creation Group * New products display)
We are eagerly awaiting the preparations for the new products. Please don't miss it!
~ Even the adults want to play!! ~
Place: Matsuya Department Store in Ginza, 7th Floor.
Date: August 7th (Tues) - August 20th (Mon)

Take Off in the Direction of .... (Nagoya city in 2003)
    The Karakuri Creation Group will hold a large scale trick box exhibition in the year 2003, at the Nagoya City Science Museum. The differences between this exhibition and all previous ones is the size of the building and the amount of products on display as well as planning this project on such a large scale. We have already begun the preparations for this event.

It's larger than 1000 meters squared, with 20 trick doors, and a mountain of products on display!
    The place is Nagoya City Science Museum. There are two buildings each 24 meters squared. In the first building there will be 20 trick doors/gates set up on display The theme is a karakuri version of "The game of life". Each door expresses a different feeling of ones life. In the second building there will be a huge display of smaller trick products. Those attending the exhibition will be able to try the products hands on - in the "Play Corner". They will also be able to make their own trick products in the "Karakuri Classroom", and in the "Information Corner" they will be introduced to the history of karakuri. As for each of the Karakuri Creation Groups members, this will be the results of all their creative activity thus far. We hope you are looking forward to attending this event!
Exhibition held in Osaka at Arima Onsen in October.
    We will hold an exhibition this Fall. It will be far from Tokyo, but close to Osaka. Those of you living near Osaka, be sure to come. Even those of you living far away, can enjoy the exhibition and the onsens amidts your tiredness... Even I am looking forward to enjoying the onsens!

The General Meeting was Held. What a Refreshing Start!
    The Karakuri Creation Group held it's general meeting at the end of March. This is our yearly custom. "We must pull ourselves together, so let's get serious!", was the atmosphere of the meeting. As for the members of the group, this past year was certainly a very busy one. In the past year we were excited to hold things like our first new products exhibition, our second new products exhibition in the summer, a display of our products at the New York Art Museum, and starting a karakuri (trick) classroom at a local wooden craft fair. Being so busy made our heads spin! We have received so much support from all of you. Thanks to your support, our creation groups activities have become so successful. Although we are a new group and haven't quite perfected everything yet, we thank you for your continued support! The general meeting was a refreshing time for all the members.

Exhibition at Tokyu Hands in Osaka
    The Karakuri Creation Group had an exhibition at Tokyu Hands in Osaka, March 9th - 25th. It was our first exhibition in Osaka. The members were only able to attend the event on Sundays, since it was so far from the Odawara/Hakone area. However, a large number of people were able to enjoy the event.
(There was a mistake in the schedule at this exhibition, and for that we greatly appologize for any inconvenience.)

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at Tokyu Hands in Osaka

Iwahara
Oishi