The Himitsu Bako is a box that can hold many secrets.
This box can be opened after you follow a sequence of steps. Known as Sun (pronounced as soon) in Japanese, these steps or sun are known to the maker of the box. The recipient needs to figure out the number of sun and the sequence.
There are generally 6 sun to be followed in order to open the box.
We have passwords or keys for such things today, but more than a hundred years ago the Japanese found an innovative and artistic technique to keep their secrets safe.
The mountains in the Hakone region are richly endowed with a variety of trees. Its wood is aged to reveal interesting shades and patterns.
Yosegi-zaiku is a Japanese art form, where various shades of wood are cut into long thin rods and glued together, to create a mosaic like pattern.
The rods are finely shaved to create the intended intricate and complex mosaic pattern which is placed on the surface of the box.
The art of Yosegi-zaiku originates in the Hakone region, perhaps due to the presence of the variety of trees. The Himitsu box can be a unique souvenir or gift and is found in many of the shops around Mount Fuji.
The Smiling Travellerr 