Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box) History Amongst the various art works of wood in the world today, the Himitsu-Bako produced in the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan is superior in quality as well as traditional craftsmanship. With the abundant variety of trees in this region, the selection of high quality wood and the expertise of three generations of master craftsmen have achieved an artform revered for it's artistry and ingenuity. The Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box) is a traditional Japanese puzzlebox that was designed over 100 years ago in the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan. The Hakone Mountains are noted for their great variety of trees. The Personal Secret Box takes advantage of this wide variety of natural wood colors and textures to produce their elaborate geometric patterns. The appeal of the Personal Secret Box is not merely in its entertainment qualities.

It is adorned with Yosegi-Zaiku and/or Moku-Zougan. The Yosegi-Zaiku is a mosaic woodwork usually applied to small handicrafts such as trays, boxes, and chests.

This marquetry technique originated in the late Edo Period, and in May of 1984 was designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister.

In the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan, there are about 100 people who are working in the field of Traditional Wooden products. Of these 100 people, only about 30 craftsmen produce Yosegi-Zaiku and about four craftsmen produce Moku-zougan. The Himitsu-Bako is produced by only 9 traditional craftsmen. These craftsmen do not make the Yosegi-Zaiku, which adorns their Secret Puzzle boxes. The Himitsu-Bako craftsmen produce their secret puzzle box virtually alone from start to finish. They each pick the wood they will use and then allow it to dry for a period of time.

Next, they cut and assemble wood pieces to form the puzzle box. Finally, they apply the Yosegi-Zaiku to the outside of the box with the proper finishing technique. The youngest of the Himitsu-Bako Master craftsmen is about 60 years old.