Hiroshi Iwahara |
Do you know the product "CUBI" ? It was made by my boss, whom I greatly respect, Mr. Akio Kamei. It's a CUBE box that has BINARY motion. It's one of the most difficult Karakuri to open. I was impressed by this box, and was determined to create Karakuri. Complex mechanisms and simple expressions produce functional beauty. I'll create those products. |
This page is only for explanation of products.
This isn't a stock list.
Our stock list is on "How to Purchase".
| PRODUCT | ITEM | INFORMATION |
|
Three color DANGO |
RF-26 |
Three-color DANGO” equal three lines. The turn of the each DANGO’s color is different each other. You can move the each “Three-color DANGO” in right and left. There are three drawers in the lower part. All the drawers are locked. The front boards of the drawers are colors same as DANGO. Now, maybe you’ve already understood the way to play with this work. By moving the each “Three-color DANGO”, please unlock the drawers. From a structural reason, the drawers come out only 18 millimeters. Then, please take the front board off for the top. Oops. Don’t replace the front boards!created : 12/2009 Created : 1/2010 Size : 117×174×73 mm Material : walnut, ichii, magnolia, mizuki(dogwood), birch |
 4 Direction Drawer |
RF-25 |
This work was designed as a Christmas present for 2009.There are 4 drawers.
The direction of the drawers are all different from each other. Only the
very bottom drawer isn't locked. When you move the drawers in a special way,
you will be able to open the drawers in sequence. The goal is to open all
the drawers at the same time. A mechanism called, "prevention of
countercurrent" was needed to make this work. The device is fitted only
between drawers next to each other. Therefore, it is possible to make a work
that has 5, 6 and even more drawers, by piling up the same drawers in this
work. This work has a similar mechanism to that of RF-22 "Confetto Box". Created : 10/2009 Size : 106×106× 115mm Material : oak, walnut, karin, camphor tree, rose wood |
 Secret Base (Ｙellow) |
RF-18-3 |
It is a remake version of the “Secret Base”. Only the material of the surface plates are different. The four plates of the surface are made of same color wood. The appearance became simple and refreshing. Created : 12/2009 Size : 90×90×64 mm Material : shiuri cherry, katsura, oak, walnut, ancient katsura, keyaki(zelkova) |
 Secret Base (Ｖermilion) |
RF-18-4 |
It is a remake version of the “Secret Base”. Only the material of the surface plates are different. The four plates of the surface are made of same color wood. The appearance became simple and refreshing. Created : 12/2009 Size : 90×90×64 mm Material : shiuri cherry, katsura, oak, walnut, ancient katsura, karin |
 Sliding 3 Drawer Chest (Red) |
RF-24-1 |
At first, you can't open the drawers at all. When you slide the drawers each other well, you will be able to unlock the key.
Eight years has passed, since the RF-5 "Sliding 4 Drawer Chest" was
designed. Finally, it was manufactured. The drawer was reduced from four to
three, to cut the cost. The distance between upper drawer and lower drawer
became near. Therefore, it became easier to make the mechanism comparatively Size : 120×130×150 mm Material : amur corktree, chestnut, brass, etc. |
 Sliding 3 Drawer Chest (Black)
|
RF-24-2 |
At first, you can't open the drawers at all. When you slide the drawers each other well, you will be able to unlock the key.
Eight years has passed, since the RF-5 "Sliding 4 Drawer Chest" was
designed. Finally, it was manufactured. The drawer was reduced from four to
three, to cut the cost. The distance between upper drawer and lower drawer
became near. Therefore, it became easier to make the mechanism comparatively Ｃreated : 05/2009 Size : 120×130×150 mm Material : amur corktree, chestnut, brass, etc. |
 flower |
RF-23 |
This work was designed for the exhibition theme of “spring”. The motif
is a Japanese traditional lunch box. There is an acrylic window board
on top. You can see four pieces of scattered petals from the window but
can’t touch them. The bottom layer is the base. The upper two layers
is the cover. Of course, the cover is locked. From the base, you can move
the cover from front to back and right to left freely. When you move the cover,
each petal also moves. To unlock the cover, move the petals and make a
typical “flower”. That is, you need to gather all the scattered
petals togather. How do you do it? Ｃreated : 03/2009 Size : 102 x 102 x 76 mm Material : walnut, birch, maple, acrylic board, etc. |
 Confetto Box |
RF-22 |
This work was originally made as a Christmas present for 2008, but after several years its now a mechanical piece. There are two compartments inside. The two lids are opposite each other. As you slide the four plates, the two lids can open. The first plate is quite easy to open, but you'll have to think about the second one! Created : 11/2008 Size : 86×86×86 mm Material : padock, shiuri cherry |
 Pencil Stand |
RF-21 |
This is a work that you can use as a pencil stand. There is a small hidden space inside. It has 3 simple moves. But, it isn't difficult to understand it. Created : 05/2008 Size : 95 x 95 x 140 mm Material : rose wood, keyaki(zelkova), rengas, zebra wood, mizuki(dogwood) |
 Pencil Stand |
RF-21-2 |
The mechanism is almost the same as the RF-21-1. But, additional secret space
was made. To maintain smooth movement for the future, 3 boards were glued to
make the pencil stand’s board. The black color and the red color are easy to
shift the colors to the white woods. The craftsmen worked hard to
prevent it. The “Zebra wood” is easily broken in processing.
Therefore, an unusual processing method was needed. Designed : 01/2009 Size : 96 x 96 x 140 mm Material : rose wood, keyaki(zelkova), rengas, zebra wood, mizuki(dogwood) |
 Acorn Box |
RF-20 |
This box opens with only one move. The cover rattles. But, the cover doesn't open even when you pull it up or turn any points of the box. It was unveiled at an exhibition that was held in Feb. 2008 by the craftsman and Mr. Ninomiya. At the exhibition, a customer who experienced Karakuri for the first time opened it very quickly, but a veteran of puzzles needed 30 minutes. This caused a lot of laughter! The acorn is made of wood. This work was designed for the marriage party of the craftsman's friend. RF-20-1 is a commercial version of it. Created : 02/2008 Size : 54 x 54 x 70 mm Material : oak, ginkgo, katsura, enjyu, pao rosa |
 Acorn Box |
RF-20-2 |
This is a revised edition of "Acorn Box". In comparison with the initial version (RF-20-1), the idea is the same. But the way to open the cover is a little different. When people tried to open this work for the first time, the cover fell onto the floor, because, they didn't know the solution. In RF-20-2, the mechanism has changed, and that won't happen. (For the time being, I'll produce RF-20-2 as the standard version.) Created: 07/2008 Size: 54 x 54 x 65 mm Materials: oak, katsura, enju, etc. |
 SUSHI |
RF-19 |
This is one of the works that were developed for the cause of the concept to "make works associated with Odawara and Hakone". In Odawara, there are fishing ports and we can have fresh marine products. "SUSHI" is a famous food of Japan. The idea of making "Karakuri SUSHI" has appeared repeatedly among Karakuri craftsmen, but, it has never been made. If you know the solution, it isn't difficult to open. Please find two spaces inside. The hints are "how to eat" and "how to hold" them. Created : 02/2008 Size : 120 x 180 x 90 mm Material : ginkgo, shiuri cherry, mizuki, bubinga, zelkova, old katsura |
 Sushi |
RF-19-2 |
When RF-19-1 was displayed at the exhibition, the craftsman heard various comments from customers. “When we dip the rice into the soy sauce, the rice will fall apart!“, “I’ve never seen a square soy sauce plate!” Based on the opinions, RF-19-2 is a revision of RF-19-1. I studied so much about Japanese culture! Created : 07/2008 Size : 120 x 180 x 90 mm Material : ginkgo, shiuri cherry, mizuki, bubinga, inomi, old katsura |
 Secret Base |
RF-18 |
It was created as a Christmas Present for 2007. The craftsman often watched
TV robot animation. When a bad enemy destroys the town and the peace of the
people, the shutter of a secret base that is hidden under the ground opens
and a robot of the justice comes out to save the peace. It was an exciting
scene. The shutter is the motif of this work. There are two spaces inside. Created : 11/2007 Size : 90 x 90 x 67 mm Material : shiuri cherry, oak, zebra wood, rengas, keyaki(zelkova), ancient katura |
 Secret Base |
RF-18-2 |
This is a remake version of RF-18-1. The surface pattern was changed. The
color of RF-18-1 was showy. The color of RF-18-2 is more subtle. Well, the
design is not just a simple decoration. The inlay line is related to the
device. You can see the read or orange lines. When you move the plates well,
you can connect them. Then, you can open the second compartment. So, how do
you connect the lines? Designed : 02/2009 Size : 90 x 90 x 67 mm Material : shiuri cherry, oak, walnut, old katsura, amur corktree, rengas, old keyaki(zelkova) |
 ONIGIRI (Rice Ball) |
RF-17 |
The craftsman often had his mother cook ONIGIRI (a Rice Ball) when he was a
child. He liked miso ONIGIRI and grilled ONIGIRI. Which kind of ONIGIRI did
you like? The trick was made using the shape of the laver well. The two
ONIGIRI are connected and move together. It has 5 moves. In addition, there
are two extra spaces to be opened. Created : 4/2007 Size : 100 x 200 x 100 mm Material : walnut, berry, dogwood, ichii, old katsura |
 ONIGIRI (Rice Ball) |
RF-17-2 |
This is a commercial version of RF-17-1. The mechanism is the same as RF-17-1. The traditional sheath under a real rice ball is "bamboo sheath" In both of the works RF-17-1 and RR-17-2, the "bamboo sheath" is made of the same wood. In the RF-17-1, it is very thin just like a real one. On the other hand, in the RF-17-2, the thickness of it is around two millimeters. It is stronger than the thin one. The size of the setting are a little different between RF-17-1 and RF-17-2. Created : 04/2008 Size : 140 x 230 x 110 mm Material : walnut, berry, dogwood, ichii, old katsura |
 Covered Chimney |
RF-16 |
It was created as an Xmas Present for 2006. The theme of this work is the
brick chimney that Santa Claus comes down. But, it is covered so Santa Claus
can't come in. How do you open it? While you play with it, maybe you can
find some hints to open the lid. In fact, the different color bricks is a
hint. When you open it, maybe you can enjoy the transformation. Created : 12/2006 Size : 84 x 84 x 84 mm Material : katsura, walnut, berry, etc. |
 Ichigo Shortcake |
RF-15 |
Although most of his works have been rather complex and difficult, this time he created a work that has a simple device. Since the exhibition theme is "Valentine", he tried to make his work pretty. When you move the device correctly you will be able to separate the cake from the plate and find a small space inside. I believe while he was making this he must have been studying the design eagerly since he ate 7 or 8 kinds of shortcakes. Therefore the title 15 (ichi-go, one and five, also meaning strawberry in Japanese) seemed natural. Now this ichigo shortcake is in front of you, how do you begin to eat it? Created : 1/2006 Size : 140 x 150 x 95 mm Material : Padauk, Dogwood, Zelkova, Maple, etc. |
 Box with a tree |
RF-14 |
It was created as an Xmas Present of 2005. The appearance looks like a
Secret Box, though there isn't any Mosaic pattern on the surface. On the
top, there is a small decoration of a tree. You can find 2 plates you can
move freely. Usually you move one plate at first. But, in this case that
would be wrong. The important point is how to open the 2 plates. It takes
only 4 ways to open the final plate. But, it may be difficult without
knowing the solution. The small tree on top is also a hint. created : 10/2005 size : 98 x 68 x 53 mm material : Japanese walnut, oak, acrylic board, etc. |
 Box with a tree |
RF-14-2 |
This is a remade version of a work that was designed for the 2005 Christmas present. It was made with different materials. It was made in one giant size. It has 4 moves. You need a special device to solve it. The decoration of the tree is a hint, too. Created : 09/2007 Size : 117 x 82 x 60 mm Material : Katsura, Teak, Rosewood, acrylic board |
 Memory Drawers |
RF-13 |
This work memorizes 120 (The factorial of 5) kinds of turn to open the
drawers. The big base is full of 30 device plates. The plates move
vertically and horizontally, and change the arrangements when you open or
close the drawers. The work memorizes the turn you closed the drawers just
before automatically, and change the turn to open the drawers next. In
theory, 6 kinds / 25 plates are needed to realize this system. But actually,
instead of that, 3 kinds / 30 plates are used. It’s a full-scale work that
matches his previous “Super-CUBI”. The designer was eager to make it since
he began to make Karakuri. It will be a most favorite work for the designer.
(If you need more information, please contact us separately.) Created : 04/2005 Size : 209 x 181 x 104 mm Material : walnut, maple, silky oak, birch, rosewood, acryl |
 Cage Burr |
RF-12 |
12 pieces parts moves on 12 pieces parts. The base is "Akadama" of Hakone
Works. Each part has a pin or a simple groove, and control the movement each
other. But, I think it isn't difficult for puzzlers to put together. Maybe I
can't say it's an pure interlocking puzzle, because I used pins. I think I
can expect to apply this mechanism for another works. created : 07/2004 size : 127 x 127 x 127 mm material : maple, keyaki, magnolia, rengas |
 Byway Secret 3 (katsura, koyosegi) |
RF-11 | This is the 3rd one of the Byway Secret series. For the present, maybe it's the last one of this series. I name it another name, "Wrong side secret." You can't see the decoration on it. But, it was designed like this on purpose. Can you imagine this meaning? There are 2 compartments inside. The first room is easy. But, it takes 21 moves to open the second room. I applied almost elements of traditional Himitsubako's main devices to my box. created : 07/2002 size: 150x100x80mm mm material: katura, etc. Yosegi: Koyosegi |
 Byway Secret 3 (walnut, yellow-wave) |
RF-11-2 | It's also a Byway Secret 3 that has different color, and same
mechanism. As the material Walnut is heavier than previous Katsura, it looks solid. It took enough time from the announcement of this Byway Secret 3, I'll explain about the inside of this box, you can find Yosegi inside. The Japanese name "Ura-Himitsu-Bako". "ura" has another meaning and it's "inside out", in addition to "byway". Like this, the mechanism of the box is "iside out" style, and the surface pattern is also "insaide out" style. You can see "Koyosegi" inside Byway Secret 3 (katsura), and you can see "wave (blue-sea-wave)" inside Bway Secret 3(walnut). Though the color of the wave is yellow. ("blue" is just the name) The yellow color is shine in the quiet walnut color. created : 07/2002 size: 150x100x80mm mm |
 Pineapple Secret (twist, black) |
RF-10 | It’s also a Himitsu-bako that has 18 plates and 33 moves. Of course, Then the movement is also different. The normal pine (RF-9) has a basic shape. But, this pine has another twisted shape. One sub mechanism is placed twistedly. Then those 2 sub mechanisms will obstruct the main mechanism at different place. Then this arrangement makes the answer of this twist pine different between normal twist. not for sale created : 07/2002 size: 160x160x160mm material: katsura, wendge, keyaki, others |
 Pineapple Secret (normal, yellow) |
RF-9-2 |
This is the commercial version of the RF-9 Pineapple Secret (normal,
yellow). This is a Secret Box that 18 plates moves and has over 30 steps. It
was redesigned in various ways to improve the precision. The body size is
smaller then RF-9. This time, the leaf was produced, and it looks like a
real pineapple. At the RF-9, the leaf wasn't produced because of the
schedule. Created : 12/2006 Size : 145 x 145 x 250 mm Material : walnut, keyaki (zelkova), amur corktree |
 Pineapple Secret (normal, yellow) |
RF-9 | It’s a Himitsu-bako that has 18 plates and 33 moves. I call 8 plates they are placed like the equator of the earth, “main mechanism.” They move like “4 moves Himitsu-bako” as a whole. Well, there are 10 plates placed like a cross on right and left hemispheres. I call them “substitution mechanisms.” When you slide plates, the sub mechanisms will obstruct the main mechanism with a time lag. Then, you will have a hard time to open and close. not for sale created : 07/2002 size: 160x160x160mm material: katsura, wendge, keyaki, others |
 Byway Secret 2 (yellow) |
RF-8-1 | This is the 2nd version of the Byway Secret series. There are
2 rooms inside, and you'll be able to open the 1st room soon. But, it takes 10 moves to
open the 2nd room, and you'll miss your way to open. The right side and the reverse side
will intertwine and move each other. It was made with a new mechanism that is an
application of traditional Himitsubako's bar device. The difference between yellow one and
red one is only the color of inlay on surface. They have same mechanism. created : 06/2002 size : 120 x 84 x 64 mm material : walnut, katsura, etc. |
 Byway Secret 2 (red) |
RF-8-2 | |
 Blue zebra |
RF-7 | It's a puzzle version of dream of zebra. All the plate move same as the
dream of zebra. But for example, it will be locked when you take mistake. You can't open it easily. Not For Sale created : 08/2001 size : 120x120x120mm material : cherry tree, etc. |
 Byway Secret 1 |
RF-6 | To say about traditional secret boxes, the outside plate moves. But, this
is "Byway" type and It's new. created : 08/2001 size : 88x88x88mm material : walnut, etc. |
 Byway Secret 1 |
RF-6-2 |
The mechanism is same as the RF-6. The size of the appearance and the
structure was changed. The box became stronger. created : 08/2005 size : 108 x 84 x 72 mm material : magnolia, maple, padock, old katsura |
 Sliding 4 Drawer Chest |
RF-5 | At first, you can't open the drawers at all. You can slide the drawers
each other and unlock the key. Not For Sale created : 08/2001 size : 190x170x200mm material : oak, etc. |
Super-CUBI (the trinary system box) |
RF-4 | This box is developed by one of CUBI (the binary system box made by Mr.
Kamei) It has the trinary system in it. You can open it with 324 moves. But, you need 324
moves to close it again. It's the world record. I think, you need a little patience. It
was named by Mr. Steve Barnett. created : 12/2000 size : 131x131x131 mm material : cherry tree, walnut, etc. |
 Super-CUBI |
RF-4-2 | This is a remake version of Super-CUBI. It also has the trinary motion.
But, I changed the orders of plates to move. It has a new surface design and now you can't
tell apart the 6 plates. It must be easier to lose your way. After an exhibition, I found a
calling card inside. He appealed "I opened it !" Then this time, I put into a
small card inside. What color is the word ? (Well, there isn't a prize !) created : 05/2002 size : 131 x 131 x 131 mm material : walnut, cherry tree, etc. |
|
Super-CUBI |
RF-4-3 | This is a remade version of Super-CUBI. It has 324 moves.
The motion is the same as the RF-4-2. The word, "congratulation" was written
on a small paper and put inside the box. What color is it this time? created : 08/2007 size : 131 x 131 x 131 mm material : walnut, cherry tree, etc. |
 Super-CUBI |
RF-4-4 | It is a remake version of “Super-CUBI”. A regular customer
cried, “I’m tired when I move 300 times!” The craftsman understood that.
Therefore, this time, the new copies were adjusted a little loosely. Well,
have you ever heard “Speed Cubing” of “Rubik’s CUBE”? It is a speed
competition. Top players seem to solve it in about 10 second. It is a
unbelievable speed. By the way, the craftsman sometimes tries “Speed Cubing”
of “Super-CUBI”. Now, the looser adjustment is suitable. Until now, Feb.
2009, his best record is 43 seconds. But, the Contestant population is maybe
only one. Everyone, please try! created : 01/2009 |
 Super-CUBI |
RF-4-5 | They are remake version of “Super-CUBI”. RF-4-4、RF-4-5 and
RF-4-6 have same mechanism, and different surface material. At the RF-4-1,
#1 and #2, #2 and #3, …#5 and #6 are neighbors each other. At RF-4-2 and
RF-4-3, #1 and #2, #3 and #4, #5 and #6 are in the other side each other.
F-4-4, RF-4-5 and RF-4-6 are a type same as RF-4-1. The RF-4-1’s type is
called “Twin Box Type” from Kamei’s “M-1-1 Twin Box”. From the #1, the turn
is Up, Front, Left, Down, Back, Right. On the other hand, RF-4-2’s type is
called “Bypath Type” from Kamei’s “M-11-2 CUBI (Bypath)”. From the #1, the
turn is Up, Down, Front, Back, Left, Right. created : 01/2009 |
 Super-CUBI |
RF-4-6 | They are remake version of “Super-CUBI”. RF-4-4、RF-4-5 and
RF-4-6 have same mechanism, and different surface material. At the RF-4-1,
#1 and #2, #2 and #3, …#5 and #6 are neighbors each other. At RF-4-2 and
RF-4-3, #1 and #2, #3 and #4, #5 and #6 are in the other side each other.
F-4-4, RF-4-5 and RF-4-6 are a type same as RF-4-1. The RF-4-1’s type is
called “Twin Box Type” from Kamei’s “M-1-1 Twin Box”. From the #1, the turn
is Up, Front, Left, Down, Back, Right. On the other hand, RF-4-2’s type is
called “Bypath Type” from Kamei’s “M-11-2 CUBI (Bypath)”. From the #1, the
turn is Up, Down, Front, Back, Left, Right. created : 01/2009 size : 131 x 131 x 131 mm material : cherry tree, karin, etc. |
# Burr Puzzle |
RF-3-1 | This is an interlocking puzzle. Put the 42 parts together. created : 08/2000 size : 112x112x112 mm material : lengaus, oak |
# Burr Puzzle(worm-eaten wood) |
RF-3-2 | This is an interlocking puzzle. Put the 42 parts together. (This is the same as "RF-3-1".) created : 08/2000 size : 112x112x112 mm material : lengaus(worm-eaten wood), oak |
 the Dream of Zebra |
RF-2-1 | This box has the same structure and Karakuri as the "12 Diamonds
Box" has. I changed the surface design. I think that I could make more varied
expression. (I may alter the material and the design.) created : 03/2000 size : 120x120x120 mm material : old katura, katura, cherry tree |
 the Dream of Zebra |
RF-2-2 | created : 05/2000 size : 120x120x120 mm material : walnut, katura, cherry tree |
 the Dream of Zebra |
RF-2-3 | created : 05/2000 size : 120x120x120 mm material : Tagayasan, katura, cherry tree |
 the Dream of Zebra |
RF-2-4 | created : 05/2000 size : 120x120x120 mm material : purple heart, katura, cherry tree |
 the Dream of Zebra |
RF-2-5 | created : 05/2000 size : 120x120x120 mm material : karinn, katura, cherry tree |
12 Diamonds Box |
RF-1 |
This box has 12 plates. Each of the plates has the same shape, and the
same pattern. One of them is a lid, and you can open it. But, you can't at first. At
first, you move the 11 plates in turn. At last, you can open the lid as the 12th
operation. The motion is simple and not so difficult. I wanted to make an unusual shaped
box. created : 03/2000 size : 95x95x125 mm material : walnut, cherry tree, oak |
This page is only for explanation of products.
This isn't a stock list.
Our stock list is on "How to Purchase".