Akio Kamei |
At first I began to create wooden boxes with an 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 you open yourself, can't be opened if you don't enjoy humor. Someone who has no experience with trick boxes and others who have many experiences, toe the same line. Sometimes the knowledge or the experience disturb his trial. I'm usually thinking about how I can deceive people with my puzzles. And so I wonder if my personality has come out in my work. |
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 |
 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. 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. 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-2-2) 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. 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 |
 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 |
This page is only for explanation of products.
This isn't a stock list.
Our stock list is on "How to Purchase".