[Traditional Craft, Ibaraki] Connecting the culture of cedar folding boxes to the next generation.

We support 'April Dream,' a project that encourages companies to share their dreams on April 1st. This press release is the dream of Orishige Co., Ltd. For about 60 years, we have been making cedar folding boxes in Kawachi Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. We are connecting the traditional techniques that deliver the scent and warmth of cedar to the next generation in new forms. Our dream is for cedar folding boxes to be known by many and for this culture to continue. Since our founding in 1966, Orishige Co., Ltd. has been producing folding boxes using domestic cedar. Our cedar folding boxes are designated as 'Ibaraki Prefecture Traditional Crafts' (No. 67). They are simple yet high-quality wooden containers that utilize the natural scent and humidity-regulating properties of unpainted cedar. Background of the dream: Cedar folding boxes are no longer being used. Once, folding boxes were essential to Japanese food culture, used for bento, osechi, and tsukudani. Made by bonding thin cedar boards, they kept food fresh, and the subtle scent of cedar added a touch of hospitality. However, with the spread of plastic and paper containers, their use has declined. We want to convey the value of cedar folding boxes—the beauty of natural materials, the scent, and the warmth—in new ways. Current initiatives: From 'Cedar Folding Boxes' to 'Living with Cedar.' We are proposing cedar gift boxes for confectioneries and sake breweries, offering a special touch for gifts. We are also creating daily goods like tissue boxes and art objects under the brand 'orisige.' We also collaborate with local welfare facilities to turn cedar shavings into cushioning materials. We aim to keep this culture alive in modern life, not just as a museum piece, but as a part of daily living.