Neko Box is a newly launched subscription box from Japan. I first discovered them on instagram prior to their launch, and I’ve been eagerly following their progress since.
Their first box was launched in November – the Tokyo Brunch Box – and as the name suggests, the products included in their first box were handcrafted in Tokyo, and the products specially curated around ‘brunch’ items (see the picture below). Each box is themed upon a certain region in Japan – the products are curated by talented local artists in that region, and each box has a theme as well.
Their first box was a success, sold out quite early on. They very kindly sent me their second box to review – the Holiday Box – the region this box focuses on is Yokohama, and as it’s titled the “Holiday Box” the contents included are based around the Christmas holiday period in that region.
As a cat mama I absolutely love the hand stamped covers of the boxes…
The postcard that came with the box.
The back of the postcard explains more about the contents of the box.
Daruma Doll – Daruma Dolls are traditional handmade paper-mache dolls with a 300 year old history. The tradition is making a wish with the daruma doll by colouring in one eye black as you make your wish, then once it’s fulfilled, colouring in the other eye.
Asakusa Christmas Card – This is a traditional Holiday Card with a unique woodblock style that sets it apart from our usual Christmas Cards. You really need to see this in person to see all the finer details – it’s quite stunning (I’ve saved this to gift to my mum for Christmas as she loves all things cultural).
KAWA Zine Issue 2 – This month’s KAWA (curated and designed by Neko Box) takes us through their favourite spots in Yokohama. The KAWA Zine is a feature in every monthly box and tells the recipient about that particular region’s hot spots and some of the traditions in that area, as well as providing some historical and cultural information about the area and some of the products in the box.
Daruma Stickers – Enclosed were also some Daruma Doll stickers – these traditional-style stickers are printed on textured Japanese paper. You can use them for decorating cards, gifts, stationery, scrapbooking and other paper crafts (the sky’s the limit for how you choose to use them).
Daruma Print Tenugui – This tenugui cloth has a charming Daruma print for extra good luck. Tenugui cloths can be used in a variety of ways such as dishcloth, cleaning cloth, wall hanging, hand towel, wrapping objects, decoration or even as a souvenir.
Two Minoyaki Sake Cups – I’ve saved the best for last here – these are by far my most favourite products in the box (and will look great with my growing collection of assorted Japanese dishes). Made in Gifu prefecture, these sake cups are in the Minoyaki style. Pottery has been a special craft in Gifu for over 1300 years. This is another product you need to see up close in order to see the amazing textures and glaze used to produce these gorgeous sake cups!
I quite enjoyed unboxing the Neko Box – I love learning about other cultures (and the KAWA Zine was full of information there), and as a collector of home and dining wares, the sake cups already have a home here too. It was interesting learning about the tradition and history behind the Daruma Doll (I’ve seen them in various stores here before, but never really knew what they were for other than decoration – I’m hoping my wish is fulfilled soon!)
If you’re a lover of Japanese culture or kawaii you’ll definitely want to check out this new subscription box – it ships to most countries worldwide too, so for my readers in other countries, you should be able to order the subscription as well (it ships from Japan). This is a fun way to learn more about Japan, their culture, traditions and history – as well as collect some rather unique products along the way as well. Check out Neko Box here.
Get 10% OFF your first subscription box by using the coupon code 10OUTBACK at the checkout!
You can also view my unboxing video below (I apologise in advance – it’s actually the first video I’ve ever done – I’m quite new to vlogging but I promise I WILL get better!)
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