Hako Hub Newsletter 5: Putting the city you live in into a small box in Tokyo

The other day, the folks at 'Architectural Workshop Enju,' who are crafting the wooden boxes for us, sent me photos of the prototype they made, and I was so moved by how well it turned out!

The material is cedar, but they used some reclaimed wood, and if you look closely, you can see they even chamfered the edges!
I'm already looking forward to visiting Nasu in Tochigi in December to pick up the sample and have a meeting.

Now, I've been thinking about what kind of people might use 'Hako Hub,' and when I thought about where the box owners would live, I initially felt that people living near Tokyo would be the main users.
I had assumed that, considering things like maintaining the contents of the wooden boxes, the target audience would naturally be people who could easily visit Yushima, Bunkyo Ward, where the shop is located.

But when I thought about more exciting ways to use it, I started to hope that people living all over the country, whom I don't know yet, would definitely use it.
If you could pack your own city, your life there, and precious places into a wooden box along with books to share and express them, wouldn't that create as many places to dream about traveling to as there are boxes? I'm getting all excited by myself just thinking about it.

And, although I'd like to write about this properly on another occasion, I would like to create a ZINE regularly with the members of 'Hako Hub'.
If we decide on various themes each time and recruit writing members to depict their daily lives in the cities where the box owners live, I think we could create a wonderful book that records this irreplaceable present.

As for the concern about maintaining the wooden boxes, I, as the shop owner, can help in any way while consulting with the box owners.

<Perhaps I might live my whole life in this place without ever leaving the city where I was born and raised.>

If people who feel that way could create connections through 'Hako Hub,' I have a feeling that something new would surely begin.
(I apologize for this being my personal idea...)

If there is anyone who is hesitating because they think it might be difficult due to living far away, please don't worry. I would be happy if you would feel free to contact us.

See you again!