numerous times on my blog and I also write for the All Subscription Boxes website in which I've reviewed boxes from My Geek Box, Wootbox, LookFantastic Box and many more. When the opportunity arose to review a special Obachan Box, I had to say yes!
*Obachan Subscription Box ($35.99 per month or $39.99 for a one off box) - value of this box is $52Obachan Box is a Japanese lifestyle subscription box which contains a range of carefully selected items. All of the items are made in Japan that you can't quite find anywhere else unless you visit Japan yourself. The items can vary from traditional Japanese ceramics, stationery, prints, toys, textiles and other homeware items that will bring unique japanese culture and craftsmanship into your own home.
The box I have is a special box rather than the monthly boxes customers would have received last month or will receive but the items are of a similar nature, quality and style. You will receive at least five items in the box all of which are high quality, unique and quintessential of the Japanese culture. All of the boxes are shipped from Japan so delivery will take a little longer, especially for me in the UK but I didn't experience a huge delay, there weren't any customs charges or delays and it arrived well packaged, everything arrived safely and the items were very well protected for it's long journey.
Porcelain Plate
Let's get into the items! The first item I'm going to talk about is an adorable little plate with a blue 'uroko' scaled pattern. It's a small dish that would be absolutely perfect for rings, earrings, loose coins or stationery (paperclips, tacks, pins). I think I'll be using it for earrings and earring backs as I always tend to loose them!
Pop-Up Postcard
Next up is a beautifully illustrated postcard by the artist, Yamaoka Susumu. It depicts "his favorite shops, streets and typical building from
the old Japan, with fold-in and fold-out sections that add a 3d look and feel. This
postcard depicts the entrance of a typical old restaurant." I love the illustration style, the minimalist design and the unique pop-up style which is something I haven't seen before - a pop-up postcard. It's almost too gorgeous to sent to anyone and potentially become ruined in the rainy English weather so I might keep it instead.
Maneki Neko Magnet
The cutest item in the box has to be this adorable cat magnet! It's one half of a black and white Maneki Neko siblings set and they're meant to bring money, prosperity and fortune to their holders. It is handmade in Japan which makes it even more unique and special. The uniqueness and niche quality of this subscription box for me is what makes it stand out!
Porcelain Mug
Even though there were two porcelain items in the box, they were well protected with newspaper so thankfully even after the long journey from Japan to the UK, they arrived intact! The mug depicts "Kabuki 'the art of singing and dancing' which is a classical Japanese theatrical performance.
Matsuomaru, the character on your mug, belongs to a tale called 'Sugawara and the
Secrets of Calligraphy' based during the Heian Period which is considered the peak
of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art, especially poetry and literature."
I love the design, it's so unique and unlike anything else I own (and I have a ridiculously large mug collection). I'm not very familiar at all with Japanese culture so I'll have to look into the performance and character more. I'm not sure what I'm going to use it for, maybe brushes or stationery.
Kendama Toy
It's one of the most traditional Japanese toys and it originated as an adults drinking game! It looks like a toy I had growing up - a kind of ball catcher toy that was very popular back in the 90's in the UK. I'm not quite sure what age range it's for as the writing is Japanese but I think my friends son would love it!
Bamboo Bookmark
Last but not least is probably my favourite item from the box! It's a bamboo bookmark and we all know that I love reading so this is perfect for me. Within the Japanese culture, owls are thought to bring good luck and protection. The owl illustrations on the bookmark are so adorable, I love the colours and I know I'll be using it for years!
Overall, I've tried so many subscription boxes from beauty, food, lifestyle, stationery, craft/DIY and even a hosiery subscription box but nothing like this. I think what makes this lifestyle subscription box so unique is that it contains so many culturally specific items that are made within Japan so you can experience some of their culture in your own home. I'd definitely recommend this unique, special subscription box made with love from Japan.
Have you tried any international subscription boxes? Have you tried the Obachan boxes?
I was getting fed up of seeing the same subscription boxes over and over again. It is nice to know that there are still some unique options out there. Enjoy your goodies!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love all the designs on this boxes products! That bookmark is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I found this post because I'm been missing Japan so much, and it's so hard to find other bloggers who like Japanese culture! I love everything in this box, especially the little "plate" - it would be perfect for resting my chopsticks on!
ReplyDeleteLizzie Bee // <a href="http://www.hellolizziebee.com>Hello Lizzie Bee</a>
Everything in this box looks so pretty! I personally really love the book mark, super cute. Thank you for sharing 🌸✨
ReplyDeleteWith love, Alisha Valerie x | www.alishavalerie.com
Everything in this box looks incredible - I love the concept x
ReplyDeleteI love the mug so much! It is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteErin || MakeErinOver
What a unique idea for a subscription box! I had no idea how many different ones there were these days. I love some of these items, they are so unique! x
ReplyDeleteOoh this is a fun box I really like it x
ReplyDeleteI’ve never heard of a subscription box like this before, these items are so cute!
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
How cool is this! I'd love to go to Japan!
ReplyDeleteThis is so unique! I love it. X
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a lovely subscription box, deffo a unique one x
ReplyDeleteOh it’s definitely a different take on a subscription box.
ReplyDeletehttp://littlemissmelanie.com
How cute is everything in this box!
ReplyDeleteWow! I have never seen anything like this! How beautiful x
ReplyDeleteThis is soo cute! I love that bamboo bookmark xo
ReplyDeleteChar | www.charslittleblog.co.uk
Favourite thing is defo the owl bookmark! love owls so much x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, the contents of this box is so incredible and uniques! I truly love the look of it! xx
ReplyDeletewww.imjustagirl16.co.uk
this sounds awesome but not sure on the price for me
ReplyDeleteAhh everything is beautiful! Such a unique idea xx
ReplyDeleteTiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
What a lovely idea for a subscription box - I love how you can get them for so many different things now x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
This is such a sweet and different subscription box x
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
I think if you like this kind of thing this box would make a lovely gift x
ReplyDelete