Neko Box is a Tokyo-based subscription box that sends you a handpicked selection of unique and hard-to-find Japanese goods every month.
Each box will have a different theme and include 5 to 7 premium items from different regions around Japan. You can expect to receive items such as Japanese ceramics, sake cups, textiles, traditional crafts, chopsticks, small dishes, coasters, notebooks, stickers, washi tape, gift cards, art prints, decorations, and more. Every box will also include an issue of KAWA, a Japan travel zine designed exclusively for Neko Box customers. Each issue focuses on a different neighborhood or area in Japan and highlights favorite shops, cafes, and sightseeing spots so you can explore Japan like a local.
Disclosure: I received this box for review purposes. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate and/or referral links.
Subscriptions are $34.99 (plus $10 shipping to over 100 countries). Discounts are available on prepaid multi-month plans. — For a limited time, you can save $5 on your first box with coupon code “5JAPAN“!
Let’s see what’s in my February 2017 Neko Box!
The box!
A peek inside! — February’s theme was “Mount Fugi”.
An info card listed all of the items in the box, along with brief descriptions for each one.
KAWA Zine Issue 4
February’s KAWA zine highlighted some of the popular spots in Hakone, the historic town famous for being one of the best places to view Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji Bowl by Minoyaki
This small blue & white ceramic bowl is designed to resemble Mount Fuji when placed upside-down. It was made in the Gifu region of Japan and is great for enjoying your morning cereal, a sweet dessert, or simply displayed as a unique piece of home decor.
Washi Paper Stickers by Pinup Japan
These textured washi paper style stickers show various views of Mount Fuji with metallic gold accents to give them a bit of shimmer.
Mount Fuji Printed Cloth by Ima Wafuka
Public restrooms in Japan rarely have paper towels or air dryers, so many people choose to carry small towels with them to dry their hands. This is made with Imabari cotton and is printed with a whimsical Mt. Fugi design. The back of the towel has a washcloth-type texture, while the front is soft and smooth.
Mount Fuji Sake Cup by Minoyaki
Another ceramic piece from Minoyaki, this small sake cup — like the bowl — was also designed to resemble Mt. Fuji when placed upside-down. The shiny blue glazed portion really pops against the white unfinished background and makes it a unique, yet functional piece of art.
Diamond Fuji Post-It Notes by Sannichi Printing
These cute little sticky notes show the different colors of Mt. Fuji seen throughout various times of the day. They’re perfect for holding your place in a book by positioning them with the top half peeking out above the pages. — I kinda wish that tiny hiker guy was incorporated into the actual design though. Too cute!
Hokusai Mount Fuji Postcard by Pinup Japan
The final item was a postcard featuring the famous woodblock print from Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. It shows a view of Mount Fuji in early autumn, when the conditions are such that the rising sun can make it appear to be bright red in color.
Neko Box is clearly a great subscription box for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and its unique goods. I was impressed by how well everything went with the selected theme and the high quality of each item included. According to the info card, February’s box had a total retail value of $61. 🙂 — Remember, for a limited time you can save $5 on your first box with coupon code “5JAPAN“!
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