HAKOZEN Box & Tray

Do you know Hako-Zen?

It’s a traditional Japanese item from the Edo period to the early Showa era (approximately 1603–1950).
Each person had their own personal set of dishes, stored in a box that also served as a tray and a mini table.
Because people traditionally sat on the floor, this box fulfilled the role of a table in daily life.

Inspired by the smart functionality of Hako-Zen, I’ve reimagined it for modern use—
as a multi-purpose organizer for art supplies, tools, or everyday items.
Give it a try and customize it to suit your lifestyle.

Desk Organizer Drawer

A desk organizer using upcycled cardboard.
It’s the third drawer design I’ve shared—and this time, the drawer height itself becomes the sliding rail!

🎯 What’s special about this design?
• New rail structure: the drawer height doubles as the slide
• Shallow-depth drawers for better visibility and access
• Clean, minimal design you can personalize with color or decorations
• Compact and functional—perfect for creative workspaces

Mini Cabinet w/ Door #5

Cabinets with double-opening doors like this are traditionally used in Japan for Butsudan (Buddhist altars). They are designed to stay open during the day and close at night, which is why magnets are hidden inside to hold the doors in both open and closed positions.

Box with Lid

a basic box with a lid—
but with a twist! We’ll explore how to create a seamless lid stopper using the unique properties of corrugated cardboard.

By applying a method used to hide corrugated edges, the stopper—including the raised locking tab—is made from a single folded sheet, both inside and out.
This not only saves material but also results in a clean, minimal look with no visible seams.

Miniature Drawer

🎯 Highlights of this Tutorial
1. Same structure as the full-size Desktop Drawer, scaled down to 37.5%
2. Handle attachment is hidden inside for a clean finish
3. Accurate mini version built with 1.5mm-thick cardboard

Mini Cabinet w/ Door #4

Build a stylish mini cabinet using just cardboard!
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to upcycle corrugated cardboard into a functional mini cabinet with drawers and seamless hinges—no special tools required. Perfect for DIY lovers, eco-friendly makers, and home organizers!

Lap Desk Tray

– A4 paper fits perfectly
– This is multi-purpose design. It can be a display, or lap desk, or paper tray.
– It features a gently curved front opening, designed for easy paper access and retrieval.

Paper Tray

– A4 paper fits perfectly
– This is a two-level tray with a sliding top tier and a stopper.
– It features a gently curved front opening, designed for easy paper access and retrieval.

Collection Box

HIGHLIGHTS
• Built-in magnets create a satisfying “pat” sound when closed.
• A plastic film window lets you see inside the box!
• Customizable interior: Use it as a collection box (4×4, 3×3, etc.), a display box, photo frame, shadow box, or anything you can imagine!