There are various symbols in Japan that have been considered for centuries as a catcher of luck and happiness, wealth, good fortune, and more. In Japanese, small items representing said symbols are called “engimono” (lucky charms). They are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the owner. Kizuna Box’s January 2018 Edition – The Engimono Box is a collection of unique items inspired by Japan’s most popular good luck symbols.
The Lifestyle Box
1. Mino-yaki Zodiac Yunomi Tea Cup (1 item)
According to the zodiac used in Japan, the Year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Having the year’s zodiac animal themed items inside the house is believed to bring in good luck. Yunomi teacups are the most basic kind of teacups and are used for daily, informal tea drinking. As such, the item helps to serve your favorite tea and boost your luck at the same time! What’s more, it comes with a calendar as well!
2. Lacquered Plum Blossom Shiruwan Bowl (1 item)
Shiruwan literally means soup bowls. Traditionally, they are used to serve miso soup. However, the item can also be used to serve other types of soup and rice. Plum blossoms represent the start of spring because they are among the first to bloom in the year. They are also associated with good fortune and are believed to ward off evil spirits. Hand-wash only.
3. Seto-yaki Maneki Neko Figurine (1 item)
Each box contains a golden (representing wealth) or a silver (representing wish fulfillment) Maneki Neko figurine. It is said that a Maneki Neko with the upright right paw invites money and good fortune and one with the upright left paw invites people.
4. Maneki Neko Paper Gift Box (1 item)
Do you have a friend or family member who shares your interest in Japanese culture? Next time you prepare a gift for them, place it inside this adorable gift box – the joy will double for sure!
5. Maneki Neko Furoshiki (1 item)
Furoshiki are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that can be used to wrap gifts, clothes, and actually just about anything!
6. Mt. Fuji Post-it Note (1 item)
Mt. Fuji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 for being an “Object of Worship, Wellspring of Art.” There is a belief in Japan that if you see Mt. Fuji in your first dream of the year (hatsuyume), you will have very good luck.
7. Daruma Eraser (1 item)
Daruma Dolls’ eyes are left blank intentionally. The doll’s owner draws one eye upon making a wish or a goal and fills in the other one when that comes true.
8. New Year Greeting Card (1 item)
This is just one of the 20 different designs available in this month’s boxes. The greeting cards feature aforementioned lucky symbols and many others, including those lesser known overseas such as the peony and the hawk. Feel free to use the card at other times of the year as well, after all, it’s all about sharing good fortune and blessings!
9. Shichi Fukujin Assorted Rice Crackers (1 item)
Number of items: 9
The Snack Box
1. Year of the Dog Kuri Kinton Wafer Sandwich Cookies (2p)
According to the zodiac used in Japan, the Year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Meanwhile, Kuri Kinton (Candied Chestnuts with Sweet Potatoes) is an important dish of the Japanese New Year Meal (Osechi) that symbolizes economic fortune and wealth.
2. Yuzu Wafer Sandwich Cookies (1p)
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit which is in season in winter. This flavor is not available at other times of the year.
These Hangetsu (Half Moon) Wafer Cookies are a signature product line of Kamakura Goro, a confectionery company from Kamakura city.
3. Inu Hariko Yokan Bar (1p)
Yokan is a traditional Japanese jellied dessert made of red bean, agar and sugar. Three flavors available: Plain (Pink), Brown Sugar (Yellow) & Green Tea (Green).
4. Maneki Neko Fortune Candy (1p)
Predict your fortune for the day by the color that the piece of candy changes to!
5. 2018 Rice Crackers (1p, Red or White package)
The rice crackers are shaped like lucky symbols such as the Pine & the Plum, and also the number 2018.
6. Hokusai Gaufrettes (3p)
Three of the 36 Views of Mount Fuji prints by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai are used for packaging. Flavor varieties: Chocolate, Green Tea & Vanilla.
7. Yukari Shrimp Crackers (2p)
8. Kouhaku (Red & White – auspicious colors) Kit Kat (2p)
As Kit Kat is pronounced similarly to “Kitto Katsu”, an expression that means “surely win” in Japanese, Kit Kat chocolate is considered good luck in Japan.
9. Strawberry Daifuku Angel Pie (1p)
The flavor is inspired by Daifuku-mochi (literally means “great luck” mochi.
10. Kaki no Tane Plum Rice Crackers (1p)
The pack contains persimmon seed-shaped rice crackers and peanuts.
11. Plum & Konbu Tea (2p)
12. Shichi Fukujin Assorted Rice Crackers (1p)
13. New Year Greeting Card (1 item, 20 designs availabe)
The cards feature Japan’s most popular lucky symbols and can be used at other times of the year as well.
Number of items: 19
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