The Art of Japanese Kitchen Storage: Our Burnt-Paulownia Box Launches on Kickstarter
Do you ever struggle with how to store food in your kitchen as the seasons change—especially with humidity in summer and dry air in winter? Beyond bread, a Japanese kitchen is full of ingredients that are sensitive to moisture: seaweed, kelp, dried fish, dried shiitake mushrooms, katsuobushi, tea leaves, and delicate dry sweets, to name a few.
Together with the long-established paulownia chest maker Kiridansu Wako, we have created a burnt-paulownia storage box (bread box) and launched it on Kickstarter. Paulownia wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture, helping stabilize the microclimate inside the box and improving your storage environment—without using any electricity. The burnt finish makes the surface more resistant to everyday use and gives it a calm, understated presence on your countertop.
About Our Guide: Taiyo Tsutsumi
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Taiyo Tsutsumi is the President and CEO of Okawa Furniture Dot Com Co., Ltd. and a certified real estate transaction specialist. Born and raised in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture—Japan’s renowned furniture town—he began assisting with his family’s furniture wholesale business in 2006. Driven by a passion to share high-quality, domestically made furniture with the world, he launched the online store Okawa Furniture Dot Com that same year. |
What We Care About with This Project
- Bringing the precision and beauty of Japanese woodworking into everyday homes around the world
- Supporting the woodworking industry in Okawa City in a sustainable, realistic way
A Tip from Our Expert, Taiyo Tsutsumi:
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In Japan, paulownia—known as kiri—has traditionally been used to protect valuables such as kimonos from moisture and insects. With this project, we are translating that same wisdom into a contemporary kitchen tool that fits naturally into modern homes, from Tokyo to New York. |
Bringing Paulownia Wisdom into the Modern Kitchen
Paulownia wood helps regulate humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture, gently stabilizing the environment inside the box. The burnt finish enhances durability for daily use and allows the box to sit out on your countertop like a piece of quiet, functional sculpture.
Designed for Seasonal Changes
In Japan’s rainy season, excess humidity can cause stickiness and mold. In winter, dry air can rob ingredients of their texture and fragrance. A paulownia box helps soften these seasonal swings by moderating the environment inside the box.
A Tip from Our Expert, Taiyo Tsutsumi:
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The box is not a refrigerator or a dehumidifier. Think of it as a natural buffer—a way to soften sudden changes in temperature and humidity using nothing but solid wood and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. |
Beyond Bread: How to Use It in a Japanese (and Global) Kitchen
The paulownia box is not meant for placing food directly inside. Instead, use it as an outer storage box to house items that are already in sealed containers or bags. It helps moderate the impact of temperature and humidity changes in your kitchen.
- Seaweed, kelp, katsuobushi: Store in their sealed containers or bags and place them inside the box.
- Dried fish and dried shiitake mushrooms: For strongly aromatic ingredients, combine the box with airtight containers.
- Tea leaves and tea bags: Keep them away from direct sunlight and store them where you can reach for them easily.
- Dry sweets and snacks: Store in their original bags or individual wrappers. The box helps moderate temperature changes.
For strongly scented foods, please use airtight containers as well, to prevent aromas from transferring to other items inside the box.
Why We Chose to Launch on Kickstarter
Our decision to begin with crowdfunding is both philosophical and practical:
- Understanding global demand (especially in the U.S.): We want to see how a tool that showcases Japanese materials and finishes—such as burnt paulownia—resonates with international backers. By listening closely to your support and comments, we’ll refine improvements, fair pricing, and ideal production volume.
- Sustainable production: We adjust material procurement and production schedules according to the number of backers, so we can maintain quality without overextending the craftsmen.
- Transparent process: We’ll share updates on design decisions, production progress, and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the campaign.
For Those New to Crowdfunding
- You pledge (essentially pre-order) first, and production and delivery begin after the campaign is funded.
- The reward you receive depends on your pledge tier.
- We will share production updates and estimated delivery timelines on the project page.
- You can also participate from Japan. If you’re unsure about the process, feel free to review it together with a family member or friend.
How the Kickstarter Campaign Works (Step by Step)
- Open the project page on Kickstarter.
- Select the reward tier (pledge amount) that best suits you.
- Enter your payment details and shipping address.
- Keep the confirmation email for your records.
- Watch for updates as we share production progress and delivery timelines.
Our Philosophy at Okawa Furniture Dot Com
We are committed to bringing precisely crafted Japanese furniture and wooden tools to homes around the world—while supporting the woodworking community in Okawa City.
Thank you for reading to the end. We hope that, through quietly useful, long-lasting tools like this burnt-paulownia box, we can help expand a circle of support for the craftspeople and the region that nurtures them. Please consider backing the project only within a level that feels comfortable for you.
