HOW TO WRAP FIVE EGGS

“HOW TO WRAP FIVE EGGS” a book written by Hideyaki Oka gives an insight on Japanese way of thinking with regards to packaging and Japanese traditions.

Interestingly in Japan 5 in a norm whereas in Europe for example 6 (half a dozen) is the norm.

Japanese packaging evolved over centuries through use and experimentation. 

There are 2 fundamental bases:

1. THE UTILITARIAN ROOTS (LINEAGE)

-folk wisdom

-practicality: they were using and experimenting with whatever they had at hand

-free from excess and unnecessary additions; often beautifully ornamented, yet simple appropriate with regards to storage and transportation.

-employment of reuse; naturally occurring materials and simplicity of packaging

-it is utilitarian way of thinking in comparison with Europeans 

Ex. Japanese used to wrap a fish with rope, which sealed the fish allowing it to be edible for 6 months; that shows wisdom that came with everyday life. Japanese emphasized effortless transportation and reuse of items

Ex. They also used bamboo leaves to wrap dumplings, oak leaves for wrap cakes and magnolia leaves for rice balls or tofu

 2. HANDICRAFT

-artisan packaging was created by craftsmen; art based but had its meaning

-techniques became more sophisticated

-Japanese tradition of packaging had two values:

                                * Philosophy stating that everything could and should be made beautiful

                                * A value system saying that everything large or small, expensive or cheap had its value

-Kyoto was cultural center of Japan; there Kyoto Style arouse-elegant, refined packaging

Ex. Bamboo holder used for confectionery items. A whole new perspective on what is and what isn’t supposed to be thrown away/wasted.

Because people in Japan think of themselves as a part of nature hence majority materials Japanese used were of natural source: wood, straw, bamboo, clay and its derivatives: clot, paper, ceramics. Japanese had real affection for nature almost creating bond with each other, which explains the nature of traditional packaging.

Other characteristics common in many forms was the process which was often seen as a ritual with the need for cleanliness, neatness and order, which reflects Japanese psychology.

Nowadays, these methods and tradition is almost forgotten, as mass production is impossible.