Custom Paper Boxes and Gift Packaging Made in Japan

Short answer: Japan has many small box makers who make rigid gift boxes, folding cartons and paper-wrapped (harikomi) boxes, often in modest quantities. A custom box is defined by its type, size, paper and finish. Using one of the maker’s existing sizes, and a paper they stock, is the quickest way to keep the minimum down.

Types of box

Type	What it is	Good for
Rigid box (lid and base)	Board wrapped in printed or textured paper	Gifts, premium products, knives, ceramics
Folding carton	Printed card folded into shape, ships flat	Retail packaging, larger runs
Drawer (sleeve) box	A tray sliding into a sleeve	Stationery, accessories
Paper-wrapped box with window	Rigid box with a clear window	Products you want seen

Finishes

• Foil stamping (hakuoshi) of your logo on the lid
• Embossing or debossing
• Speciality papers: textured, coloured or washi wraps
• Inserts: card, foam or moulded pulp to hold the product

What drives the minimum

• Size: a new size needs a new cutting die; an existing size does not.
• Paper: special papers are bought by the ream and can set the minimum by themselves.
• Printing: full-colour printing has a setup cost per design; a plain paper with a foil logo often does not need printing at all.
• Hand work: paper-wrapped rigid boxes are often finished by hand, which allows small runs but sets the price.

What to send

• The product’s dimensions and weight, or a sample
• The type of box, and how it should open
• Your logo and where it goes
• Quantity, and whether boxes ship flat or assembled

Getting quotes

Send me a brief and I will ask Japanese box makers in Japanese. Packaging is often quoted together with the product it holds; see samples, setup costs and lead times.