In Hyogo Prefecture, bamboo craft has a long history. In addition to bamboo, some artisans continue the tradition of woven crafts using other natural materials such as koriyanagi.

At the same time, there are also craftspeople who cherish Moso bamboo—which is not well suited for fine weaving—as an important material.
They use it for food such as bamboo shoots, for New Year’s decorations called kadomatsu, and for making cutlery that takes advantage of its thick, dense texture.

It is said that Moso bamboo was first transplanted to Hyogo Prefecture in the late Edo period.
Its ability to spread is extremely strong—sometimes even encroaching upon other plants and human living areas.

In today’s world, Moso bamboo is sometimes treated as a nuisance.
Yet, through careful craftsmanship, it is transformed into fine bamboo strips—connected in straight lines and assembled into a beautifully made insect cage.

This kit allows you to make that same insect cage yourself.
Please note that the finished example shown on the left in the photo is not included.

The recommended age varies, but even children in the lower grades of elementary school
can finish it with the help of an older family member.

If everything goes smoothly, it takes about one to one and a half hours to complete.
Of course, this depends on the individual and the glue-drying time, so please take it as a rough estimate.

This insect cage-making process is simple yet deeply engaging.
Here are some things we learned and reflected upon from our own experience as beginners—
we hope they will be helpful when you make yours.
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・Read the instructions carefully.
　→If you don’t read the instructions carefully, you may lose track of which materials to use,
where, or when—and you might end up inserting a strip into the wrong place.
Every single line in the guide has meaning.
・Think ahead about each step.
　→When assembling the front section, think about what to prepare,
which bag to open, how to apply the glue, and in what order to insert the strips.
・Keep your workspace organized.
　→Just imagine opening all the bags at once and mixing up the bamboo strips—it’s enough to make you shiver.
　　Stay calm, keep your workspace organized, read the instructions carefully, and work through one bag at a time.
・Don’t rush.
　→If you try to insert too many strips at once or work on both sides simultaneously, it will only make things harder.
　　Take your time, let the glue dry when needed, and move on to the next step patiently.
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Enjoy the smooth way the front panel opens—
one of the satisfying qualities of working with fine bamboo strips.

This bamboo insect cage kit brings together many elements of craft and design.
Why not enjoy building it together with your family or friends,
and experience the quiet pleasure of working with bamboo?

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.