“Enchanting Matsuri”
Hello everyone, I am back once again with yet another SoKawaii review. This time we take a look at what was included in July’s box, which just like the Nihon Box is all themed around celebrating the summer matsuri season. The products in this box are from Sanrio, San-X, Sumikko Guarashi and Pokémon. So let’s get started on our usual description of what SoKawaii is and what they have to offer you!
For those of you that don’t know – SoKawaii is a company based in Japan, home of practically everything kawaii (the Japanese word for cute). They create monthly subscription boxes, jam packed with 100% licensed products from brands such as Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Sanrio, Studio Ghibli and more. The items range from plushies to Gachapon, little figures, stationary, lifestyle, kitchenware and more. The staff at SoKawaii handpicks 5 to 7 cute & useful items exclusive to Japan, pack them up in a very decorative box and send it straight to your doorstep each month. You can also check out their Instagram for even more info and insights into what is currently trending in Japanese arcades and stores. As well as sneak peeks into what they could be including in next month’s box. They also listen to what you would like to be included in future boxes, by asking across their social media accounts. So make sure to have your opinions heard over on their social media posts, particularly their Instagram one – https://www.instagram.com/sokawaii/
Our first item this month comes straight from San-X, with their Rilakkuma tray made from bamboo fibre. A more sustainable material that has become very popular with brands over the last few years, due to how quickly the plant grows and the fact it doesn’t need any pesticides. This tray has a lovely print on the front of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori dressed in their colorful yukatas as they enjoy a night filled with fireworks and tasty treats. The ideal way to enjoy a matsuri festival in Japan. This tray also has a trademark on the bottom right for 2021, meaning this tray was only just recently released during this summer.
Next up is our Pokémon item from the Pocket Monsters Sepia Graffiti collection. We actually received another item from this very same collection in last month’s box, with a washi tape. Now I am unsure as to how old this collection actually is, as I have seen on other websites that the washi tape was first released back in 2018. However this month we have gone a little more upscale, with this handy pouch case. This pouch is actually really well made, has a tanned look to it and you would almost expect that it was made entirely out of leather. The design on the front features an Eevee and Pikachu, as they do a bit of window shopping. As you can see, Eevee is taking interest in the three evolution stones on display in the window. Behind them is a cobbled street, with an old style phone box and lamp post. The whole look to this design, gives off a feel of old London in the last century. The script on the front is also pretty charming as well, as it gives a very brief description of the idea of Pokémon. Now the pouch is snug enough, you would certainly fit in a normal of pens and pencils, perhaps some make up or cash envelopes. Unfortunately it was too snug to fit my phone, so you would want a very slim model to fit into this pouch.
Now we move on to Sanrio, with this pair of My Melody Kitchen sponges. Now this item was in fact available in two different designs, with the iconic Hello Kitty being the other pair you could receive. These die cut sponges are just adorable, that it would almost be a shame to use them to wash a mound of dirty dishes. However they are indeed practical and will certainly get you out of a pinch if you don’t intend on making a special trip to the shop.
Where or where was this several weeks back during the big Irish heat wave! Honestly could have done with this a while back. So we now move onto the Sumikko Gurashi part of our July box, with this electric hand fan. This fan would be the perfect accessory to accompany you on a trip during a hot summer’s day. It’s design is made to resemble an ice cream cone, with the characters of Sumikko Gurashi acting as the toppings. All you do is slide the cover over to reveal the fan, with a switch on the side to turn it on. Hopefully I can get better use out of this next year!
And now we end with our final item, a Little Twin Stars plush. You could have gotten either Kiki or Lala in your July box, both of which are dressed in their light Summery Yukatas. Of which you can see I got Kiki in his blue yukata. This quality looking plush is well made, no loose threads or fabric. Well stuffed and stitched together. This could even be safe for young children to have. It is also a lovely addition for all plush collectors.
There we have it folks, that was Julys’ SoKawaii box. This month had a good mix of items, from a seasonal plush, a hand fan, a Pokémon pouch and some homeware from some iconic franchises. Now let’s get on to the all important information, for how YOU can begin your own subscription, as well as a special discount code just for you guys.
So here is the price breakdown of the box each month and the savings you can get. SoKawaii are back to shipping their boxes via Japan Post, so delivery may take a number of weeks. Whether you subscribe month to month, or for their 3, 6 or even 12 month package options – there are savings to be had.
1 Month – $35.00 (€29.00mo roughly)
3 Months – $33.50 (€28.00mo roughly)
6 Months – $32.00 (€26.50mo roughly)
12 Months – $31.50 (€26.00mo roughly)
Better yet, here is a $3 discount code that you can use on your first box by clicking this link!
http://sokawaii.refr.cc/maryhealy
Now if you enjoyed July’s box, then just wait for August’s! It’s theme is “Happy Summer Trip”, which will feature a number of items from Studio Ghibli, Sanrio and Kirby. That box is already sold out and on the way to me and will include a My Neighbour Totoro water bottle! Stay tuned to SoKawaiis’ social media, as they announced their themes, sneak peaks and opinion polls on what fans want to see next in their boxes. They are very active on their Instagram and really listen to what their customers are looking for – so go have your say now! Also make sure and use that special discount code I left you all above!
