An Unconventional Documentary About a Man Who Loved Cardboard

It might seem very eco-friendly… but his creative journey began simply because he “likes cardboard,” and making wallets stemmed from the straightforward desire to “spread the appeal of cardboard.” Ecology and business were not the initial drivers.

Watching the film, it becomes clear that Shimazu’s creative motivation doesn’t stem from modern concepts like ecology or sustainability, but from primal impulses such as “love” and “desire.” As a child, he was the type to collect things he liked. This collecting habit carried into adulthood, where he found romance in cardboard boxes that passed through many hands, traveled the world, and ultimately captured his heart.




He says that cardboard that has been written on, kicked, or crushed has more character and narrative appeal. That’s why he makes it his creed to search for cardboard on foot. Even these encounters are part of the drama for him, perhaps a cherished ritual that evokes a sense of destiny. He has traveled to 30 countries so far. His favorite is a red Coca-Cola box he found in Israel.

Out of immense respect, he keeps his favorite finds as part of his collection. If this is an expression of his “love” for cardboard, then perhaps his wallet-making is an expression of his “desire” to share its wonders with others.

He had been making cardboard wallets since his student days, but his peers apparently met his creations with amusement. Nevertheless, nurturing his love and desire, he went on to study fine arts and joined a major advertising agency. Society at large recognized the “talent” in what was once considered eccentric. However, for him, the corporate structure was perhaps too confining for pursuing his passions. He admits to sometimes running off to pick up interesting cardboard boxes during client visits, much to his supervisor’s dismay. Cardboard held more sway than his job or his boss. Eventually, he left the company and became known as an artist. His wallet creations even earned a place in museum shops. Yet, even artistic success might be, for him, merely a stepping stone to pique people’s interest in cardboard.



When pure love and pure desire converge, only joy can emerge. His expression is so vibrant. Now, he says, “I want people all over the world to love cardboard,” and he holds workshops not only in Japan but also in countries like the United States and China. The film captures participants’ sparkling eyes as they make their own wallets, exclaiming, “Cool!” “My view of cardboard has changed,” and “I’ve rediscovered its value.” But what was most striking was Shimazu’s smile as he watched them.



The main film also follows him on a pilgrimage to visit the creators of his favorite cardboard boxes. The story is both amusing and moving. Symbolizing this “unexpected emotional resonance,” his love and desire for cardboard continue to lead him in directions he never anticipated.

His activities being “upcycling” is merely a coincidence. But this wonderful coincidence is also a product of his love and desire for cardboard. It’s a story of Fuyuki Shimazu and cardboard, where one can’t help but feel that something more is yet to unfold.

https://youtu.be/7nqt-dwWN_M
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Artist Fuyuki Shimazu’s genuine personality is captivating. You’ll find yourself drawn to cardboard, almost as if brainwashed by him. The inserted animations, which he apparently drew himself, are also quite cute.

The Cardboard Box Traveler
Starring: Fuyuki Shimazu
Narration: Michael Kida
Directed, Filmed, Edited by: Ryusuke Okajima
Music: Daichi Yoshida
Filmed by Los Angeles Unit: Sam K. Yano
VFX: Ryo Matsumot
Producer: Yuko Shiomaki
Special Sponsorship: Sakura Pax Co., Ltd.
2018 / Japan / 91 min / English, Japanese / Japanese Subtitles / Color / DCP / Stereo
International Title: From All Corners
Distribution: Pictures Dept.
www.carton-movie.com
©2018 pictures dept. All Rights Reserved
December 7 (Fri) YEBISU GARDEN CINEMA / Shinjuku Piccadilly, and other theaters nationwide sequentially.

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