Jigsaw Puzzle

Let's enter the fascinating world of puzzle making and discover the magic of Japanese jigsaw puzzles! These puzzles serve as both a means of relaxation and an avenue for exploring the intricacies of Japan's cultural heritage. The attractive design and images of each puzzle piece tell a unique story, inviting people of all ages to enjoy the process of putting them together.

Join us on a journey to discover the captivating charm of Japan jigsaw puzzles that'll make your leisure time an exciting adventure!

1. About Japanese jigsaw puzzles

A jigsaw puzzle is a recreational game or activity that involves assembling a picture or design by fitting together interlocking pieces. The pieces of a jigsaw puzzle are usually irregularly shaped and need to be pieced together to create a complete image. The image is typically printed on the surface of each puzzle piece.

So, why is it called a jigsaw puzzle? The term "jigsaw puzzle" originates from the 18th century when pictures were painted on wood and then cut into irregular pieces using a jigsaw tool. Over time, the term became associated with puzzles that require assembling interlocking pieces to create a complete image or design. The name stuck, and jigsaw puzzles became a popular form of entertainment and education.

Jigsaw puzzles come in a wide range of themes, sizes, and levels of complexity. They can depict anything from landscapes, famous artworks, animals, and historical scenes to abstract patterns and more. The difficulty of a jigsaw puzzle is determined by factors such as the number of pieces, the complexity of the image, and the intricacy of the piece shapes.

About Japanese jigsaw puzzles, it is known for their meticulous craftsmanship and unique designs, offering enthusiasts a captivating twist on the traditional pastime. Crafted with exquisite printing, sturdy card stock, and clean cutting, Japan jigsaw puzzles are recognized for their exceptional quality.

What sets Japan jigsaw puzzles apart is not only their aesthetic appeal but also their wide range of themes. While many of these puzzles incorporate oriental motifs, reflecting Japan's rich heritage and natural beauty, such as cultural icons, traditional Japanese art, landscapes, anime characters, and more, the Japanese puzzle market also embraces a phenomenon known as "reverse imports." This involves the production of puzzles featuring Western characters, like Peanuts and Disney, which have gained popularity in Japan. This cultural interchange adds a layer of diversity to puzzle offerings, catering to a broader audience with varied interests.

2. Benefits of Japanese jigsaw puzzles

Now, come to the question “Why jigsaw puzzles are good for you?”. You may not notice, but Japan jigsaw puzzles offer a range of benefits that go beyond their entertainment value. These puzzles engage both the mind and the senses, contributing to various aspects of mental and emotional well-being.

One of the primary advantages of Japanese jigsaw puzzles lies in their ability to provide a cognitive workout that enhances brain function. The process of deciphering complex patterns, shapes, and colors stimulates various cognitive skills such as visual perception, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. This mental engagement helps keep the brain active and agile, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

Furthermore, Japan jigsaw puzzles promote relaxation and stress reduction. Assembling intricate puzzle pieces requires focused attention, allowing individuals to momentarily detach from the digital world and daily stressors. The repetitive motion of fitting the pieces together can have a soothing and meditative effect, aiding in relaxation and calming the mind.

Japanese jigsaw puzzles also offer an opportunity for bonding and socializing with family and friends. Assembling a puzzle together encourages collaboration, conversation, and shared accomplishments, creating a sense of togetherness and strengthening relationships.

In essence, Japan jigsaw puzzles offer a holistic approach to mental well-being. By engaging various cognitive and emotional faculties, they promote relaxation, brain health and interaction. Whether pursued as a solitary activity or a shared experience, these puzzles have the power to enhance mental fitness and contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

3. Popular Japanese jigsaw puzzle brands

Popular brands that produce Japan jigsaw puzzles include names like Apollo-sha, Appleone, Beverly, and more. These manufacturers are known for their commitment to quality and innovative puzzle designs.

3.1. Apollo-sha

Apollo-sha is a Japanese company known for producing high-quality puzzles with various themes and piece counts. They offer small puzzles with 9 or 10 pieces, as well as larger ones with 108, 300, 500, and 1,000 pieces. These puzzles often feature a wide range of themes, including vivid graphics, cute animals, classic characters, and more.

• APOLLO-SHA Jigsaw Puzzle 48-768 Japanese Anime Detective Conan 300 Pieces: This Japan jigsaw puzzle showcases the characters from Detective Conan in a unique American comic style. The characters, including Conan and his friends, are portrayed in a way that is reminiscent of classic comic book art. The puzzle is designed to capture the essence of the mystery-solving theme of Detective Conan and is suitable for fans of all ages.

• APOLLO-SHA Jigsaw Puzzle 48-763 Econeco Carnival: This is a 300-piece puzzle with a playful and colorful design. The Econeco Carnival puzzle is known for its vibrant and lively design that captures the essence of a carnival. The puzzle artwork features cheerful and colorful imagery that depicts various elements associated with a carnival.
• APOLLO-SHA - 25-188 Jigsaw Puzzle The Strongest Animals: This is a 75-piece puzzle and designed for children, featuring a theme of strong and powerful animals. The puzzle features animals from the "Strongest King" series of entertainment illustrations, where 24 animals are depicted in battle scenes.

3.2. Appleone

Appleone is a prominent Japanese jigsaw puzzle manufacturer. They produce a wide range of jigsaw puzzles with various themes and difficulty levels. Their puzzles are known for their high-quality printing and precision-cut pieces. The puzzles often feature beautiful artwork, Japanese landscapes, cultural elements, and more. Appleone's puzzles cater to different skill levels, from beginners to experienced puzzlers.

• APPLEONE Jigsaw Puzzle 1000-648 "Sam Park Cafe In Paris": This is a delightful puzzle featuring an artistic scene of Paris. The puzzle depicts a charming cafe scene, painted by artist Sam Park, which captures the beauty and ambiance of the city. The intricate details of the scene provide an engaging and immersive puzzle-solving experience.

• APPLEONE Jigsaw Puzzle 300-268 "Keisetu Illustration": This Japan jigsaw puzzle includes 300 pieces, and is a captivating puzzle that showcases Keisetu's artistic illustration, offering an engaging and visually appealing experience.
• APPLEONE Jigsaw Puzzle 1000-780 "Fantasy Art Kimono Girl": This is an 1000-piece and captivating puzzle featuring a fantasy art illustration of a kimono-clad girl. The puzzle showcases a fantasy art illustration of a girl wearing a kimono in a captivating and imaginative setting.

3.3. Beverly

Beverly is another well-known Japanese jigsaw puzzle manufacturer. They offer a diverse selection of jigsaw puzzles, including various piece counts and themes. Beverly's puzzles are appreciated for their attention to detail and vibrant imagery. Their collection covers a wide range of subjects, from nature and landscapes to popular characters and artworks. Beverly puzzles are available in different sizes and difficulty levels, making them suitable for different age groups and preferences.

• BEVERLY Crystal 3D Puzzle 486169 Doraemon: This includes 44 pieces and is a unique puzzle that creates a crystal-like three-dimensional model of Doraemon, a popular character from Japanese manga and anime. The puzzle comes with puzzle pieces to assemble a 3D model of Doraemon, including 36 Doraemon pieces, 1 center pole, 1 pedestal, and 6 doors. It also includes a medium mount, an assembly key, and a sticker.

• BEVERLY Jigsaw Puzzle 108-826 Cork Jigsaw Puzzle Rilakkuma Strawberry Party: This is a 108-piece and is a creative puzzle featuring the Rilakkuma characters and a strawberry party theme.
• BEVERLY Jigsaw Puzzle 93-108 Miss Irene Khan Dan Vale: This is a puzzle with 300 pieces featuring the artwork of Miss Irene Khan Dan Vale, with a finished size of 38 x 26 cm.

These manufacturers, along with others, contribute to Japan jigsaw puzzle culture, making it a beloved activity for relaxation and entertainment.

4. What to be aware of when buying Japanese jigsaw puzzles?

When embarking on the exciting journey of buying Japan jigsaw puzzles, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Quality and materials should be at the forefront of your considerations. Carefully inspect the puzzle's materials, including the type of cardboard or wood used for the pieces. Opt for puzzles crafted from high-quality materials that resist bending, tearing, and peeling, ensuring your puzzle remains in impeccable condition even after multiple uses.

A vital aspect is selecting a reputable brand known for crafting exceptional puzzles. Japan jigsaw puzzles have gained acclaim for their meticulous printing, sturdy card stock, and precise cutting. Prioritize brands with a proven track record for producing puzzles that not only challenge but also captivate the puzzler's imagination.

The shape of the puzzle pieces hold immense importance. Well-cut pieces seamlessly interlock, creating a fluid and satisfying puzzle-solving experience. Conversely, pieces with irregular shapes or loose connections can lead to frustration and hinder the joy of completing the puzzle.

Japanese jigsaw puzzles often feature a diverse range of themes, from serene oriental landscapes to iconic traditional artwork and even contemporary pop culture references. Select an image that resonates with your personal interests or the preferences of the puzzle's recipient, ensuring that every moment spent solving the puzzle is a visual delight.

Leveraging reviews and recommendations from fellow puzzle enthusiasts is a great way to gather information about specific puzzles to make an informed decision. You can read reviews and recommendations from other puzzle enthusiasts in valuable sources such as online puzzle communities, forums, and social media groups.

5. Where to buy authentic Japan jigsaw puzzles?

If you are wondering “Where can I buy Japanese jigsaw puzzles?”, Japan Figure Store is the perfect place for you to drop by!

We provide high-quality, genuine products with detailed descriptions and provenance. Furthermore, our customer service is great, and we offer secure payment choices and dependable shipping to ensure a pleasant purchase experience.

Please contact us at info@japan-figure.com if you have any queries before making a purchase or run into any problems while placing an order.

6. Related questions about Japanese jigsaw puzzles

6.1. What are Japanese puzzles called?

The Japan jigsaw puzzles are called "Kakuro" and "Nurikabe". Kakuro is a logic puzzle that is often referred to as a mathematical transliteration of the crossword. It involves filling a grid with digits from 1 to 9, subject to certain rules, to form entries that add up to given numbers. On the other hand, Nurikabe is a binary determination puzzle where the goal is to paint each cell black or white in a grid, subject to specific rules, to form islands and a single sea.

These Japanese jigsaw puzzles offer unique challenges and are enjoyed by puzzle enthusiasts worldwide. If you are interested in exploring more Japanese logic puzzles, you can also check out Hanjie, also known as Nonogram or Paint by Numbers, and Sudoku, which are other popular puzzles originating from Japan.

6.2. What's the hardest jigsaw puzzle?

The Dalmatians puzzle from Paul Lamond Games is a high-quality jigsaw puzzle consisting of 529 pieces. It is considered to be the world's most difficult puzzle due to its double-sided artwork, which presents a challenge even for the most passionate puzzle enthusiasts.