Danbo
A few years ago, when I first joined Flickr and started perusing all the incredible photography there, I would occasionally come across fun and creative images of a box-headed character. I had no idea who this character was and why people were taking photos of it. It took me a while to figure it all out, so for those of you who are new to Danbo (or Danboard, as it is technically called), it is a toy figure from Japan made to resemble an Amazon box. The character originates from a Japanese comic magazine (or manga) called Yotsuba&!.
The Danbo figures have articulated arms, legs and heads, which allow them to be moved into different positions. For some reason, they have become somewhat popular as subjects of photography on Flickr. That’s where I first saw them and fell in love with them. They always make me smile! :)
Big Danbo and Little Danbo
When I saw all the creative fun that many Flickr members were having with their Danbos, I really wanted one of my own to playfully photograph. I checked around on Amazon but they were out of stock at the time. Shortly after that, I went off to visit my parents on my own, while my partner stayed back home and I totally forgot about Danbo.
I was away from home for almost two weeks and when I returned a happy surprise awaited me—two Danbos: Big Danbo and his little brother, Little Danbo. As soon as I walked in the door, I spotted them both patiently waiting for me—Little Danbo happily sporting a welcome sign and Big Danbo extending an offering of my favourite locally-made gourmet chocolates, which evaporated almost instantly (and it wasn’t either of the Danbos or my partner who devoured them). Ah, it was a sweet homecoming indeed!
“What Is It?”
I know I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but last night I got up for a drink of water in the middle of the night and it was so quiet in the house that I couldn’t help but overhear the Danbo Brothers whispering to each other:
“What is it?”, asked Little Danbo.
“I don’t know”, replied Big Danbo.
“Do you think we can eat it?”, wondered Little Danbo.
“I don’t know…”, answered Big Danbo.
I have no idea when those two sleep. I think they explore all night long. I peeked into the kitchen and wanted to tell them it was a Werther’s caramel candy, but I didn’t want to wake myself up, so I just stumbled back into bed. When I awoke this morning, I found the empty gold wrapper, so I guess they figured it out.
Image Credits:
Welcome Danbos, photograph by madlyinlovewithlife; © 2011 madlyinlovewithlife
What Is It?, photograph by madlyinlovewithlife; © 2011 madlyinlovewithlife
madlyinlovewithlife 
This story make me smile.You are having fun with your Japanese Danbos. I did not know they originated from Japan. I remember seeing them on your Flickr gallery. ;-)
Yes, Flickr is where I fell in love with the Danbos! :))
So cute! And nice photos :-D
I order a lot of stuff from Amazon.JP, so these boxes are a familiar site ;-)
Thank you! I too love to order from Amazon, though I get my goodies from Amazon.ca! :))
:-D :-D
You always make me smile Jeannie
Ha…ha! :))) I’m glad for that, Mark. Thanks for stopping by. :))
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Did you ever find out ‘how’ these adorable made it to your home? Were they a gift from your partner? :))) (Sorry if I’m asking too much!)
Yes, Takami! The Danbo Brothers were indeed a gift from my partner. At the time, they weren’t available anywhere in North America and he finally tracked the pair down from an eBay seller in Japan. He was hoping they would arrive before I got home from visiting my parents–and they did! They were a delightful surprise! (The chocolates that Big Danbo gave me were also from him too!) :)) Thanks for stopping by! :))
Your partner is a wonderful person! What a thoughtful and awesome gift :)))
He is! I’m a lucky girl! :))
And your partner is a lucky man! :))
Haha, sorry for so many comments. I promise it’s the last one for today :)))
Ha…ha…ha! You just said what he just told me he wanted to say, but he was lamenting that he didn’t have a blog to say it on! :))) Thanks for all the fun! :)) Wishing you and your partner a great weekend! :))
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Like you Jeannie,my first introduction to the Danbo brothers was through Flickr. Thank you so much for the information on where they come from. I love your wonderful stories of their adventures.
Thanks so much, Dianne! I’m thrilled that you love the Danbo Brother aventures. These two seem to have a way of wiggling into one’s heart, don’t they? Thank you for all of your comments and visits, my friend! Wishing you a Happy Winter Weekend! :))
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