Jan 13, 2026 – Ann is in OurLittleCorner today
Little Boxes Aren’t Always Tacky
I had never heard of an origami masu box until New Year’s Day dinner at a Sonoma friend’s home. Another guest, Sophie, presented each of us with a 1″ handmade box with a lid. Inside of each box was an inspirational message for the New Year…2026, in this case.
I was so intrigued with this creative process that I searched the web for instructions. And – very quickly – realized that my Sonoma friend has way, way more patience and way more creative spirit and capabilities than I do. But below is a good video if you’re willing to give origami masu boxes a try.
I’m going to suggest that you start with a common origami sheet size, which is 15cm x 15cm (or about 6″ x 6″). I think that will give you a box which is about 2″x2″. When your little box is done, fill it with a special saying, a piece of homemade candy – or maybe you should stick with the Japanese theme and fill it with a packet of Furikake, the versatile Japanese seaweed seasoning. And definitely include our Furikake-topped fish recipe along with it!
And just so you know…this whole blog was inspired by the song “Little Boxes,” which was written and recorded in 1962 by Malvina Reynolds. The song wasn’t about little origami paper boxes; it was about ticky tacky boxes (i.e. mass-produced, “all the same” houses) on the suburban hillside. Origami boxes are anything but all the same!
When you gift your Furikake seasoning – stashed away in that darling masu box – suggest to the lucky recipients that they use just a few tablespoons to flavor popcorn, sprinkle on fried eggs, top a leafy green salad, prepare our Sushi Bake, or make today’s roasted fish recipe.
Furikake Roasted Salmon - or Steelhead or Black Cod
- 1/4 c mayonnaise (Japanese kewpie mayo is great to use – but other kinds will work fine)
- 1 tsp wasabi paste (optional – adds some heat!)
- 1 T soy sauce
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet (or substitute Steelhead or Black Cod)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Diamond kosher salt
- 3 T furikake
Preheat oven to 400F. Oil a 9″x13″baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Mix together mayonnaise and soy sauce.
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. With the skin side down spread the mayonnaise mixture of the top of the salmon. Sprinkle the furikake on top of the mayo mixture.
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
Well this sounds yummy…will definitely give it a try, Andy and Ann.
And what a pleasure to hear Malvina again. We never pass Daly City without humming Little Boxes, and it was a real treat to hear the whole song again!
Andy here: Thanks for the comment. That song does take us back to another era. Evidently it was not one of Tom Lehrer’s favorites; he supposedly said that it was “the most sanctimonious song ever written”.
Making boxes goes right along with my addiction to the weather app!
Origami day = cloud/rain icon.
Great recipe & truly one of the best Dylan songs.
I hadn’t thought of the origami/rain connection, but it makes sense. Plus, I believe that your little boxes are right up there with sunshine in generating dopamine.