"The Finished Product Always Surpasses Imagination" – Fuyuki Shimazu Collects Cardboard from Around the World and Transforms It into Wallets

Discarded cardboard casually thrown away on the streets and in front of stores. Fuyuki Shimazu shines as a “cardboard picker,” collecting materials that many overlook and transforming them into wallets, bags, and other creations. His atelier in Shibuya and the workshops held domestically and internationally attract large crowds each time.

I spoke with him about the appeal of cardboard, the detailed process behind creating a cardboard wallet, and his personal dedication to the craft.

Attracted to the Warmth of the Design

I understand that you started making works from cardboard while attending Tama Art University.

Yes. During my second year studying information design, I made my first wallet from cardboard at home. My wallet had become tattered, and I didn’t have money to buy a new one, so I decided to make one as a temporary fix. I cut the cardboard while referencing other wallets and glued it with adhesive and double-sided tape... I thought it would last a month, but it ended up lasting a whole year. I was incredibly surprised.

Then, after making several wallets, I tried selling them at a school festival for 500 yen each and sold about 30 right away. I really felt the response and began to think, “There’s no other path for me but cardboard.”

What aspects of cardboard captivated you so much that you thought, “Only cardboard will do”?

Sometimes I also don’t understand why, but the main reason is that everywhere around the world, there’s always new cardboard I’ve never seen before. Even after 16 years of working, I still encounter cardboard I’ve never seen, and I never get bored. That’s my greatest motivation. I might be similar to an entomologist seeking daily new discoveries. If there were only plain cardboard in the world, I don't think I would have continued this long.

Because you majored in design, you're drawn to the diverse charm of cardboard, right?

That’s true. Of course, there’s also the characteristic of it being a great material, but I’m very attracted to the warmth and somewhat relaxed nature of cardboard design. Even if it’s plain, I don’t think anyone would be troubled by it, but it’s interesting that it contains so much emotion.

However, normally, that interesting aspect doesn’t receive any attention. I constantly think about how to convey the charm of cardboard that only I recognize to others.

Cardboard Wallets with Emphasis on Design, Durability, & Usability

You conduct workshops on making cardboard wallets at your atelier and various event venues, right? Could you specify the process until the cardboard wallet is completed?

Cardboard consists of three layers. First, I wet it and peel it apart. Then, I crush the flutes. This way, it becomes thin and soft enough to be folded like origami.

During workshops and events, I prepare many wallet templates. Recently, due to the rise of cashless transactions, more people prefer smaller sizes over long wallets. I personally use a card case daily as well. The moment people select their patterns is always the most lively; seeing that brings me great joy.

What aspects do you focus on in the structure of wallets?

I'm focused on three axes: design, durability, and usability. I constantly use it in my daily life and have incorporated improvements through trial and error.

Enhancing strength is a skill I’ve developed over 16 years. The peeled cardboard is always made into a double-layer structure, and by having no exposed areas in the design, it becomes very robust.

Additionally, starting from last year, I’ve developed a structure that can be made without using glue. Since some people struggle to handle glue effectively, I improved it to enable anyone to create a beautiful project quickly. Just fold it together, attach the snap button at the end... it takes about 20 minutes to complete.

By the way, for instance, if someone drops their wallet into a puddle, will it be okay?

I always advise, "If it gets wet, please dry it immediately." I once accidentally washed mine, but after drying it and re-gluing it, it revived successfully. It developed a character like damaged jeans, which turned out to be a nice effect. Cardboard is surprisingly sturdy.

When creating works out of cardboard, which parts of the process do you find rewarding, Shimazu?

When it transforms from a flat surface to a three-dimensional form, there’s always a surprise like, "Oh, this is how the design turned out," or "I didn’t expect this illustration to go here." No matter how much I imagine the final design in my head, it always exceeds my expectations. That's why I never get bored making it, and it’s always enjoyable. The repetitive task of cutting cardboard also never gets dull, and there’s nothing particularly hard about it. Since I work alone, the only tough part is thinking about financial matters related to the company (laughs).

How do you gather the cardboard material on a daily basis?

Previously, I often visited the Ota Market in Tokyo. It’s one of the largest wholesale markets in Japan, and it's likely where the most cardboard is collected in the country. However, the system has changed, making it more difficult to pick up cardboard. Recently, I’ve been frequenting NATIONAL AZABU, a supermarket for international foods.

However, not just any cardboard will do. When trying to obtain patterned cardboard that will please workshop participants, it’s surprisingly challenging. I always travel by car and spend a whole day searching. I definitely don’t pick up cardboard that’s soaking wet and faded, but the only time I encountered infested cardboard was once in the Philippines.

Cardboard Wallets Remaining as “Culture”

(Looking at the stacked cardboard in the studio) There are quite a few stored on the shelves, but how much cardboard do you have in total?

I’ve never counted, but I have more than 500 pieces collected from 47 countries (as of February 2025) organized by country. What’s here is my treasure and collection, so I don’t use them as raw material.

Cardboard from the United States is made from virgin pulp, which is high-purity pulp, so it’s hard; while in Japan, over 90% is made from recycled cardboard, which means the fibers are more loosened and soft... The differences from country to country are fascinating. I also choose the appropriate cardboard for the necessary parts.

Since cardboard tends to decay over time, preserving it is a theme I frequently consider. My dream is to create a cardboard museum. It doesn’t need to be permanent, but I would like to leave something behind in some form before I die.

I have a five-year-old son, and while I think it would be unfair to entrust everything to him, I also hope he can save at least a little bit (laughs).

Shimazu, your activities are attracting attention from a sustainability perspective. Do you consider this when selecting clothing or items?

Yes. When sourcing materials at a home improvement store for a display, I'm really scared of buying in bulk. I always consider how to scale up, but at the same time, I always think, "Could this be substituted with that?" I’m particular when purchasing items and I prefer those with multiple uses.

Are there any works you would like to create or goals you have for your activities in the future?

Recently, I've been brainstorming various ideas for home goods and accessories, like making vases or creating cars by combining parts made with a 3D printer... I am continuing to prototype.

However, I have a strong desire for many people to experience what I create rather than just selling my works. I am constantly thinking about "how to make it possible for anyone to create it." I want to preserve the cardboard wallet as a piece of wisdom. For instance, grandmothers often fold flyers quickly to create containers for discarded mandarin peels. I wish for it to remain as a part of our culture. I believe that is the ultimate sustainability, and I am always contemplating what should be done for that purpose.

Once he started talking, Shimazu's affection for cardboard overflowed, and he introduced various types of cardboard as if he returned to his childhood. Since the day I spoke with him, I found my gaze naturally drawn to cardboard found all over the city. His spirit of "making the best use of what we have and enjoying it" is undoubtedly something that is needed in our future.