Japanese Box Paper -- Lacquer? Mache?

It's 7 " by 7 " by 2.25 ". It's pretty light but relatively solid like maybe lacquer.

Does anyone know what these kinds of boxes are called or what the symbols might mean?

I didn't realize one photo would come out like this with flash so I will take more without it. It doesn't fit into my work flow to do it right now.

 

If you can, please rotate #2 pic 180 degrees...an' I really look forward to a translation of that inscription! Thanks, a very nice 'box'!

 

Now we're cruising'!

This is a broadcast appeal for translation skills equal to this task. Thank you in advance!

 

I found a lot of hits searching on Japanese Box octagonal Lacquer Mache.

Since this is a six sided box, I also searched with those words.

I used to have a book from Japan on how to make objects like this, so perhaps it's just a homemade project, made with supplies from a store like JoAnns or Hobby Lobby.

 

Octagonal? Nay...HEXagonal!