How to Use the Japanese Traditional Bento Box, Magewappa

A portable lunch box or bento box is convenient to carry your favorite food. Different kinds of bento box are produced in Japan and have been developed as traditional crafts. Magewappa from Akita Prefecture is also the one. The one-and-only bento box now becomes a symbolic product of Japanese traditional bento box.

What is Magewappa?

OVAL LUNCH BOX WITH URUSHI COATING

Magewappa is traditional woodcraft created in Odate city, Akita Prefecture of Japan. Its history is traced back over 1300 years when woodcutters started to bend wood boards to make containers.

In the Edo period, that is, from the 17th century to the mid 19th century in the history of Japan, Magewappa became an important industry for the domain of Odate city. Samurai made Magewappa as their side job and sold the products to different domains. After a long period of time, Magewappa was designated as a traditional Japanese craft by the law in 1980.

For Odate Magewappa, Akita cedar is used for the material. The cedar trees aged over 100 years has beautiful grain and luster. The wood is so stable and is hardly warped. Those qualities are perfect for making containers, including bento box.

The making process of Magewappa

MICHI BENTO BOX

The most feature of Magewappa is its refined curve.

Artisans first cut Akita cedar and make thin boards. The process needs a high skill since each board needs to have an equal thickness. Then they boil the material to earn its flexibility.

After boiling the material, they start bending. Using a wood mold, the wood board obtains the beautiful curve. Then they dry the products thoroughly, and the bark of cherry wood is used to bind the wood board. The bark is sewed by hand.

The whole process takes more than several weeks. The beauty of Magewappa is created only by remarkable work of artisans.

ROUND DOUBLE BENTO BOX

Bento boxes of Magewappa

TWO-LAYER LUNCH BOX

While many plastic bento boxes are available in these days, why do the bento boxes of Magewappa look charming?

There are several reasons.

- Super light and easy to carry

- Good looking and keeps food tasty

- Long-lasting and repairable

Since Magewappa is made of thin wood board, the bento boxes are surprisingly lightweight. ODATE KOUGEISHA manufactures various types and sizes of bento boxes which are useful for both adults and kids.

Not only its good looking, handmade bento boxes of Magewappa has a nice scent of Akita cedar. Also, the cedar is good at absorbing moisture effectively. When you put food like vegetables and rice that have certain moisture into the bento box, the cedar absorbs excessive moisture and keeps the taste of the food.

Magewappa bento boxes are also long-lasting if you regularly care. Even if you find some damage, the manufacturer might be able to repair. Please ask ZUTTO Customer Support for more information.

ZUTTO's staff members are also heavy users of Magewappa bento boxes.

OVAL LUNCH BOX MEDIUM

How to care Magewappa lunch boxes

Wash and Dry

It is important for Magewappa to avoid excessive moisture.

- Do not soak in the water for a long time.

- Wash gently with a soft sponge and dish soap as soon as you finish using. Then wipe with a soft cloth and dry well in a breathable place. Please avoid direct sunlight.