Keep it long, treasure it long.

One-of-a-kind vessel

The Blanc Pa dishes have a unique gradation and contrast of cedar created by nature, and each one has its own unique character. Odate Kogeisha, which has been making bento boxes since its founding in Odate City in northern Akita Prefecture, created this series after much trial and error to make use of the sirata (the young white part outside the annual rings) of trees, which are difficult to use in crafts because of their large shrinkage rate and tendency to rot.

The "Blanc" in "Blanc Pa" means "white" in French. These dishes, made using the sirata part, are filled with a special feeling for "white".

For your daily dining table

"Blanc Pa/Dish" allows you to experience the warmth of wood that has been nurtured over many years in the climate and environment of northern Tohoku, and the original character and beauty of cedar. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is also easy to use. It is coated with urethane, so it can be used with dishes that are high in water or oil, such as sauces. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from pasta, okonomiyaki, and sashimi to grilled and boiled fish.

Two sizes are available, S and M. The S size is the perfect size for a dessert plate or serving plate. The M size is the perfect size for salads, desserts, and toast for breakfast. Both sizes are stackable, so you can store them by stacking them, or you can store different sizes like nesting. It is surprisingly light and lifts up easily, so you can use it at the dinner table every day without stress.

A lifetime product with just a little care

Magewappa is made by craftsmen who carefully finish each process of boiling, bending, binding, and sewing cedar. It is simple, yet carefully made. The texture of well-polished cedar wood remains smooth even after time has passed. I feel that materials created by nature can be so familiar to our lives. Magewappa are often thought of as difficult to use, but by following the correct usage, they can be transformed from "difficult tools" to "convenient and useful tools".

Another feature of Akita cedar is that it has antibacterial properties, and since the surface is well coated, it can be kept clean without liquids soaking in or rice grains sticking to it. To clean up, use a sponge to remove dirt with lukewarm water, then pour boiling water over it. After that, wipe off the moisture and dry it upside down. It is also a good idea to stand the wappa on a small cup so that air can flow through the bottom. The secret to using it for a long time is to let it dry completely before storing it. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight. It is said that it can crack due to sudden changes in temperature. With just the basic maintenance, it will be a tool that will be with you for a long time, so we hope you will enjoy using it while watching the color change over time.

Traditional crafts that utilize the power of nature

Akita cedar that has endured harsh winters has a beautiful luster, and it is said that the bent wood boxes made by bending it are exquisite and do not warp over the years. Made from natural Akita cedar that is 150 to 200 years old, bent wood boxes are not only durable, but also keep things cold in the summer and warm in the winter, making them a traditional Akita craft that makes the most of the power of nature. Akita cedar absorbs the moisture from the rice as if it were breathing, and by maintaining the right amount of humidity, the rice packed in the box becomes exceptionally delicious.

The history of bent wood boxes is long, and it is said to date back to the Nara period. It is said that it began when a woodcutter made a lunch box by bending a piece of cedar wood and sewing it together with cherry bark. Production of Odate magewappa became popular about 400 years ago. In 1980, it was designated as a national traditional craft. There are many types of magewappa all over Japan, but only Odate magewappa is designated as a traditional craft, and its excellent technique is highly regarded.