Keep it long, treasure it long.

Light and warm to the touch

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, 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 paint, so it can be used for dishes with a lot of moisture and oil, such as sauces. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from pasta to rice bowls and stews.

Two sizes are available, S and M. The S size is the perfect size for serving side dishes as a small bowl, as well as a soup bowl or a serving plate for hot pot dishes. It is also recommended to use it as a rice bowl, and the moisture-regulating function of the bento box will slowly make the rice delicious. The M size, which is one size larger, is just the right size for use as a bowl for rice bowls. It is also good for serving juicy meat and potatoes. It is surprisingly light and lifts up easily, so you can use it without stress at the dinner table every day.

And Blanc Pa/Bowl is also great for storage. It is stackable, and is designed to be the same height when stacked in a nested manner, so it can be stored in a small space.

A lifetime product with simple care

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

Another characteristic of Akita cedar is that it has a sterilizing effect, and since the surface is well coated, it can be kept clean without soaking in liquids 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 water and dry it upright. It is also a good idea to stand the bento box on a small cup so that air can flow through the bottom. The secret to using it for a long time is to dry it completely before storing it. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight. It can crack due to sudden changes in temperature. With basic maintenance, it will become a tool that will be with you for a long time, so we hope you will enjoy using it while enjoying the color changes that occur over time.

Traditional crafts that make use of the power of nature

Akita cedar that has endured harsh winters has a beautiful luster, and it is said that bent bento boxes are intricately made and will not warp for many years. Made from natural Akita cedar that is 150 to 200 years old, bento boxes are not only durable, but also keep things cool 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 just the right amount of humidity, the rice packed in the wappa becomes exceptionally delicious.

The history of magewappa is long, and is said to date back to the Nara period. It is said that it began when a woodcutter made lunch boxes by bending raw 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 various types of magewappa all over Japan, but only Odate magewappa is designated as a traditional craft, and it is highly regarded for its excellent technique.