Bento Boxes Bent by Hand

Jul 25, 2025

「EP.57」大館曲げわっぱ

ODATE MAGE WAPPA
Akita Prefecture

「transcript」

In Odate (大館), Akita, a 1,300-year-old craft still thrives, first shaped by lumberjacks who bent cedar into humble round containers. By the 1600s, the ruling Satake (佐竹) clan promoted it as a way to revive the local economy, turning magewappa (曲げわっぱ) into a prized regional industry.

It’s made from 200-year-old Akita Sugi (秋田杉) cedar, prized for its straight grain and breathability. After drying for years, the wood is shaved thin, and its edges are tapered to avoid bulk at the seam, a step that takes years to master through experience. The wood is then boiled and, while still steaming hot, bent by bare hands to ensure precise shaping. Finally, it’s secured with decorative cherry bark stitching, a fitted base is added, and the surface is sanded to a soft glow.

This refined craftsmanship isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional. The cedar expels moisture, keeping rice fluffy and fresh. It's why magewappa bento boxes are still loved today.

Around 15 certified artisans continue this legacy, evolving the craft into new modern forms such as trays, cups, and even champagne coolers.

*The assets featured here are the work of their rightful creators, credited below