In the quiet, snow-dusted forests of Akita Prefecture, a thousand-year-old craft continues to breathe, not in museums, but in the hands of artisans who bend cedar each morning as their predecessors once did. Odate Magewappa is the ancient art of shaping fine-grained Akita Cedar into a more functional form. Although it was initially born from practical needs, the craft was later championed by Lord Satake of Odate Castle, who encouraged lower-class samurai to master the technique to supplement their income and to utilize the region’s vast cedar resources. While the exact origins of its creation remain shrouded in mystery, there are Odate Magewappa artifacts dating back over 1,100 years that suggest this refined woodcraft has been a cornerstone of the region for centuries. This craft was formally recognized in 1980 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, which designated Odate Magewappa as a Traditional Folk Craft of Japan.
Ryobian: Legacy of Odate Magewappa
Carrying this heritage into the present day is Ryobian. Established in December 2017, Ryobian specializes in the refined craftsmanship of this designated art, creating each piece under the philosophy of the "old and new." They honor the techniques passed down through generations while innovating at the intersection of tradition and contemporary design. Ryobian’s mission is to preserve the essential character of Odate Magewappa while ensuring it continues to live naturally within modern daily routines.
Crafting Form and Friction
The creation of Odate Magewappa is a process that demands both physical strength and a deep, intuitive understanding of the timber. While we will explore these techniques in depth in a future feature, the foundation of the craft rests on these essential steps:
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Material Selection: High-quality Akita Cedar is chosen for its fine grain and pleasant aroma, then split into thin, uniform sheets.
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Softening: The cedar strips are boiled in hot water to make the fibers pliable, preparing them for the transformation from straight wood to a more circular form. Steam rises in the workshop as the cedar releases its quiet, resinous scent, a fragrance that lingers long after the wood cools.
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The Crucial Bend: Artisans hand-bend the softened wood into a curve. This stage is the most critical; the "memory" of the wood means the first bend must be perfect, or the vessel will not form the desired shape. Too much force and the grain will fracture. Too little and the curve will resist. The artisan learns to read tension through the fingertips.
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Natural Joinery: The pieces are then secured without nails or adhesives. Instead, the overlapping cedar is stitched together using finely thinned strips of Yamazakura tree bark. This delicate, natural binding not only anchors the shape but serves as a beautiful, rhythmic contrast to the cedar’s grain.
The Omakase Selection:
At Omakase, we are honored to carry a collection of Ryobian’s Odate Magewappa bento boxes, vessels that transform a simple meal into a moment of connection with Japanese tradition. Choosing Odate Magewappa is a functional masterstroke; the cedar’s natural breathability regulates moisture to keep food at its peak freshness, while its inherent antibacterial properties keep every ingredient pristine. This biological advantage not only maintains the perfect texture of your rice but also actively works to reduce food waste.
Out of respect for the environment, ancient natural Akita Cedar is no longer harvested. Today, Ryobian uses high-age plantation-grown Akita cedar from sustainably managed forests, ensuring the continuation of the craft without compromising the forests that sustain it. Crafted from these renewable materials and built to last for decades. Not only do they represent an environmentally mindful lifestyle, but they are also an investment in a craft that honors the earth as much as it honors the user.
Magewappa Koban Bento Box (Small & Large)
A classic, soft-oval form that serves as a wonderful introduction to the world of Magewappa. Exceptionally lightweight and compact, it is designed for the minimalist lunch and features a removable divider for effortless organization.
Available in two sizes: Small and Large.
Magewappa Omotenashi Bento Box
An expansive, statement-sized vessel designed for the spirit of Omotenashi or hospitality. Boasting three times the capacity of the Koban, this is the ultimate choice for social gatherings, picnics, or shared family meals.
Magewappa Yayoi Two-tier Bento Box
A sophisticated vertical stack that offers a rhythmic, tiered aesthetic. Offering maximum versatility, the 450ml and 500ml tiers can be used in tandem or separately, allowing you to scale your meal to your needs.
Magewappa Irodori Two-tier Small Bento Box
A refined, slimline evolution of the traditional stack, optimized for portability without sacrificing variety. Each tier is secured with its own dedicated lid, while a removable divider in the upper chamber allows for effortless, versatile meal arrangements.
Living with Intention
The beauty of Odate Magewappa extends far beyond the workshop; it lives in the mindful choices we make every day. By choosing a vessel crafted from renewable Akita Cedar, you are stepping away from the culture of disposable convenience and toward a more intentional lifestyle.
Investing in a high-quality bento box is a commitment to both the planet and your own well-being. Because these vessels naturally regulate moisture and preserve flavors, your food remains as delicious as the moment it was prepared, making the choice to eat a healthy, home-cooked meal more effortless and rewarding. This superior freshness reduces food waste and lessens the need for single-use plastics, reminding us that the most sustainable path is often found in the wisdom of tradition.
