Magewappa bento boxes, a timeless Japanese craft

Written by Majime Life: 10th September 2024

Magewappa bento boxes are beautiful, handcrafted Japanese style lunch boxes, traditionally made in Japan from thinly sliced cedar or cypress wood. Renowned for their elegant simplicity and natural beauty, these boxes have been used for centuries, evolving over time to result in a melding of functionality and artistry.

In this article, we talk about the origins of the craft, the processes involved in the creation of every single bento box and discuss some challenges and opportunities for its sustainability.

The Rich History of Magewappa Bento Boxes

Magewappa bento boxes, with their delicate wooden design and elegant simplicity, are an integral part of the Japanese bento culture. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, these handcrafted bento boxes are not just functional items but a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage. The history of the magewappa craft, which literally means "bent wood," is deeply intertwined with the development of Japanese craftsmanship, culinary customs, and the appreciation of natural beauty. Magewappa is used to make not only bento boxes, but other products like bowls, steamers, trays and sushi dishes amongst numerous other items.

 A magewappa coffee cup. 

Due to the handmade nature of traditional magewappa bento boxes and the quality of the materials used, the high price tag associated with these boxes is understandably justified. Akita cedar ('sugi no ki') and cypress ('hinoki') wood, the primary materials for these boxes, are not only expensive but their stock is also controlled due to sustainable forestry practices. The time and skill required to produce each bento box also contribute to its cost. As a result, magewappa boxes are often seen as luxury items, which can limit their market, particularly among younger consumers who may not be able to afford them.

An Akita cedar tree.

Many people, both in Japan and internationally, may not be fully aware of the cultural significance and craftsmanship behind magewappa bento boxes. Without a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved, consumers might not see the value in paying a premium for these items. Increasing public awareness and education about the history, cultural importance, production and environmental benefits of Magewappa is essential for sustaining demand and ensuring that this traditional craft does not disappear.

The origin of Magewappa

The origins of Japanese magewappa can be traced back over 400 years to Akita Prefecture, Japan, to the city of Odate. During the Edo period (1603-1868), this region was known for its abundant forests, rich in Akita cedar and cypress trees, both of which became the primary materials for the craft. At the time, the Tokugawa shogunate stationed in that area ordered low-ranking samurai to craft magewappa as a side job to make the best use of the abundant natural resources. These woods are prized not only for their durability but also for their light weight, fine grain, and natural aroma, making them ideal for creating bento boxes.

 Location of Akita prefecture in Japan.

 

 Cedar trees in mountain forest. 

Regarded not just for their natural beauty, they also possess a number of convenient properties for storing food. Because they slowly absorb moisture, bento boxes made from them are particularly good at maintaining the freshness foods such as rice, a staple of the Japanese diet, keeping them delicious. They also have a faint woody aroma which complements many Japanese foods. And to top it off, they possess natural antibacterial properties, making them suited to store food.

The art of bending wood was initially developed as a practical solution for creating everyday items. Local craftsmen, known as shokunin (職人)  began to experiment with the technique of bending thin sheets of wood around an object, securing them with natural materials such as cherry bark. This method allowed for the creation of lightweight, sturdy containers that could be used for storing food. Over time, these wooden containers evolved into the finely crafted magewappa bento boxes we see today.

 A typical magewappa bento box is oval in shape with visible straight grains in the wood. 

The magewappa bento box crafting process: a blend of patience and skill 

The creation of a magewappa bento box is a meticulous process that requires both skill and patience.

It begins with the selection of the finest pieces of Akita cedar or cypress. The high standards of craftspeople mean that wood with knots or even the slightest hint of discolouration is not used for magewappa items.

The wood is carefully sliced into thin, uniform sheets. However, the ends of each sheet are cut to be thinner than the middle, a technique which is incredibly difficult and requires years of experience and skills.

 
The sheets are then placed in boiling water to let them absorb water and make them pliable. This boiling process not only softens the wood but also enhances its natural aroma, which contributes to the overall sensory experience of using a magewappa box. Workshops at this stage of the process are particularly filled with the beautiful scent of wood.

Once the wood is sufficiently flexible, it is immediately and quickly bent around a cylindrical object such as a log of wood, and the ends are secured with a large wooden clip. This form is placed in a drying room to dry for up to 10 days to let the shape set in. After that, the ends are secured together with glue after going through a further cleaning process to help the adhesive stick better.

Once the glue has set, the base of the bento box is attached to the bent frame. Sometimes there is a groove already made in the base to help secure the frame better, but this depends on the crafting process.

Finally, to secure the bent frame, cuts are made into the ends where the glue has set, and strips of cherry bark are inserted carefully through these cuts. It is an incredibly nerve wrecking feat as the crafts person does not want to crack the wood after such a laborious process.

From here, the surface of the bento box is polished and coating, such as Japanese lacquer, is applied. This coating process is in itself another form of delicate craft.

 Magewappa bento box crafting process. Clockwise from top left: Thin cedar sheets are made soft and pliable in 80 degrees hot water; the sheets are manually bent to shape while still hot; cherry bark is inserted where the ends have been glued to secure the shape; the base is attached. 

As you can see, the simplicity of the design of a magewappa bento box is deceptive. Each box is a work of art, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship of the artisan. The natural wood grain, the delicate curve of the bent wood, and the subtle fragrance of the cedar or cypress all contribute to the unique charm of magewappa.

Cultural Significance and Modern Appeal of magewappa bento boxes

Magewappa bento boxes are more than just containers for food. They reflect the Japanese philosophy of ‘wabi-sabi’, which finds beauty in modest and simple things. The term ‘wabi’ in ‘wabi-sabi’ evolved to have a positive meaning in being content in situations that are not going as one planned and finding acceptance and peace with it. The term ‘sabi’ refers to beauty that emerges over time. Items in the physical world change as time passes, sometimes becoming dirty or damaged. In the Japanese sense of aesthetics, this is not regarded as a negative sign of deterioration, but rather embraces beauty through change.

Example of 'wabi-sabi': Moss growing on a stone lantern makes it blend with the forest.

The natural, unvarnished wood of magewappa embodies this concept, celebrating the inherent qualities of the material rather than masking them with elaborate designs or finishes.

A simple and beautiful magewappa bento box.

Historically in Japan, magewappa boxes were used by wood-workers and farmers to carry their meals when working out in the fields. Their inherent properties like being lightweight and naturally antibacterial were fit for this purpose. The use of natural materials and the focus on simplicity also resonate with the Japanese principle of mottainai (もったいない), which emphasizes the importance of not wasting resources.

 A farmer working in a rice field. 

In contemporary Japan, magewappa bento boxes have experienced a resurgence in popularity, partly due to a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly products. As people become more conscious of the environmental impact of single use disposable plastic containers, the timeless appeal of magewappa, with its craftsmanship, biodegradable and reusable qualities, has made it an attractive alternative. There are also more stylish and elaborate designs to lure and suit modern tastes.

 A pair of magewappa bento boxes with stylish printed designs featuring Japanese patterns and motifs. 

Despite these factors, plastic bento boxes are still by far more common due to their convenience (microwave and dishwasher safe), durability and cost. Authentic magewappa bento boxes are usually much more expensive, usually 3-5 times more than a plastic bento box, due to their production process and declining availability of the wood that has come to define them.

But for true bento and Japanese craftsmanship connoisseurs, nothing beats the beauty, touch and smell of a wooden magewappa bento box.

A delicious bento prepared in a magewappa bento box.

 

Despite the enduring appeal of magewappa, the craft faces significant challenges in the modern world. Apart from higher costs and usage practicalities, the number of skilled artisans who can create these boxes is dwindling in Japan, as younger generations are often drawn to more lucrative or urban careers. Overharvesting and climate change are also a huge threat to the sustainability of these slow growing trees.

Efforts are however being made to preserve this traditional craft. Organizations and workshops in Odate and other regions are working to train new artisans and promote the art of magewappa both domestically and internationally. These initiatives aim to keep the tradition alive by adapting it to contemporary tastes and needs while maintaining the core principles of craftsmanship and sustainability.

 A shokunin craftsperson bending wood.

To address local supply limitations, woods sourced from outside of Japan also use high-quality woods similar to Akita cedar and cypress. These woods are typically sourced from regions with well managed forestry programs like North America or Northern Europe. China is another source.

In recent years, magewappa has also gained international recognition, with designers and chefs around the world embracing bento boxes for their aesthetic and functional qualities. Outside of Japan, magewappa are popular in North America where Japanese culture has a strong following. They are also popular in France and Germany, which are known for their appreciation of artisanal goods, and also parts of Southeast Asia like Singapore where Japanese cuisine is popular.

A stylish 'soramame' (fava bean) shaped magewappa bento box.