When it comes to choosing a handmade wood bento box, most people immediately think of Akita's famous magewappa. And Akita wappa probably took over 90% of the artisanal hand-made wood bento market in Japan (excluding the off-shore factory-made cheaper version). However, there are other, lesser-known styles of traditional Japanese bento boxes that also offer unique qualities and rich histories. Today, we’ll delve into two such styles: Hakata (of Fukuoka) and Issochi (of Kumamoto) bentwood bento boxes, crafted by renowned regional artisans like Shibatatoku, ShibataTamaki, and Sosogi. While these artisan bento boxes may look similar at first glance, understanding their differences can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Historic Lineage
Hakata Bentwood (ShibataToku & ShibataTamaki): Originating in the Maidashi district near Hakozaki Shrine, Hakata magemono has a deep connection to ritual and ceremonial use. Artisans traditionally used Hinoki wood for its light color and straight grain, symbolizing purity, perfect for offerings and keepsake boxes. Over time, as demand for authentic bentwood bento boxes grew among commoners and tea ceremony practitioners, artisans began incorporating Japanese cedar, known for its lightweight and warm, reddish tone.
(See the beautiful Hakozaki Shrine here)
Issochi Bentwood (Sosogi): Issochi magemono has its roots in the mountainous region of Hida Takayama, famous for its woodcraft. Artisans brought this craft to the Issochi area of Kumamoto 400 years ago, where they began producing bentwood objects for the local Sagara clan. The Issochi style is characterized by its use of thicker materials and a mix of Hinoki for the frame and cedar for the lid and base, creating a distinctive handmade wood bento box aesthetic that has been passed down through generations.
Key Signatures in Handmade Wood Bento Boxes
Thickness:
Hakata: 4mm thin cedar throughout, creating a lightweight and delicate feel.
Issochi: 4.5mm Hinoki frame with a 15mm cedar lid and base, offering a sturdier build.
Wood: (all Japan locally-grown material):
Cedar and Hinoki (Japanese cypress) are chosen because of its light-weight, fine and clean grain (as opposed to knotty trees like pine).
Sakura cherry tree bark becomes the iconic stitching at the bentwood joint.
Hakata uses cedar for mostly daily functional wares, bento boxes, and traditional tea ceremony utensils. Hinoki is typically reserved for Shrine ceremony, ritual-wares or traditional celebratory wares, because the paleness of the wood symbolizes purity, fit for sacred services.
Issochi combines both Hinoki and Cedar in 1 box, taking advantage of the properties of both trees.
Aroma:
Hakata: Features the rich scent of cedar, making it a favorite among those who cherish the natural wood fragrance.
Issochi: Combines the refreshing aroma of Hinoki with the warmth of Cedar, offering a unique all-natural aromatic experience.
Weight Comparison (reference with Una-ju size box):
Hakata Unaju Box: 170g (0.37 US lb)
Issochi Unaju Box: 370g (0.8 US lb)
Bending Techniques:
Hakata: Uses 7 grooves to achieve a precise 90-degree corner bend, showcasing the artisan’s skill in traditional Japanese bento box making.
Issochi: Employs 5-6 grooves for a similar bend, but with a slightly thicker frame, adding to the durability and appeal of the custom Japanese bento box.
Top and Base Details:
Hakata (Shibatatoku): Raised base design with the panel inset from the edge, providing a sleek, unified look. The lid is flush with the edge, with a slight elegant beveling, highlighting the minimalist design.
Hakata (ShibataTamaki): Visible base attachment where the panel is adhered to the bottom of the frame, OR Invisible base inset from the frame. Pending on the object and function. The lid is flush with the edge, with a slight elegant beveling, highlighting the minimalist design.
Issochi: The base panel is visible and protrudes 1mm off the frame, with all edges rounded for a more robust appearance. The lid and base are thicker and rounded at all corners and edges, contributing to a slight dome lid profile that adds to the box’s unique charm.
Food-safe Finish Coating:
Different family lineage has its own practice, based on maintenance, function, construction detail and aesthetics:
ShibataToku: Typically uncoated, preserving the natural, warm tactility of the raw wood, especially in tea ceremony vessels.
ShibataTamaki: Coats the entire box with clear-matte urethane for water resistance, essential for durability and long-term use. Uncoated available on special request.
Issochi: Coats only the EXTERIOR with urethane, leaving the INTERIOR raw to retain the wood’s natural aroma, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an authentic bentwood bento experience but with added durability for the outside which usually receives more wear-and-tear. The urethane also brings out the natural color of reddish cedar, and white-yellow hinoki
It is also common to coat bento boxes with traditional all-natural Japanese lacquer called urushi. It adds a deep caramel color and make the box water-resistance and more durable.
How to Choose Your Handmade Wood Bento Box?
When selecting a unique bento box design, consider these factors:
Aesthetics: If you prefer a more robust and folk-style design, go with Issochi. For a delicate, lightweight, and minimalist look, Hakata might be more your style.
Functionality: Issochi is ideal for heavier use, such as in restaurants or for care-free users. Hakata’s lightweight design is perfect for tea ceremonies and elegant presentations.
Aroma: If retaining the natural scent of wood is important, Shibatatoku and Issochi are great choices with their uncoated interiors.
For Commercial-Use: Our makers make custom bento boxes for Japan's upscale restaurants and food service providers frequently. Commerical-use of bentwood bento boxes is common. We understand the natural wood aroma is appealing to some chefs, but unless you can spare dedicated time and labor to care for these handmade boxes, we recommend order the boxes with overall food-safe urethane coating, which makes the entire box water-resistant. Issochi-style boxes is also thicker and more hefty.
Cultural Connection: For those who appreciate the historical and ritualistic roots, Hakata offers a connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage, while Issochi provides a link to the craftsmanship of the Sagara clan.
Respecting the Craft: Understanding the Origins of Your Bento Box
Taking the time to learn about the roots and details of these handmade wood bento boxes is not just about making an informed choice—it's also a way to show respect and appreciation for the artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving this craft. By understanding where your box comes from, you connect with the story behind it, honoring the skill and tradition that goes into every piece. Each box is not just a container but a reflection of a unique heritage, and by choosing one, you are supporting the continuation of these time-honored practices.
Wood Bento Box Feature Summary
Feature | Hakata Bentwood (ShibataToku, Shibata Tamaki) | Issochi Bentwood (Shoji Sosogi) |
Thickness | 4mm thick cedar throughout | 4.5mm Hinoki frame, 15mm thick cedar lid and base |
Material & Wood Aroma | Japanese Cedar | Japanese Cedar & Hinoki |
Net weight (UJ-size) | Light-weight 170g, 0.37 lb | Robust 370g, 0.8 lb |
Corner bending technique | 7 grooves for 90-degree corner bend | 5 or 6 grooves for 90-degree corner bend |
Base Panel | ShibataToku: Raised, inset base, not visible from the box outside ShibataTamaki: base adhere to edge of bentwood frame. Visible. | Protruding base, 1mm from the wall frame edge. Visible. |
Lid | 8mm thick cedar, flush to the box frame for minimalistic design | 15mm thick cedar, rounded edges and corners, protrude from edge. |
Coating | Uncoated. Coating on special request or condition (e.g. to protect painted motif) | Food-safe matte urethan coating on the EXTERIOR. Uncoated INTERIOR to preserve natural wood properties. |
Handmade Wood bento box USE AND MAINTENANCE NOTES:
Uncoated wood bento box is great for rice and bread, as the wood naturally balances moisture inside the box. Rice and bread remains fluffy and moist. Natural cedar and hinoki also have anti-bacterial properties.
Coated box becomes water-resistant and will eliminate all natural wood aroma.
Handmade wood bento boxes should not be put in dishwasher or microwave.
Visit the shops of these bentwood artisans, read more about their stories and history.
Shibata Tamaki's shop will launch in October 2024.
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