Announcing new feature of Tamaki Shibata's Story & Bento Box Online Shop
There are only 2 remaining families producing Hakata magemono bentwood objects. Our longtime supporters have followed the story of ShibataToku for the past 2 years, sending words of encouragement as the family business faced immense challenges. Now, with Tamaki Shibata joining our mission, we are ensuring that the tradition of Hakata magemono continues for future generations. And with a year of preparation, we have finally completed Tamaki Shibata's artisan story and featuring her Hakata-style handmade Japanese wood bento boxes in our shop!
Tamaki’s story is one of perseverance. As a rare female artisan in the male-dominated craft world of Japan, she fought against all odds to rebuild her 400-year-old family business after her father’s passing left the shop bankrupt. Through sheer determination, she single-handedly revived the workshop, earning recognition in the industry as the 18th generation successor of Tamaki Shibata Magemono bentwood craft. It is so important for us to tell her story, not only to continue the Hakata bentwood legacy, but also unveil the challenges that women faces in Japan.
A Shared Legacy: Two Shibatas, One Craft
The two artisans—Yoshiko Shibata of ShibataToku (6th generation) and Tamaki Shibata (18th generation)—share the same last name but are not related. Their ancestors once lived in the Maidashi district of Hakata, a historic hub for bentwood craftsmanship. Centuries ago, over 20 family-run bentwood workshops lined the main street, each perfecting their craft producing ritual wares to serve the Shinto gods at Hakozaki Shrine, and tea ceremony wares and bento boxes for the commoners.
Interestingly, Tamaki's father and Yoshiko's father were once business rivals, where their workshops stood side by side at the main street of Maidashi. ShibataToku's remains in Maidashi as the last remaining bentwood shop in its original location (one of the reason what ShibataToku works hard to continue her store even after the wood shop is demolished after Morita's retirement). In fact, just end of last year, we witnessed 2 demolition. Not long after ShibataToku's back-of-house wood shop was demolished, the original site of Tamaki Shibata's shop next door was also demolished, to make way for new real estate development. ShibataToku foresee that in a few more years, her own little shop / resident will also be taken over for city's redevelopment. The fate of many historic districts in Fukuoka under rapid urban redevelopment.
Now, as the last two remaining bentwood magemono makers in Hakata, the 2 successors have since put the predecessor's rivalry aside. With Mr. Morita's retirement, halting ShibataToku's production, we discussed with Tamaki Shibata and she agreed to step forward to continue crafting handmade Japanese wood bento boxes for our overseas supporters. Her dedication ensures that those who cherish Japanese handmade goods can continue to enjoy these timeless, functional pieces. We are now featuring Tamaki's classic-sized Japanese wood bento boxes and will slowly expand the collection.
A Legacy on the Brink: Sustaining Handmade Bentwood Craft for the Future
Many of our supporters have followed the story of ShibataToku for the past 2 years, sending messages of encouragement throughout their challenges. After the retirement of master craftsman Mr. Morita, Yoshiko Shibata has worked tirelessly to keep the family business afloat. Reflecting on the challenges, she shared, “I wish I had done more to find ways to sustain this business.” The demolition of her woodshop marked a turning point, yet she continues her efforts through a small retail store with limited inventory, determined to share her remaining works with those who truly appreciate handmade craftsmanship.
We will continue to feature rare, handcrafted pieces from ShibataToku—each one is unique and available in extremely limited quantities. We will update our selection occasionally based on ShibataToku's product availability, so we encourage you to check back from time to time, and think of our shop when you are seeking something soulful and unique. Once sold out, most of the pieces will not be restocked, making each an irreplaceable treasure. We are committed to supporting ShibataToku, our great partner for years, for as long as she can sustain her craft.
A Call to Support Handmade Craft
The launch of our online shop is more than just a marketplace—it’s a movement to unite artisans and sustain traditional craftsmanship and advocate for responsible consumption. These artisans are preserving a centuries-old skill, creating functional, beautiful objects that stand the test of time. And we are providing a unique platform that unites these independent bentwood artisans and promote their work when they receive limited support from municipal in sustaining their heritage.
By choosing a handmade Japanese wood bento box, you are supporting skilled artisans, embracing sustainable alternatives to plastic, and ensuring that this craft continues for future generations.
Browse our collection today and join us in celebrating the artistry of Japan magemono bentwood craft.
By the way, remember our crowdfunding project BEYOND BENTO?
The BEYOND BENTO BOX is now in-stock at our bento box page, made by Tamaki! This project was first started in partnership with ShibataToku until Mr. Morita retired and transitioned to Tamaki Shibata for production. And we will continue to evolve this project with Tamaki and design new accessories.
Beyond Bento has been loved by many kintsugi practitioners to store the precious maki-e brushes and other kintsugi tools. And many are finding other creative uses for it. Get yours now!
QUICK LINKS
"An Encore comes to an End" (blog on Mr. Morita's retirement)
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