Hakata Bentwood Tamaki
HAKATA BENTWOOD TAMAKI LINEUP
About the Craftswoman
MEET THE ARTISAN BEHIND HAKATA BENTWOOD TAMAKI
For over 400 years, the Shibata family has been at the heart of Hakata Bentwood, preserving this traditional Japanese woodworking craft.
Tamaki Shibata, the 18th-generation artisan, took over the family business after her father’s sudden passing, becoming the first female craftsperson in its long history.
Raised in a workshop filled with the cedar and cypress, Tamaki dedicated herself to keeping the tradition alive despite financial struggles and personal hardships.
She modernizes bentwood designs while preserving the meticulous handcrafting techniques passed down for centuries. Her work has been exhibited in Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond, proving that traditional craftsmanship can adapt to modern times.
Her eldest son, Shogo, now joins her in the workshop, preparing to carry the legacy forward. Together, they are ensuring that Hakata Bentwood continues to flourish, bridging the past and future while honoring Japan’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
How to Care for Your Bento Box
Before First Use:
To remove the natural tannins in the cedar, pour hot water (about 80°C/175°F) into both the lid and the base, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, discard the water and let the box dry completely before use.
⚠️ Leaving hot water in for too long may cause stains. Be careful when handling hot water to avoid burns.
Usage & Care Instructions:
- After use, wash with lukewarm water. Wipe moisture with a cloth and dry thoroughly.
- For oily stains, use diluted mild detergent. Avoid microwaves, dishwashers, prolonged soaking, bleach, baking soda, and metal scrubbers as they may damage the product and cause mold.
- Over time, the box may darken due to a reaction between rice starch and cedar tannins, but this is normal and won't affect usage.
- Please understand that since each piece is handcrafted by artisans, there may be slight variations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Hakata magemono?
Hakata magemono is a traditional bentwood craft from Fukuoka, Japan, with over 400 years of history. Thin sheets of cedar or hinoki are steamed, bent into shape, and stitched with cherry bark. Originally made as ritual wares for Hakozaki Shrine, today this craft is recognized as a Fukuoka Prefecture protected traditional craft.
Is the wood coated or lacquered?
No. Tamaki Shibata's bento boxes are completely uncoated with no lacquer, urethane, or any other finish. The interior is bare white cedar, which means the wood stays fully breathable and you're never eating from a treated surface. The adhesive used meets FDA indirect food contact standards.
Why does uncoated cedar keep rice better than plastic or lacquered boxes?
Cedar naturally absorbs excess moisture from freshly packed rice, then slowly releases it as the rice cools, keeping it fluffy rather than sticky or soggy. Because there's no coating blocking the wood's pores, this moisture regulation works continuously. Rice packed in an uncoated cedar box also stays tasty when cold, which is rare with plastic containers.
Is my Hakata Bentwood Tamaki bento box dishwasher safe?
No, Hakata Magemono Tamaki bento boxes should not be washed in the dishwasher.
How should I care for my wooden bento box?
Rinse with lukewarm water after each use, wipe dry, and air-dry fully in a shaded spot before storing. Use a soft sponge and a small amount of mild diluted detergent for oily residue. Never soak, bleach, or put in the dishwasher or microwave. The inside may gradually darken with use. This is a natural reaction between rice starch and cedar tannins, and is completely harmless.
How long will it take to ship my order?
All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 5 weeks for shipping, depending on your country of residence. Please see our Shipping Policy for details.
Please note: Our products ship directly from Japan to you. You may be required to pay customs duties and/or customs clearance fees upon delivery (if applicable in your country). US customers please see our Important Notice for US Customers.