Hakata Bentwood Tamaki Magewappa Oval Bento Box
A handcrafted oval magewappa bento lunchbox by Hakata Bentwood Tamaki, made in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Each bento box is carefully crafted from locally sourced cedar wood and woven with sakura bark, without using any metal. The subtle natural grain and handwoven detailing make every piece unique, reflecting centuries of traditional Japanese woodworking.
Created by Tamaki Shibata, the 18th-generation artisan and first female craftsman in over 400 years of family history, this bento box blends tradition with modern design. Durable and practical for everyday use, the cedar naturally regulates moisture and enhances the flavor of rice, while the gentle aroma adds an authentic touch to any meal. Each piece carries the legacy of Hakata Bentwood Tamaki, bridging past and present Japanese craftsmanship.
About bento boxes: Japanese bento boxes are a daily essential for school, work, and travel all around Japan. Designed for beautifully balanced and portable meals enjoyed at room temperature, they reflect Japan’s appreciation for nutrition and careful presentation. All bento boxes are designed for durability and form, and traditional magewappa bento boxes specially remain a favorite for their natural beauty and craftsmanship, making them not only a convenient item for daily life but also a curated and special piece of culture.
| Dimensions: | Width 18.8 cm × Depth 12.5 cm × Height 5 cm | |
| Weight: | 98 g | |
| Capacity: | 500 ml | |
| Material: | Uncoated cedar wood, sakura bark | |
| Craft Type: | Woodcraft (bentwood) | |
| Origin: | Fukuoka, Japan | |
| Use: | Food container | |
| Microwave-safe: | No | |
| Dishwasher-safe: | No | |
| Oven-safe: | No | |
| Reusable: | Yes |
Safety & Use: For food use only. Keep out of reach of young children during use.
Before first use
- Pour hot water (around 80°C / 175°F) into both the lid and base. Leave for 2–3 minutes, discard, and allow to dry completely before packing food. This rinse removes surface tannins from the cedar.
- Don't leave the water in longer than a few minutes. It may cause staining.
After each use
- Rinse with lukewarm water, wipe dry with a cloth, and allow to air-dry fully in a shaded spot before storing. Do not stack or put away while damp.
For oily residue
- Use a soft sponge with a small amount of mild soap diluted in warm water. Rinse well and dry immediately after washing.
Do not use:
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Metal scrubbers
Any of these can damage the bentwood structure, strip the cherry bark stitching, or cause mold.
Natural darkening
- The inside of your box will gradually darken with use. This is a natural reaction between rice starch and cedar tannins, completely harmless and considered a sign of a well-loved box.
Handcrafted variation
Because each piece is shaped by hand, slight differences in grain, tone, and proportion are normal and not defects.
We offer FREE SHIPPING for all orders. We also ship worldwide from our warehouse in Japan.
After your order is confirmed, it may take up to 3-5 business days for dispatch from our warehouse.
You'll receive:
- An order confirmation email when we check payment.
- A shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has shipped.
This item ships DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Thus, import duties, VAT, or local customs taxes may apply once your order reaches your country.
These are set by your local customs authority and are not included in our product prices or free shipping. We suggest contacting the responsible institutions to find more information.
These fees are the customer's responsibility and thus must be paid upon delivery.
FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS: As of May 8, 2026, all U.S. orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duties Paid). Customs duties and import taxes are included for US customers in the final price shown at checkout.
FOR EU CUSTOMERS: We do not participate in the EU IOSS scheme.
As featured on Youtube
HAKATA BENTWOOD TAMAKI: HOW A SOLO FEMALE ARTISAN IS CONTINUING WITH A 200 YEARS OLD TRADITION
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.
WHY BUY FROM US?
Japanese Food Craftsman focus on introducing and supporting Japanese artisans, helping them continue their craft and preserve traditional culture for future generations.
When you purchase through us, your support goes to the maker behind the knife, not to mass production or anonymous distribution.
Through our global +1.7 million YouTube community, we share the stories, techniques, and philosophy of these craftsmen with viewers around the world.
The traditional crafts we offer are selected through direct relationships and transparent storytelling, not catalogs.
Choosing this item means supporting real people, real skills, and craftsmanship meant to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every box exactly the same?
No, and that's by design. Each box is shaped and stitched by hand, so the grain pattern, tone, and small proportional details vary slightly from piece to piece. You're buying the specific box Hakata Bentwood Tamaki made by hand.
Are Hakata Bentwood Tamaki bento boxes dishwasher safe?
No, Hakata Bentwood Tamaki bento boxes should not be washed in the dishwasher. To prevent damage and ensure it lasts you for years to come, please wash by hand with a mild detergent and gentle sponge.
How should I care for my bento box?
After each use, rinse with lukewarm water, wipe dry with a cloth, and allow to air-dry fully in a shaded spot before storing. Do not stack or put away while damp.
What can I pack in this bento box?
It's designed for Japanese bento culture, so that means rice, cooked vegetables, protein, and pickles. Any food that doesn't need reheating works well in general. For saucy or liquid-heavy items, a small silicone divider cup prevents direct contact with the wood. The cedar handles everyday moisture well but isn't a sealed container.
How much will shipping cost?
All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 1 to 2 weeks for delivery, depending on your country of residence if there is no customs complications. 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.