Odate Magewappa Workshop

Craft Representing Akita – ”Magewappa”

Wooden crafts often used for rice containers and ”bento” boxes. These also exist in Aomori, Shizuoka and other parts of Japan. However, the only Traditional Craft designated by the government is the ”magewappa” of Odate-City. This is what we learned from Teiji Sasaki. He is a traditional craftsman as well as the Chief Director of the Cooperative Association. We visited Sasaki at the ”Magewappa Workshop” in Odate-City. Odate ”magewappa” has a long history, and it is said to date back to the Nara period. Its production began to thrive approximately 400 years ago. It started when the ”magewappa” production was recommended as a side business for the samurai to help them through the financial crisis during the clan era. Since then, it became noted as a specialty of Odate, and in 1980, was designated as Traditional Craft by the government.

Natural Akita Cedar　- Prohibited from being cut

Odate ”magewappa” is made from natural Akita Cedars. Natural Akita Cedars have a delicate, fine grain texture and resilience. It has been the foundation of ”magewappa” craftwork, but in 2013, a law was enforced, prohibiting trees within a national forest from being cut down for national conservation reasons. While opinions are varied, it is a given fact that 90% of ”magewappa” has been made from natural Akita Cedars. So this is a great setback for ”magewappa”.
”We can only use the lumber that we have in stock. The association has a contract with the district forestry office to maintain a preservation area called the ”Magewappa Forest”. I do not want to cut down the trees there.” says Sasaki. ”Planted trees do not have the fine rings of natural trees, and the grains are rough and do not have the beauty of natural cedar. However, after 10 to 100 years time, these cedars too may grow to become as beautiful as its natural counterparts. ”

New Challenges

The Akita cedar issue is something that still needs pondering, however the magewappa that stands in front of our eyes are nothing but beautiful. The most popular ones are the handy-sized bento boxes. The rice containers are also popular. In other words, things related to ”rice” have a high demand. Nakata is taken in by this, as he is a rice fan. ”Rice becomes overwhelmingly good. It improves the taste drastically. Magewappa acts as an absorbent to excess water. This is one of the properties of cedars. Cypress and hinoki work just as well, but they have a strong odor, thus Akita cedar is best.” Magewappa with its history of 400 years. Perhaps there is a grand mission that follows suit. ”Is there a new challenge?” Nakata asks. Sasaki replies, ”Many have been awarded the Good Design Award.” There is even a mirror named ”Wa MIRROR,” that is a mirror with a frame made of magewappa. The superb design stands out as a decorative interior with a gentle touch. New challenges are met, regardless of its long history.