Have you ever heard of a Japanese style lunch box "Magewappa" that has about 1300 years history? It is also a Japanese craft work. These days Magewappa is regaining popularity.
Until a little ago, young people might have thought it is old fashioned. Young people tend to prefer advanced and innovative designs, and it is natural that the old tradition might appear boring to them. However, these days Magewappa is drawing attention even among celebrities for its functionality and unique design.
What is this wooden lunch box like? We will tell you how good it is.
What is Magewappa?
Magewappa is a lunchbox that is made of a single wooden plate such as cedar and cypress by bending and shaping it into an oval, and adding a bottom plate and lid afterwards. This technique has taken a root in Japanese traditional culture. What we will show you today is "Odate Magewappa", which is made of Akita cedar with beautiful graze and grain, and manually made by professionals.
Key Features of Magewappa
It is said that you can never use plastic lunch boxes again once you use Magewappa. Why is that? What is so appealing?
Prevention of food poisoning
When you put food in a normal lunch box, it is filled with steam and heat coming from the food. This happens even when you put food after it cools down. As a result, the bottom of rice or side dishes will get too moist or watery in worse case. However, Magewappa can prevent this because it is made of wood and breathable.
Despite its breathability, it can also prevent the food getting dry. Rice will remain soft and fluffy and side dishes will remain fresh and taste good. This is the advantage of Magewappa and why it has established popularity.
Light and convenient to carry
Magewappa is much lighter than plastic or steel lunch boxes and easier to carry. However, its wooden material is as strong as plastics.
Even when you use a large Magewappa, it is still light and doesn’t bother you.
Great design
Not only its functionality but also its novel design would be the reason why it has established popularity. A good scent of wood is appetizing. With soft gentle wood texture and scent as well as pleasing design, Magewappa can satisfy the five senses.
Use & Care
As mentioned above, Magewappa is made of wood. You can prevent smell transfer or stains if you pour hot water over it a few times and dry it thoroughly in a well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight before first use
After each use, wash it with a neutral detergent and sponge. Do not use steel scourer, abrasives or bleach agents, which will damage the material. You don’t need any special care, and the most important thing is to dry it thoroughly after washing. Do not use dryers. Just leave it in a well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
Wrap up
Magewappa is a Japanese traditional craft work as well as a practical and functional lunch box. Its lid is not physically attached to the body. That’s why Furoshiki is convenient to wrap it and doing so is kind of a trend.
Why don’t you experience a wonderful Japanese tradition?
