Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop | Lacquer-finished Magewappa Lunch Box (Large Oval)

This bento box is finished with rubbed lacquer (wiped lacquer) by Kosakaya Lacquerware, a store located in Kiso Naraijuku, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, an area famous for its bent wood and lacquerware. The bentwood products of Kiso Narai-juku have a history of 400 years and are designated as "Traditional Crafts of Nagano Prefecture." In addition to bentwood, lacquerware is also produced thriving in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, and Kiso lacquerware has been designated a "traditional craft" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Kiso trees grow slowly due to the cold climate, and are famous throughout the country for their fine, dense, high-quality timber.

List of works by Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop
[From left: small, medium, large]

Available in 3 sizes

The lacquered bento box is available in three sizes: large, medium, and small.
The size shown on this page is large.
[From left: large, medium, small]

Small size is here
Medium size is here

Magemono craftsman and lacquer craftsman

This lacquered bento box is carefully crafted by traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima. He does all the steps himself, from wood selection, wood processing, bending and lacquering. He is one of the few traditional craftsmen who have inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's "magemono" and "lacquer." Please enjoy these one-of-a-kind masterpieces, each handmade by hand.

The material is Kiso Hinoki and Sawara natural wood.

Kosakaya Lacquerware's magewappa lunch boxes are made from two types of natural wood: high-quality Kiso cypress and Kiso sawara wood grown at the foot of Mt. Ontake. The curved sides are made of Kiso cypress, which is said to be durable, moisture-regulating, and antibacterial, while the lid and bottom panels are made of Kiso sawara, which has excellent water absorption and moisture retention properties. Therefore, even if you put hot rice in it, it will absorb excess moisture and provide moderate moisture, so it will stay fluffy and delicious even after it cools down.
In addition, the finish is applied with a lacquer coating, which is applied by rubbing raw lacquer directly into the wood, so it does not impair the wood's breathing, and the antibacterial properties of the lacquer prevent food from spoiling, allowing you to enjoy your food deliciously, even in the summer. Using artisanal techniques and high-quality materials, lunch boxes are created that are functional, durable, and easy to clean.

Genuine lacquer, brushed finish

The bento boxes made by Kojima Takayuki are finished with a rubbed lacquer finish and are finished with real lacquer. Genuine lacquer means that the lacquer used is 100% pure, and is made using genuine, natural lacquer. Even though they are lacquer finished, some products contain urethane or are painted with urethane and then coated with lacquer. The lunch boxes that Kojima makes are made using only natural materials, both wood and lacquer, and are finished with genuine lacquer.

Natural wood bark is used for the joints

The joints of the bent pieces are sewn together with wild cherry bark.

The lid can also be used as a container

The cover type lid can also be used as a container. Since it is lacquered, you can put tea, soup, etc. in it. In addition, the lid can be stacked on top of the main body, so it doesn't take up much space.

Comes with dividers for easy serving

The capacity is about 550cc. Recommended for growing children and men. It comes with a divider, making it easy to serve food, and is recommended for those who don't want to mix rice and side dishes.

Easy to clean

You might think that bento boxes are difficult to maintain, but the bento boxes that Kojima makes are finished with rubbed lacquer, so even though they are made using only natural materials, they are stain-resistant and water-resistant, making them easy to use.
After use, wash quickly with a sponge, wipe off the water with a soft cloth, and then wipe again with a dry, soft cloth. (You can also wash with detergent.) If you take good care of it, it can last for decades.

Enjoy the changes over time

As lacquer is used, it will develop a glossy finish and change to a bright, beautiful amber color. Enjoy the change in color over time from a deep dark to a light amber color. Because we use natural wood (solid wood), each piece has a different appearance, even if it is made of the same wood. Please note that you cannot specify the wood grain or color. If the lacquer has peeled off after years of use, we can repaint it. We will inform you of the cost after checking the condition of the item. (The shipping fee will be borne by the customer.) If you would like to have it repainted, please contact us by email.
There is a mark on the bottom certifying that it was made by Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop.
Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop has a workshop in Kiso Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture. Magemono has a 400-year history and is designated as a traditional craft. Traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima is responsible for all processes, including wood selection, bending, and lacquering, and is one of the few traditional craftsmen who have inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's Magemono and lacquer.


Kosakaya Lacquerware's lacquered bento boxes are made in Kiso Naraijuku, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, an area famous for its bent wood and lacquerware.

[Product name] Urushi-lacquered bento box (large oval)
[Size] External dimensions: W185 x D125 x H58mm, Internal dimensions: (Container) W175 x D110 x H43mm, (Lid) W180 x D117 x H43mm
[Capacity (approximately 80%)] 550cc
[Materials] Kiso cypress, Kiso sawara, wild cherry
[Painting] Genuine lacquer, brushed finish
[Country of Origin] Made in Japan (Kiso Narai-juku, Nagano Prefecture)
[Notes] Kiso Magemono and lacquerware: Designated as traditional crafts. Comes with a partition board.

● Before use
- Before use, rinse once with water or lukewarm water, wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth, and dry thoroughly before use.
・The smell of new lacquerware can be removed by soaking it in rice bran for a few days. If the smell bothers you, please try this.

● Precautions for use
After use, wash quickly with a sponge, wipe off the water with a soft cloth, and then wipe with a dry, soft cloth. (You can also wash with detergent.)
-Do not leave in hot water for long periods of time.
・Do not expose to direct sunlight. This may cause the color to change, the luster to fade, or the wood to become distorted.
-It cannot be sealed, so please avoid putting soupy liquids in it.
・Dishwasher × Microwave ×

● Please check
・Even if the product is the same, there will be individual differences in size, color, etc., because the products are handmade. Please enjoy these as the unique characteristics of each product.
・We use natural wood (solid wood). Even if it is the same wood, each piece has a different look, so you cannot specify the grain or color. Thank you for your understanding.