Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop | Lacquer-finished Magewappa Lunch Box (small round type)

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 round lacquered bento box is available in three sizes: large, medium, and small.
The size shown on this page is small.
Medium size is here
Large size is here

We also offer seven bowls, which include a small bowl in addition to the large, medium and small bowls.
Click here for details on the seven bowls
[From left: small, medium, large]
[From left: medium, large, small]

Magemono craftsman and lacquer craftsman

This lacquered bento box is carefully crafted by traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima. He is one of the few traditional craftsmen who has inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's "magemono" and "lacquer." He does all the steps himself, from selecting the wood, processing the wood, bending, and lacquering.

The material is Kiso Hinoki and Sawara natural wood.

Kosakaya Shikkiten's magewappa lunch boxes are made from two types of natural wood: high-quality Kiso Hinoki cypress and Kiso Sawara wood, both grown at the foot of Mt. Ontake. The curved sides are made from Kiso Hinoki cypress, which is said to be durable, moisture-regulating, and antibacterial, while the lid and bottom panels are made from Kiso Sawara wood, which is highly absorbent and retains moisture. Therefore, even if you put hot rice in the box, it will absorb excess moisture and retain the right amount of moisture, so the rice will stay fluffy and delicious even when it cools down.
In addition, the finish is applied with a rubbing technique, which allows the wood to breathe, and the antibacterial properties of the lacquer prevent food from spoiling, allowing you to enjoy delicious food even in the summer. The craftsmanship and high-quality materials result in a lunch box that is functional, durable, and easy to clean.

Genuine lacquer, brushed finish

The bento boxes made by Takayuki Kojima are finished with a lacquer finish. Genuine lacquer means that the lacquer used is 100% pure, and they are made using genuine, natural lacquer. Some products have a lacquer finish, but some contain urethane or are painted over after a urethane coating. The lunch boxes made by Kojima are finished with a genuine lacquer coating, using only natural materials, both wood and 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 lid can be used as a container. It is lacquered, so you can put tea or soup in it. The lid can be stacked on top of the main body, so it doesn't take up much space.
[Large, medium and small lunch boxes stacked together]

Enjoy the variety by collecting large, medium and small sizes

Furthermore, if you collect the large, medium, and small sizes, they are nested inside each other, so you can use the body as the lid and the lid as the body, allowing you to enjoy a variety of sizes.
We also offer a seven-pot set with an additional small vessel.
Click here for details on the seven bowls
[If you are not going to use it for a while, you can use a large container as a lid to prevent dust from getting in.]

Small size with a capacity of about 210ml

We recommend using the small size to separate rice and side dishes, or as a bento box. It's also a good idea to bring a salad or other food in addition to your main lunch. Another way to use it is as a container in the home.

Optional small containers are also available for two-way use.

Smaller vessels are also available as an option. You can use the container as a lid and the optional small container as the main body to create an even smaller lunch box.
Top left: Size of the lunch box (small round).
Top right: Size when using the optional small container as the main body.
Below: An optional smaller vessel.

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 with a dry, soft cloth. (You can also wash with detergent.) If you use it carefully, 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.
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 (small round type)
[Size] Diameter 105 x Height 52mm, (Container) Diameter 95 x Height 45mm, (Lid) Diameter 105 x Height 45mm
[Capacity (approximately 80%)] 210ml
[Materials] Kiso cypress, Kiso sawara, wild cherry
[Painting] Genuine lacquer, brushed finish
[Production location] Made in Japan (Kiso Narai-juku, Nagano Prefecture)
[Notes] Kiso Magemono and lacquerware: Designated as traditional crafts

● 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 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 we cannot accept requests for specific wood grain or color. Thank you for your understanding.