Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop | Lacquer-finished Magewappa Parent and Child Lunch Box

This is a bento box for parents and children, finished with rubbed lacquer (wiped lacquer), from Kosakaya Lacquerware, located in Kiso Naraijuku, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, which is famous for its bentwood and lacquerware.

This two-tiered lunch box is perfect for those who don't want to mix rice and side dishes, and its moderate size makes it suitable for both men and women and children, making it a very convenient lunch box to have in the home.

The bentwood products of Kiso Naraijuku have a 400-year history and have been designated as a "Traditional Craft of Nagano Prefecture Governor." In addition, in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, not only bentwood products but also lacquerware production is thriving, and Kiso lacquerware has been designated as a "Traditional Craft" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Kiso trees grow slowly in the cold region, and are famous nationwide for their fine, dense, high-quality wood.

List of works by Kosakaya Lacquerware

*Some customers find it a little small. Please check the size before purchasing.

Magemono craftsmen and lacquer craftsmen

This lacquered bento box is carefully crafted by traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima. He personally handles all processes, including wood selection, wood processing, bending, and lacquering, and is one of the few traditional craftsmen who has inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's "magemono" (bentwood) and "lacquer." Please enjoy these unique, handcrafted masterpieces.

The material is natural Kiso cypress and sawara wood.

Kosakaya Lacquerware's bento boxes are made from two types of natural wood: high-quality Kiso cypress and Kiso sawara, grown at the foot of Mt. Ontake. The curved sides are made of Kiso cypress, which is known for its durability, moisture-regulating properties, and antibacterial properties, while the lid and bottom are made of Kiso sawara, which has excellent water absorption and moisture retention.As a result, even when hot rice is placed inside, it absorbs excess moisture and retains just the right amount of moisture, so the rice stays fluffy and delicious even when it cools down.
The finish is applied by rubbing raw lacquer directly into the wood, which does not impair the wood's breathing, and the antibacterial properties of the lacquer prevent food from spoiling, allowing you to enjoy delicious food even in the summer. This lunch box is made with artisanal skills and high-quality materials, and is functional, durable, and easy to clean.
[Back side]
[They can be stacked after eating, making them easy to carry around]

Genuine lacquer finish

The bento boxes made by Takayuki Kojima are finished with a rubbed lacquer finish and are made with real lacquer. Genuine lacquer refers to the use of 100% pure lacquer, and is made using genuine natural lacquer. Even though it is lacquered, some products contain urethane, or are lacquered after being coated with urethane. The lunch boxes made by Kojima are finished with genuine lacquer using only natural materials, both wood and lacquer.

Natural tree bark is used for the joints

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

Easy to clean

You might think that bento boxes are difficult to maintain, but the bento boxes made by Kojima are finished with a rubbed lacquer finish, 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 any excess water with a soft cloth, and then wipe 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 as it changes from a deep color to a light amber color.

Because we use natural wood (solid wood), each piece has a different appearance, even if it is made from the same wood. Please note that you cannot specify the wood grain or color.

If the lacquer has peeled off over the years of use, we can repaint it. We will inform you of the price after checking the condition of the product. (Shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.) If you would like us to repaint your product, please contact us by email.
The bottom of the second tier has a mark certifying that it was made by Kosakaya Lacquerware.
Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop has a workshop in Kiso Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture. Magemono has a 400-year history and is designated as a traditional craft. All processes, including wood selection, bending, and lacquering, are carried out by traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima alone, and he is one of the few traditional craftsmen who has inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's magnemono and lacquerware.
List of works by Kosakaya Lacquerware


This two-tiered bento box is just the right size and is recommended for both men and women.

[Product name] Urushi lacquered bento box for parents and children
[Size] W146 × D95 × H96mm (inside lower shelf: W142 × D90 × H43mm, upper shelf: W135 × D83 × H33mm)
[Materials] Kiso cypress, Kiso sawara, wild cherry
[Painting] Genuine lacquer 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 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 placing it in rice bran for a few days. If the smell bothers you, try this.

● Precautions for use
After use, wash quickly with a sponge, wipe off any excess 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 a long time.
・Do not expose to direct sunlight, as this may cause discoloration, loss of luster, and deformation of the wood.
-It cannot be sealed, so please avoid putting soup in it.
・Dishwasher × Microwave ×

● Please check
・Even if the product is the same, because it is handmade, there will be individual differences in size, color, etc. 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 appearance, so we cannot accept requests for specific grain or color. Thank you for your understanding.