Hakata Magemono Tamaki ｜ Large oval lunch box

Hakata Magemono have been used in a variety of situations, from religious ceremonies to the daily lives of ordinary people. The Shibata family has been making Hakata bentwood for generations, preserving its traditions and techniques for over 400 years. This is the "Large Oval Lunch Box" made by the 18th generation owner, Shibata Tamaki.

Click here for a list of Hakata Magemono Tamaki products

A size that fits your lifestyle

You can choose from three sizes of lunch boxes: large, medium, and small.
[From left: small, medium, large]
[Left: Deep lid type also available]

The material is cedar, knot-free, straight grain

Hakata Magemono Tamaki's lunch boxes are made from tightly packed, straight-grained cedar, known as "knotless straight grain." Cedar's moisture-regulating properties allow it to absorb excess moisture and retain just the right amount of moisture, even after the rice has been packed in it for some time, keeping the rice plump and not sticky. Furthermore, the unpainted lunch box allows for good ventilation, preventing the rice from spoiling. Even when the rice cools, it retains its rich flavor and is delicious to eat. Cedar is also said to have antibacterial properties.
[Cherry bark is used to bind the overlapping wood.]

I want to use it every day

The "Large Oval Lunch Box" is the perfect size for men who want to eat plenty of rice and side dishes. Its dividers make it easy to pack the rice and side dishes. The beautiful grain of the cedar wood brings out the delicious flavor of the rice and side dishes. It's lightweight and easy to carry.
You can't wash it with detergent or soak it in water, but you can remove dirt with a soft sponge and dry it thoroughly. This may seem like a difficult task, but once you get used to it, it's surprisingly easy and you'll want to use it every day.
*If you put food directly into the container, it may stain. If you want to avoid stains as much as possible, we recommend placing an aluminum or plastic cup underneath.
[The unpainted wood allows the rice to retain its flavor to the fullest.]

Also great as a gift

With proper care, it can be used for decades. Because the cedar is left unvarnished, the material remains breathable, and the grain of the wood develops more character and beauty with use. In addition to making the rice taste better, the beautiful shape and texture unique to Hakata Magemono also make it a perfect gift.
*The inside may gradually become darker over time with extended use.
[Hakata Magemono Tamaki] The Shibata family has been making Hakata magemono for generations, with a history spanning more than 400 years. In 2007, Mariko Shibata took on the name "Tamaki" and continues to preserve the tradition and techniques as the 18th Shibata Tamaki. She has been actively involved in a variety of activities, including winning prizes at the Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition and collaborating with a Kyoto lacquer artist, and with the hope of "spreading the charm of Hakata magemono as widely as possible," she has taken over the demonstrations at the "Hakata Machiya Furusatokan" museum, a position her father had been entrusted with, and now speaks about its appeal to tourists from all over the country.
Click here for a list of Hakata Magemono Tamaki products


Hakata bentwood Tamaki lunch box, large oval size.

[Product name] Large oval lunch box
[Size (approx.)] 19.6cm x 13.3cm x 5.0cm
[Weight (approx.)] 120g
[Material] Cedar, cherry (bark at joints)
[Painting] Unpainted (unvarnished wood)
[Country of Origin] Japan
[Notes] Traditional crafts of Fukuoka Prefecture, designated by the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture as a local specialty craft

● How to use
Dishwasher x, dryer x, microwave x
- Natural wooden products absorb oil and soy sauce components, so if you are concerned about stains, we recommend using them with an aluminum or resin cup underneath.
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight or near fire.
-Please be careful when using metal scrubbers as they will cause wear.
-Please refrain from using bleach or baking soda.

● Regarding maintenance
・Over time, the inside of the product may gradually darken. This is caused by a reaction between rice starch and cedar tannins, and is not harmful to food. This is a natural progression of wooden products.
- When washing, remove any dirt and dry thoroughly in the shade to keep it in good condition.
- Using the product before it has completely dried may cause it to darken.