Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten
Uncoated cedarware, made in Odate — bringing cedar's breathing to your kitchen.
Based in Odate, Akita, Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten makes Odate magewappa — cedarware formed by bending thin wooden strips. Using natural cedar that grew slowly in the northern country — many pieces are left as plain "shiraki" (uncoated wood), letting natural cedar help manage moisture for rice. The characteristic is moisture regulation that absorbs the moisture of freshly cooked rice and helps maintain fluffiness even when cooled. Some pieces also feature "kabatoji" — stitching mountain cherry bark through the seams — adding subtle scenery to the wood's expression. The lineup ranges from lunch boxes and rice tubs to hangiri tubs, steamers, tea utensils, and more. Founded in 1966. In 2018, the "Wappa Building" opened in Odate with a museum and a hands-on workshop space, adding a travel-worthy stop for anyone who wants to get closer to the craft.
Why We Love It
Since rice tends to stay fluffy easily — onigiri and grilled fish bento fit comfortably. At home, assembling "rice tools" with ohitsu and iikiri is also fun. If you prefer modern shapes — also recommend peeking at the "Magewa" series. Kabatoji can be chosen by pattern — and reserving the production experience at the Wappa Building while traveling is also nice. Being able to consult about repairs after long use is also a reliable point.
PROFILE About the Company / Workshop
Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten is based in Odate, Akita — home of Odate magewappa. Magewappa is a type of "mage-mono" — born from the technique of bending thin boards. First-generation Yoshinobu Shibata entered the path of bent-wood in 1964. Founded in 1966 — also involved with the Magewappa Cooperative established in 1979. Performing demonstrations domestically and internationally for demand development — also said to be involved in lecture and exhibition planning. In 1980, Odate magewappa was designated a national traditional craft.
The shop's big commitment is shiraki (uncoated) magewappa. Leveraging natural cedar's moisture regulation — gently receiving the moisture of freshly cooked rice. Because shiraki is a material where stains penetrate easily — washing quickly with a brush, wiping well, and drying is the basic. Devices for warp resistance — shaving summer grain thicker and winter grain thinner — are also explained. When concerned about lid warping — the method of lightly wetting and drying with the inner side down is also introduced.
The accent on bend areas is "kabatoji." Harvesting mountain cherry bark in Odate City, drying, and polishing for luster — then stitching through seams. Bark is used by splitting into thin individual strips — the stitching rhythm gently melts into the wood grain. Komochi-nui is common on lunch boxes — a pattern wishing for prosperity of descendants. Uroko-toji and Ryo-uroko-toji are said to have meaning of protection from misfortune — also applied to rice bowls and champagne coolers. These designs were registered as trademarks in 2023.
The lineup is wide — from iikiri, ohitsu, rice bowls, shiraki lunch boxes, jubako and sweets vessels, Japanese steamers, tea utensils, cups, oshiki and trays, to chopsticks and spatulas. In 2008, announced the "Magewa" series with daily-goods designer Masanori Oji. In 2018, installed museum and production experience space at the Odate complex facility "Wappa Building." Experience is by advance phone reservation. Repairs are accepted at the Akita main store — completed after final confirmation by traditional craftsmen.
Shiraki (uncoated) to keep cedar "breathing"
Many items are finished as shiraki, without coating. Cedar can gently absorb moisture from hot rice, helping it stay pleasant even as it cools. Summer grain (soft summer wood grain) is shaved thicker, winter grain (firm winter grain) thinner — also paying attention to warp resistance. When a lid warps, the method of lightly wetting and drying with the inner side down is also explained.
Kabatoji: stitching with wild cherry bark
Cherry bark stitched into seams is harvested by craftsmen in Odate City — dried, then polished for luster, used one by one. Komochi-nui is common on lunch boxes — a pattern wishing for prosperity of descendants. Uroko-toji is said to mean protection from misfortune — also used on large pieces. Komochi-nui, Uroko-toji, and Ryo-uroko-toji were registered as trademarks in 2023.
Founded in 1966 — walking together with Odate magewappa's journey
First-generation Yoshinobu Shibata entered the path of bent-wood in 1964. Without a master, he learned techniques through trial and error — founding Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten in 1966. Also involved with the Magewappa Cooperative established in 1979 — the journey of also putting effort into environmental preparation and material creation toward the national traditional craft designation in 1980 remains.
Stores, experience, and repairs — a system for long use
The Akita main store in Odate also attaches a factory — operating weekdays 10:00-17:00 (closed holidays). In 2018, opened "Wappa Building" in Odate — also preparing museum and production experience space. In Tokyo, opened the Asakusa store in 2010 — relocated to Orange Street in 2015. Repairs are accepted at the Akita main store — finished with final confirmation by traditional craftsmen.