Odate Kogeisha

"Magewappa" is a traditional craft from Odate City, Akita Prefecture, and is a wooden container made from Akita cedar that is characterized by its beautiful grain and moisture-regulating properties.

"Magewappa" not only brings out the flavor of ingredients, but also helps people live in harmony with nature.　 

Founded by Sakaiya Tetsuro in 1959, the company handles everything from lumbering, bending, cherry bark sewing, bottoming and finishing.

“Magewappa” are made by 30 artisans, including five traditional craftsmen.

In addition to traditional “Magewappa”, the company continues to make “Magewappa” in a variety of designs to suit modern lifestyles.　 

It was around 1,300 years ago that magemono began to be made from Akita cedar.

Surprisingly, “Magewappa” made at that time have almost the same shape as those made today.

It was around the second half of the 17th century that it became established as an industry.

The Satake Nishi family, lords of Odate Castle, encouraged lower-ranking samurai to make a side job, and it developed.