Natural Wood Bucket

Yui-oke · 700-year tradition · OKE-EI, Fukagawa, Tokyo

"I believe I may be the only one still making Edo-style Yui-oke here in Tokyo."
So says Eifu Kawamata, the fourth-generation craftsman behind OKE-EI — a family workshop in Fukagawa, Tokyo, preserving the 700-year-old tradition of handcrafted Japanese buckets.

The Yui-oke technique uses precisely cut wooden staves bound tightly with hoops, without nails or paint. The result is a pure, polished wood surface that radiates a natural warmth and beauty impossible to replicate with industrial methods.

Each bucket is made exclusively from Sawara cypress sourced from Japan's Kiso region and aged over 300 years. These rare woods are prized for their clarity of grain, resistance to warping, silky texture, and natural antibacterial and water-resistant properties.

More than just a rice container, this bucket excels at insulating both heat and cold. Owners use it for storing bread, chilling drinks with ice, or as a serving vessel. A gentle, refreshing wood aroma accompanies every use.

Crafting a single Yui-oke requires over 80 meticulous steps and takes a minimum of two years to complete. Mastering each stage takes more than a decade — a testament to the deep dedication behind every piece.