Inheriting 700 Years of Japanese Cooperage – Handcrafted Yui-oke Wooden Buckets by OKE-EI

“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, developed in Japan nearly 700 years ago, uses precisely cut wooden staves bound tightly with hoops, without the use of nails or paint. The result is a pure, polished wood surface that radiates a natural warmth and beauty impossible to replicate with industrial products.

Each bucket is made exclusively from natural 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, lightweight feel, and natural antibacterial and water-resistant properties.

More than just a rice container, this handcrafted wooden bucket excels at insulating both heat and cold. Owners often use it creatively—for storing bread, chilling drinks with ice, or as a stylish serving vessel. It also carries a gentle, refreshing aroma of wood that enhances every use.

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

A Yui-oke from OKE-EI is not just a wooden vessel—it is a lifelong treasure, embodying centuries of Japanese craftsmanship and refined minimalism.

○Specifications

• Size: width 19.5 × depth 19.5 × height 13 cm / 7.7” × 7.7” × 5.1” 
• Material: Japanese Sawara cypress and nickel silver*

           *nickel silver: an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc.

○Shipping

Shipping within two weeks. Shipping fee is included in the product price.

○How to use

Before putting cooked rice into the container, rinse the inside with water or lukewarm water. This helps keep it cleaner. Let the steam settle before putting the lid on. We recommend eating the rice within about 24 hours.

○Care Instructions

• After washing, let it air dry in a shaded area.
• Do not soak in water for long periods.
  
• Not microwave-safe.
  
• Safe to use with cloths and sponges.
  
• Mild dish soap is okay to use.