The Beauty of Wood and Lacquer Ingrained in the Japanese Way of Life

- Communicate directly with the a 4th generation artisan of this shop that was founded in 1887.Guests will learn about Owase wappa circular lunch boxes and what makes them special.- Get an up close view of the craftsmanship involved in making Owase wappa, which are individually made according to traditional processes.- Try bending cypress wood and sewing together bits of cherry tree bark.(*Adults only)/ - Owase has long been a source of high-quality cypress wood.Owase wappa circular lunch boxes are made using only carefully selected cypress wood from Owase. Originally used as lunch boxes for the men working in the mountains, they became a fixture of everyday life.Using traditional methods, carefully selected materials are painstakingly shaped, bent, and sewn together using cherry bark, with layers upon layers of lacquer rubbed into the surface.It takes over a month to make just a single wappa lunch box, as the entire 45-step process is completed by hand by a single person.Only the best, unadulterated lacquer is used, made with exclusively natural ingredients.The natural but temperamental ingredients produce a deep color that will mesmerize those who hold the lunch box in their hands.Durable enough to remain in use for one hundred years, “Owase wappa” lunch boxes give off a warmth and love that can only be achieved through the use of natural materials and ingredients. In order for these works to be loved by ever more people, the fourth-generation head of Nushikuma is endeavoring to create new lacquered goods that both respect traditions and fit contemporary lifestyles.