The New Year holidays, and then April, the start of a new fiscal year. There are times when you feel like making a fresh start and replacing the things around you, aren't there?
Bags, socks, tableware. Choosing daily necessities that are just a little bit luxurious. Such small decisions can gradually change your mood every day.
Lunch boxes are one of them.
"Magewappa" is a type of lunch box that has become a hot topic on social media and is often seen recently. Wooden lunch boxes have an image of being used by people who are good at cooking or enjoy making lunch. Many people may admire them but feel it's somehow difficult to get started.
However, they are actually recommended especially for beginners in lunch making or those who are not good at cooking.
3 Reasons Why Magewappa Is Chosen
1. "Insulating Effect" that maintains a just-right temperature all year round
Wood is a material highly resistant to temperature changes, often called a natural insulator.
It protects rice and side dishes from the summer heat, and in winter, it prevents them from getting too cold and the rice from drying out.
It's a reliable item that maintains deliciousness throughout the year.
2. "Moisture Control Effect" that keeps rice from getting soggy
Opening the lid at lunchtime to find the rice soggy... This is a common problem with plastic lunch boxes.
This happens because steam from the rice condenses inside the container, turning into water droplets that cling to the lid.
Magewappa is made from cedar wood, which has a natural moisture-regulating effect.
The wood absorbs excess moisture, so the rice remains fluffy even when opened at lunchtime. It acts like a small rice container, keeping the rice delicious even when it's cooled.
3. "Curves and Depth" that make even brown side dishes look delicious
Making a bento that looks good is surprisingly difficult. If there are too many brown side dishes, it tends to look plain, doesn't it?
The secret to why magewappa lunch boxes look so delicious lies in their smooth curves and appropriate depth.
Magewappa is made by skilled artisans bending a single cedar board. They must subtly adjust the force depending on the condition of the wood, a craftsmanship that cannot be replicated by machines.
It's said that even for these artisans, the process is so difficult that 3 out of 10 pieces break during bending.
The beautiful curves and fine wood grain born from such craftsmanship, combined with the three-dimensionality created by the depth, make even simple side dishes look as neat as those from a high-class restaurant.
Even on days when you're short on time in the morning and rely on frozen foods, the fact that just packing them makes it feel "properly made" is a truly appreciated point.
Lunch Becomes Something to Look Forward to with Magewappa
Unlike plastic lunch boxes, magewappa offers the unique texture and charm of natural materials.
You might think "wooden lunch boxes are heavy," but they are actually almost the same weight as plastic ones. They are perfect for commuting to work or school.
The faint woody scent doesn't interfere with the rice or side dishes; rather, it's a natural aroma that whets the appetite.
We often hear people say that since they started using magewappa, their lunch break has become something to look forward to.
A Lunch Box That Will Be Your Companion for Over 10 Years
Compared to plastic lunch boxes that can be bought for around 1,000 yen, magewappa might seem expensive.
However, it is not uncommon for people to use magewappa for over 10 years, and some even for over 20 years.
*However, this applies only to Japanese-made magewappa. Foreign-made ones often have problems such as the bottom coming off, so caution is needed when choosing.
Considering the frequency of replacement, it might even be more economical than plastic lunch boxes, but more importantly, it's about using a lunch box that you truly feel "This is the one!"
Because it's something you use every day, a magewappa that you can cherish and use for a long time brings a small sense of excitement to your daily life.
Actually Easy to Care For
For those trying magewappa for the first time, urethane-coated magewappa is recommended.
Since the surface is coated with urethane resin, it's easy to care for, just like a regular plastic lunch box.
Washing it with mild detergent is fine, and after washing, simply wipe it dry.
I want to be the kind of person who cares about their lunch box.
When you feel that way, it might be the perfect time to pick up a magewappa.
