"Odate Magewappa" is mentioned in a verse of the Akita Ondo. There are various crafts called "Magemono" all over Japan, but Odate Magewappa is the only one designated as a traditional craft by the country.
Its origins date back about 1,300 years. In the early 17th century, the Satake family, lords of Odate Castle, encouraged the production of magewappa, making use of the abundant forest resources within their domain, in order to alleviate poverty. It became a side job for lower-ranking samurai.
The appeal of magewappa is the beautiful grain of Akita cedar and the subtle scent of wood. Akita cedar is also highly hygroscopic, absorbing humidity in the summer and releasing moisture in the dry winter, so even after a long time has passed since it was stuffed with rice, it remains plump and soft, and the antibacterial properties of cedar mean it does not rot easily. For this reason, it is highly valued for bento lunch boxes, rice containers, and tableware.
Magewappa are made by bending boiled and softened Akita cedar wood to fit a mold. This is a tough process that requires the use of the sense of touch even when the wood is hot, as the work is very important.
A breath of fresh air has come to this male-dominated industry since Eri Nakazawa, the first woman to open her own business, appeared on the scene. We spoke to Nakazawa, who opened "Magewappa Kobo E08 (I-Wappa)" in Odate City on May 28 , 2022 , about creating works that utilize a woman's sensibility, how to be recognized in a male-dominated society, and the issue of successors.
Once you pass the traditional craftsman exam, you are considered a full-fledged craftsman. 
-- Artist Interview --
Please tell us how you got fascinated with magewappa and ended up setting up your own workshop.
"I'm from Odate City, and while I was in high school I decided that I wanted to work in the manufacturing industry in the future, so I went on to study residential environment at a junior college. During a woodworking class, I suddenly remembered the magewappa that I fell in love with at first sight in junior high school, and I wanted to try making one. It was a small accessory case, small and cute, like a treasure. At the time, I kept pictures of my favorite artists in it. Now I use it as a business card holder.
After graduating, I immediately decided to become an apprentice at Yoshinobu Shibata Shoten, but they refused, saying that I should look at other workshops. However, I really wanted to train at Shibata Shoten, so I begged again and finally they allowed me to become an apprentice."
Why did you choose Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten?
"It had many appealing features that other companies didn't have. First of all, it had a beautiful form, a pleasant feel and texture, and was made to fit comfortably in the hand.
Also, most workshops follow an assembly line process, so there is a limited amount of work to do, but Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten divides the work into different parts. I was filled with the desire to learn everything."
Please tell us about your time at Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten.
"The world of craftsmen is tough, and I was scolded almost every day. From how to clean to everything else. In my fifth year, I offered to create the process from scratch, and when I was free to do so in my spare time, I received permission. It was a fresh experience. You can only understand how difficult things are by actually doing them. Once I started to show my master what I had made, I started getting more work little by little. From then on, I stopped getting scolded.
I think this is because after I passed the traditional craftsman exam in my 12th year, my commitment to magewappa was further recognized.
After that, I was given more and more work, and before I knew it, I had become the factory manager."
When did you start thinking about independence?
"Ever since I joined the company, I had been thinking about going independent someday. It all started when I went to a local area to work at an event venue, and while talking to a customer, he asked me, "What kind of things do you make?" and I wanted to try making my own magewappa. I went independent about 20 years after joining the company. My master told me it would be troublesome if I quit, but I really wanted to follow through on my own feelings."
Opened a workshop. The focus is on creating accessories and small items that are full of emotion and break away from conventional ideas.
What are your priorities and vision for setting up your own studio?
"We use only natural cedar trees that are over 150 years old. We don't use any paint, we just plan it using a method called Shiraki, and we're particular about the texture when finished. People say it feels good in the hand.
Only by working with them can they become beautiful crafts, so the technique of processing is the deciding factor. For the bent items and bindings, the bark of mountain cherry trees (birch) is used, and because the shape is rounder and softer than ever before, it is said to be "cute."
When I started my shop, I wanted to create something that had never been done before and share it with the world. For example, I want to expand my selection of accessories and small items. I want to create products that are affordable and can be used as souvenirs."
You're already making that vision a reality.
"I participate in exhibitions and sales at department stores and other events when I am invited by vendors. I have a chance to talk directly with customers at these sales events, so I am able to pick up on their needs and use them in creating my products. I am happy when I hear things like, 'I've never seen anything like this before' or 'That's so cute'."
We were also given space at Odate Station after it was renovated. We are also set up at Akita Airport.
Although the studio is located far from the center of Odate City, the workshops we hold two to three times a year are fully booked thanks to your support. We also receive applications from people from far away, such as the Kansai region. The age range of participants is wide, from their 20s to their 70s ."
How do you deal with the issue of succession?
"Our 31 -year-old female staff member came to me from Shibata Shoten. She has a more delicate sensibility than I do. First of all, I want to fully support her strengths and help her grow.
In order to pass on to the next generation, I think we need to make a leap away from the hierarchical relationships and male-centered way of thinking that have been accepted as common sense up until now, and instead value horizontal connections and adopt an attitude of "teaching with words." The traditional method of passing on knowledge in the world of craftsmen was "learn by watching," but from now on, I think it will be important to consider how to pass it on in order to help the next generation grow.
It's important to find a successor, but we also want to adapt the way we pass it on to suit the times."
( TEXT : Natsume Kaoru)