Magewappa

Magewappa (曲げわっぱ, literally "bent woodware") is a traditional Japanese steam bending woodcraft found in Odate, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

Magewappa products are known for the brilliant elegance of their straight grain, and the light yet rich color.

Magewappa was first made by woodcutters in the Odate area, using straight-grain Akita Cedar.

For more than four hundred years the people of the area have exploited mountains, planted Japanese cedars, and repeated the process of weeding, pruning, and thinning out the forests every year to protect the beauty and health of the environment for the next generation Out of four hundred saplings of Akita cedar planted, less than thirty might be found suitable to make products.

Only Akita cedars over one hundred years old, which have survived the very severe weather conditions of northern Japan, can be bent in the manufacturing process mentioned above.