Onigiri Bamboo Bento Box

This natural bamboo bento box is thoughtfully designed for Japan’s beloved soul food, onigiri (rice balls), and offers just the right size for carrying them with care. It is handcrafted by skilled artisans at Nanpu Kougei, a bamboo craft workshop in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, known for its long-standing tradition of fine bamboo work.

Light and breathable, the crisp lines of the bamboo and its cool, smooth texture create a pleasant tactile experience. This lunch box is lightweight and easy to carry, making it practical for daily use. The lid fits snugly onto the base, creating a refined and balanced appearance.

It can also be used as a small item holder or gift box, offering a range of possibilities depending on how the user chooses to enjoy it.

Nanpu Kougei

Nanpu Kougei is a maker of bamboo crafts based in Hiji Town, Oita Prefecture—a place of lush greenery and stretches of coastline. The company carries forward the region’s deep connection to this traditional material through time-honored techniques, as they aim to establish Oita as a leading name in Japan’s bamboo industry.

Using only locally sourced bamboo, Nanpu Kougei creates functional items such as bento boxes and strainer trays—each one carefully handwoven to suit everyday use.

Beppu Bamboo Craft

Beppu Bamboo Craft is characterized by henso, the traditional technique of weaving and assembling flat bamboo strips to form intricate shapes. Designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1979, it includes eight fundamental weaving techniques. By combining these methods, over 200 different patterns can be created.

Originating in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, this craft reflects a legacy of meticulous handwork. Each piece has a unique charm that grows with time—the color deepens, the sheen emerges, and the joy of long use becomes part of the experience. Their warmth and character bring comfort just by being nearby.