Over the years, we tell stories of Japanese traditional craft artisans in lesser known towns outside of Tokyo and Kyoto. We have received tremendous support from all over the world showing your appreciation for these declining crafts. Here and now, in the world of Japanese wooden bento box, an inconvenient reality hits:
We are announcing the retirement of Master Artisan Mr. Taizo Morita from ShibataToku Bentwood Shop, maker of traditional wooden bento box.
Hakata Bentwood craft marks the origin of Japan's wooden bento box. Mr. Morita is one of the few remaining magemono (bent wood bento box) Master craftsmen with over 50 years of experience, which means one less pair of skilled hands making beautiful things. Mr. Morita was the protégé of then 5th generation Master ShibataToku Goro at age 24, and he became an independent craftman in his 40s. But after Mr. ShibataToku Goro passed away in 2015, 6th generation successor Ms. Yoshiko Shibata asked Mr. Morita (then age 70) to return to help continue the heritage business. During this 7 years of extended time, they have recruited and trained young apprentices but unfortunately none of them lasted. They either lacked the patience or the talented hands for such skilled craft.
In April 2023, Mr. Morita decided it is finally time to let go of his beloved bentwood craft when his wife fell ill; and at age 77, he wants to spend more time with his family. While working at his age may surprise you, the majority of our artisans (shokunin) are in their 70s. Arthritis and other ailments are common, many still work well into their 80s. Even with his own knee problems, Mr. Morita kept working at Shibata-Toku to carry on the craft.
We are well aware that these past 7 years were borrowed time. Without a master craftsman to take the reins in the wood shop, and without any successor, ShibataToku is once again facing closure after 173 years of establishment.
Uncertainty Ahead
The typically bubbly and energetic Ms. Shibata has been anything but. On top of the halted production of a 6th-generation family business, the thought of letting her clients down weighs on her. The small business is facing immediate drop in cash income. Is ShibataToku going to close for good? Last week, we sat down over beer and sake to discuss what possibility there is and how else we can help.
For now, and maybe forever, the shop is quiet. There is no clangor of tools or aroma of cedar wafting from the wood shop. No artisans rushing down the corridor, arms full of boxes ready for stitching and painting. We are losing yet another dedicated craft family business in Japan, while the historic Maidashi district – the birthplace of Japan's bentwood craft, will soon lose its last magemono shop. (read more about Maidashi bentwood history)
At Taketombo and Goenne Japan, it has been our goal to create awareness and garner support for declining traditional crafts. Many of you are admiring the beautiful hand-work, and some are opting for more healthy and sustainable lunch box options over plastic wares. Building momentum and attention from around the world, we aim to get younger generations in Japan to become interested in this wonderful traditional crafts again.
Fans of Japanese Wooden Bento Box
You may have purchased a ShibataToku's traditional handmade wooden bento box or have enjoyed reading the bentwood craft story from our website. Now, you are also witnessing a wonderful heritage family business coming to an end.
SHOP BENTO NOW
Our current inventory is the last works from ShibataToku, made by Mr. Morita, Ms. Shibata and Ms. Tanaka (a family friend and staff for over 20 years). Their wooden bento boxes are always in high demand, and we want to share the limited stock in a fair manner with those wanting to own a piece of Shibata-Toku’s work. We have simplified the assortment in our online shop and release them in small quantity, hoping that more people can obtain these precious items. If your interested item is marked "Out-of-stock", check back again while we release the next batch. When it's marked "Discontinued", it means the last remaining item has been sold and there is no more restocking. This is the last chance to get ShibataToku's bentwood bento boxes and unique bentwood objects.*
IN THE COMING 2 MONTHS
To support ShibataToku for a bit longer, we are working closely with Ms. Shibata to set up an online gallery. It will feature specialty items from her store beyond the usual standard wooden bento boxes. ShibataToku makes a lot of unique items for Shinto Shrine ceremonies and high-end tea ceremony. It will be a unique opportunity for overseas audience to see (and purchase) the many one-off special objects. We are also exploring other creative initiatives or crowdfunding projects to find new use for some of the cedar wood and semi-processed goods. Give us a bit of time to create the platform(s); so follow us as we make update announcements in upcoming newsletters, blogs and IG posts. We could use your contributions from overseas and hear your feedback and comments.
A Small Token of Thanks, PARTICIPATE, NOW!
Over the years, we’ve gained many magemono fans from around the world and we want to let Ms. Shibata and Mr. Morita know just how much their wares are cherished. Through Goenne.com, hundreds of traditional handmade bento boxes have reached Europe, US, Canada, Australia and all the way to UAE. So we’re asking you to share your words of encouragement or appreciation to Ms. Shibata and Mr. Morita during this challenging times. Or if you own a ShibataToku bento box, please share your experience using it.
How to participate?
Simply use the comment box below to send us your messages or email hello@goenne.com (text or photos all welcome!)
Look for our IG post announcement and add your comments there.
You can even send us handwritten notes and cards. (address) As Ms. Shibata and Mr. Morita doesn't use the internet.
We’ll put everything together by July 30, translate them into Japanese, and present to Ms. Shibata and Mr. Morita.
To be continued...
Hakata magemono bentwood craft is too important to be let go. In fact Hakata is the birth place of bentwood boxes in Japan with over 300 years in history. We will continue to promote the legacy story and spread this timeless beautiful object to more global audiences, to people like you, who appreciate fine crafts and understand what intelligence in material and craftsmanship can teach to the modern era. With the help of Ms. Shibata, we are seeking and talking to the very few Hakata bentwood artisans we can find, while setting up gallery to feature ShibataToku's last works.
Please follow us as the bentwood craft story continues to evolve. Hakata bentwood objects and bent wood bento boxes are NOT ready to end yet...
* Our inventory of ShibataToku boxes varies and are very small, anywhere from 1-15+ units. Please pardon when items become unavailable as it is challenging to keep updating inventory frequently in this situation. Our goal is to help Ms. Shibata to encash her goods as much as we can.
Read more on challenges faced by Japanese traditional crafts and rural towns here.)
