Feature

Kiso wood Industry's rice containers and rice stool

Mr. Tagami handcrafts these Edo-style rice containers and rice stools entirely using sawara wood, one of the "Five Trees of Kiso" in Nagano Prefecture. Sawara wood, 200-300 years old, boasts excellent breathability and moisture resistance. By controlling the moisture content of rice just enough, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy rice and sushi rice, even when it cools. Made with a commitment to using only materials from a single tree, these exquisite pieces are crafted to maximize the wood's unique characteristics, making them a lifetime treasure.

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What are Kiso Wood Industry's rice containers and rice stools?

These utensils are made from sawara wood, a wood with beautiful grain and resistance to water and acidity, and are used to store and cook rice. Sawara wood, used for rice containers and rice stools, is a material that has long been used for wet items such as buckets and bathtubs, and has a subtle, sweet fragrance. Its most distinctive feature is its woody surface, which absorbs excess moisture from rice and its excellent breathability. This prevents freshly cooked rice from becoming sticky and keeps it soft even after cooling. Their rice trays, in particular, are ideal for making vinegared rice and are favored by many professional sushi restaurants.

What makes this manufacturer's products so special

Completely Handmade: From wood selection to finishing, Mr. Tagami carries out every process by hand, with little or no machinery involved.
Commitment to "Single Trees": Each product is made from materials taken from a single tree. This ensures consistent color, hardness, and wood shrinkage and warping, resulting in a beautiful finish.
Selection of Bottom Board: For the bottom board, they use a custom-made "honmasa" board with a straight grain cut vertically toward the center of the tree to prevent warping and twisting.
Calculating Changes Over Time: We calculate how the wood will change shape over time (warping and shrinking) and deliberately craft the ohitsu to be irregular in shape, allowing it to become more flexible and stronger with use.

Handmade rice tray (1.2 sho)

$95

Edo rice container (1.5 sho)

$169

Handmade rice tray (1 sho)

$76

Handmade rice tray (7 cups)

$68

Handmade rice tray (5 cups)

$59

Handmade rice tray (3 cups)

$53

Handmade rice tray (2.5 cups)

$49

Edo rice container (1 sho)

$142

Edo rice container (8 go)

$120

Edo rice container (5 go)

$99

Edo rice container (3 go)

$85

The workshop

Nagano, Japan

Craftsman Tagami entered the world of sawara crafts after graduating from high school. He spent seven years mastering the techniques of his father, observing and learning from his predecessor. Tagami's work is rhythmic, using a plane and relying only on the blueprint in his head and the feel of his hands. It takes about two hours from sawing the log to completing the ohitsu, and the intricate craftsmanship is apparently measured by machine. Tagami believes that "each piece of sawara wood has its own unique character," and he carefully discerns the wood's quirks while lovingly crafting products that, when lovingly cared for, can be used for many years to come.

Use cases

Storing Freshly Cooked Rice: By placing hot rice in the ohitsu and gently loosening it, excess moisture is removed, resulting in fluffy, chewy rice.
Enjoying Cold Rice: Thanks to the ohitsu's moisture-regulating properties, the rice stays delicious even after time has passed, preventing it from becoming sticky or hard.
Making Sushi Rice: By stirring the rice in a chopping motion on the rice steamer, the rice's flavor is brought out, resulting in glossy sushi rice.

FAQ

How do I care for my ohitsu when I first use it?

Apply vinegar to the inside of the ohitsu, fill it with hot water, and let it cool. Repeat this process several times if the wood's scent bothers you.

How do I care for my ohitsu after use?

After use, wash immediately with water or hot water and dry in the shade. It's best to avoid using detergent whenever possible.

Can I store it with rice inside?

Leaving rice inside overnight can cause mold, so only put in the amount you'll eat that day and wash it immediately after.

How should I store it?

Wrap it in newspaper or similar and store it in a cool place.