The only wooden vessel maker in Tokyo whose vessel are used by the Imperial Household

There are no more than 5 or 6 wooden vessel makers in the whole of Japan. Mr. Kwamata is the only wooden vessel maker in Tokyo, keeping his craft alive by continuing to make wooden vessel by the traditional method,

A typical place where wooden bowl are used is a sushi restaurant. A high-quality wooden bowl is needed for the rice and sushi toppings to be kept in the best condition. The wooden sushi bowl made by the traditional method drain well and are easy to maintain, making them a favorite with sushi chefs.

Traditional craft bringing a new meaning for wooden vessel to the next generation

The reason why Mr. Kawamata continues to use traditional methods to make wooden vessel isn’t that he is attached to tradition but rather because the traditional method makes high-quality wooden buckets. Having served wooden vessel to the Imperial Family and temples and shrines over many generations, Okeei has come to attract demand from overseas as well. The wooden vessel he makes have come to become one of the crafts that represent Japan.