Blanc Pa, a series of one-of-a-kind vessels by Odate Kogeisha. We take a close look, from the story behind their creation to reviews from those who use them daily.

Simply placing it on the table, and the whole space is wrapped in a gentle atmosphere. That's the curious charm of "Blanc Pa" tableware. The unique gradations and contrasts that nature paints into the sugi (Japanese cedar) mean no two pieces are ever alike, offering a new discovery every time you look at them.

Our staff have experienced the comfort of using these pieces firsthand, day after day, and we even visited Odate Kogeisha to hear the story behind their creation. This time, we bring you the full charm of Blanc Pa, along with reviews from those who love using it.

LINEUP of the Blanc Pa Series

From "Unusable Material" to "Beautiful Object"

The Blanc Pa series, crafted by Odate Kogeisha—a maker that has long continued the tradition of magewappa (bentwood ware)—holds a certain secret. That secret is their deliberate use of shirata, the sapwood of sugi cedar, a part long considered unsuitable for craftwork. By earnestly confronting this difficult-to-handle material, the craftsmen have given shape to new possibilities.

We asked about the trial and error involved in bringing new value to shirata, where traditional craft techniques met a commitment to sustainable manufacturing—from how they approach the material itself to their vision for the future.

First, we asked about the material itself.

— Could you tell us specifically what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, in the process of coming to use shirata?

The Blanc Pa series makes use of shirata, but this part of the wood has traditionally been considered a lower-grade material.

▲The reddish area in the center is akami (heartwood), and the whitish area around it is shirata (sapwood)

The reason for this is that, after being cut from the mountain forests, the wood was often poorly stored, leading to frequent insect damage and discoloration that made it difficult to use. In recent years, however, forestry management has improved, and beautiful, well-preserved shirata has become more common. As sourcing materials has grown more difficult, we have worked to make use of shirata as part of our effort to reduce waste.

— How do products made with shirata differ from those made using only akami?

Using shirata gives the vessels a more Western-style impression. The distinctive contrast created by the balance of shirata and akami also gives each product a one-of-a-kind character. This is one of the great charms of the Blanc Pa series.

In terms of functionality as a material, there is absolutely no difference from using only akami, so you can use it with complete peace of mind.

— What kind of care goes into bringing out the individual character of each product's grain and color—qualities unique to natural materials—to the fullest?

We pay particular attention to the ratio of shirata to akami. For instance, in the bentwood rim, we aim to keep shirata to about 30% of the whole.

Also, since some shirata material has uneven coloring, our craftsmen carefully select the material during production, applying the same discerning eye they use when selecting akami.

Next, we asked about the concept behind the Blanc Pa series.

— We understand the name reflects a devotion to the color "white." Could you tell us the message behind the name "Blanc Pa"?

"Blanc Pa" is a brand that was born in February 2023, with a concept centered on magewappa where each piece has its own one-of-a-kind character.

The brand name Blanc Pa is a coined term combining "blanc," the French word for white, with "wappa" from magewappa, reflecting our use of shirata, the white part of the wood.

▽They also shared this thought with us.

Akita cedar is characterized by the natural individuality and beauty shaped by the environment it grew in. We want to embrace this charm of the material in a positive light, and express it in products where each piece carries its own distinct character. Also, since the supply of natural Akita cedar was halted, we have been using timber that is over 100 years old. In order not to waste this precious material, we actively make use of parts like shirata and areas with poor coloring that were previously discarded—though in some cases, we still have no choice but to discard nearly half of the material.

To pass on traditional craftsmanship as a sustainable industry to the next generation, we are proposing a lifestyle that moves away from mass production and mass consumption, favoring good things used for a long time. We also put great effort into our repair services, so that each product can be used for five, ten years, or even longer.

Finally, we asked about their vision for the future.

— Are there any designs or new initiatives you'd like to try in the future for the Blanc Pa series?

We want to continue "making things" without being bound by conventional magewappa. In order to pass down our accumulated secret techniques to future generations, we will keep working to develop products that incorporate the skills we've cultivated.

~ Reflecting on Our Visit ~

What left the deepest impression on us during this visit was Odate Kogeisha's attitude toward materials and tradition. Their perspective—one that makes you realize "this is so beautiful" about shirata, a part that had long been overlooked—felt truly refreshing.

Also, the new brand "Blanc Pa" is filled with a challenge to carry the beauty of tradition into the future. There's something new yet somehow nostalgic about it, and a warmth that seems to fill you with a rich feeling just by holding it in your hands. Learning about the work of Odate Kogeisha also made me reconsider the importance of "choosing things you can love for a long time." I look forward to continuing to discover the charm of items that develop more character the more you use them.

It's been about six months since I started using it. I use it almost every day.

Don't you have a favorite piece of tableware that you naturally reach for in your everyday life? For me, that's the Bowl from Blanc Pa, which I've now been using for about six months. The gentle scent of Akita cedar (sugi), its functionality, and a simple design that suits any dish—once I discovered its charm, I found myself using it almost every day.

Here's a breakfast from the other day.

One thing I love is that you can faintly catch the scent of sugi. It somehow makes the rice look even happier.

Just like with magewappa (bentwood) lunch boxes, the Akita sugi seems to breathe, absorbing moisture from the rice, so it stayed fluffy and delicious even after some time had passed!

Here's a lunch from another day.

On days when I want a light meal of just salad, I used it as a salad bowl.

Just as with rice, it absorbs excess moisture, so the vegetables stayed crisp all the way to the last bite.

This day, it was warm pot-au-feu.

I was surprised to find it also works as a soup bowl. The gentle feel of wood against your lips is something you could easily get hooked on.

Another feature is that it doesn't get too hot to hold, so I was able to hold it in my hands and drink the soup straight down. Its lightness also makes it easy to hold, which I appreciated.

This day, it was meat pasta.

Since it's finished with a urethane coating that meets Food Sanitation Act standards, I could serve oily dishes without any worries.

After finishing the meal, it's time for care.

I was a little worried about whether stains might have soaked in.

I wash it with kitchen detergent and a soft sponge.

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The stains came right off, cleanly!

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Once the stains are removed, all you need to do is wipe away the moisture thoroughly and let it dry completely. I wipe off the water with a soft cloth.

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Blanc Pa tableware is easy to care for, too.

*Strongly scented foods may transfer their smell onto the piece. If that happens, soak it briefly in water and then wash it with kitchen detergent.

Answering "Everyone's Questions" in Q&A form

Q. What should I be careful about when I first start using it?

To prevent smells and stains from soaking in, when you first start using it, rinse it in lukewarm water 2 to 3 times, then wipe it thoroughly and let it dry in a well-ventilated place.

Q. What should I keep in mind when using it?

・Handling is the same as with conventional magewappa. Please wash it with detergent and dry it—drying thoroughly is especially important.

・Please avoid using it in a dishwasher, dryer, over an open flame, in a microwave, or in an oven.

・Please avoid leaving it soaking in water or hot water for long periods.

・Please do not leave it in direct sunlight or near fire, as this can cause discoloration or warping.

・Poking the surface with metal cutlery or sharp objects can scratch the finish coating and lead to dark discoloration.

Q. Can it be repaired?

We accept paid repair requests for issues including stains, discoloration, and peeling paint. Wood surface adjustment (sanding) and repainting are also available.

If you're concerned about dirt or damage, please feel free to consult ZUTTO Customer Support.

*Please note that in some cases repair may not be possible.

▼Product pages here▼

>>Blanc Pa/Bowl

>>Blanc Pa/Dish

>>Blanc Pa/Oval Dish

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A "nice to meet you" after 50 years　

About 50 years after production ended, it makes its return after crossing half a century of time.

This is the wooden doll "Osugi Warabe." The moment I encountered it, I couldn't help but exclaim, "How cute!"

Odate Kogeisha is well known for magewappa, but apparently when the company was first founded, it mainly produced wooden flower vessels and souvenir goods, and this Osugi Warabe has been made since around 1962.

This wooden doll, shaped like a child wearing a straw snow hat that symbolizes winter in snowy Akita, has an indescribable charm. With its round eyes, eyebrows set slightly apart, and small pursed mouth, its somewhat spaced-out expression is endearing, bringing a moment of quiet comfort into everyday life.