Wooden craftwork, known locally as Hakata Magemono, was originally produced solely to be used as implements in sacred rites at  Hakozaki-gū, a shrine famous for its Tamaseseri and Hojoya Festivals. Over time, however, magemono grew in popularity among commoners who found practical uses for them as rice containers, lunch boxes, and so on.

Today, only two ateliers producing Hakata Magemono remain today, one of which is Shibata Toku Shōten located in Maedashi in Fukuoka's East Ward. Shibata Toku Shôten produces some sixty different types of magemono, including the popo zen tray which has enjoyed an enduring popularity over the years. Given as presents during Shichi-go-san (7-5-3) celebrations, popo zen trays are painted with auspicsious items, such as cranes and turtles. Since ancient times, the trays have traditionally been crafted by men; the pictures painted by women.

At Shibata Toku Shōten, great care is put into choosing the materials. "If the grains aren't straight, it won't make good magemono," says Shibata. "You can only get a sense of how a piece will all come together after years of experience."

To produce magemono, slats of hinoki (Japanese cypress) are first arranged according to their measurements. Next, the part where the two ends meet is planed. "If you make the joining parts too thick, the line won't be straight," Shibata explains. "If you make it too thin, then it'll be too sharp."

After the ends have been planed, the board is soaked in water overnight. The following morning, it is soaked into hot water for about 4 hours, making the board more pliable. Once the board is soft enough, it is bent with a special machine and then assembled. 

When asked what he found most pleasurable about the work, Shibata replied, "When a customer who's been using one of our products for several years comes in to have it repaired. If used with care, they can last for several decades."

Hakata Magemono which have been produced for some 300 years have been designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Fukuoka city.

Every year my wife asks me what I want for my birthday and I always say a magemono bento box. We’ve been married for over 15 years and I still haven’t received it.