Microwave-Safe Wooden Rice Container Crafted from Nara's Yoshino Cedar by a 70-Year-Old Bucket Artisan Makes Debut on Makuake

A microwave-safe wooden rice container made from Nara's Yoshino cedar using Kagawa's traditional craft technique "Sanuki Okedaru" — "KINOKA | The Scent of Wood" — has launched on Makuake, a crowdfunding platform.

Cradle emeri LLC, the company behind Äkta, a brand that develops and delivers products targeting people in their 40s and beyond who seek a richer lifestyle, has started early sales of "KINOKA | The Scent of Wood," a wooden rice container compatible with microwave ovens, on the crowdfunding platform Makuake, beginning June 29, 2026 (Mon).

Each piece is handcrafted by a bucket-making artisan with 70 years of heritage, using Yoshino cedar from Nara Prefecture. Cooked rice can be stored in it overnight, then warmed the next day — container and all — in the microwave, restoring it to fluffy, freshly-cooked quality where even the natural sweetness of the rice becomes apparent.

Furthermore, by soaking the container in water and adding ingredients, it enables steaming in the microwave in just minutes — easier than using a traditional bamboo steamer. One container serves multiple purposes: storage, reheating, and steaming. Compact enough to double as a lunchbox.

This is a new wooden kitchen tool where traditional bucket-making craftsmanship has evolved for modern life.

Strong launch: Surpasses 1 million yen in crowdfunding within 2 hours

"KINOKA | The Scent of Wood" surpassed 1 million yen in support within approximately two hours of launch on June 29, 2026 (Mon). The lowest-tier reward, offered at a special price for 24 hours only (limited to 70 units), sold out on the same day. The novel concept of a microwave-safe wooden container has drawn widespread attention.

Heartwarming messages of support arrive early

From day one, numerous encouraging comments have poured in. Here are some examples:

"I'm amazed that technology has made it possible to reheat rice in a wooden container using a microwave — something I thought impossible. I've always been dissatisfied with how microwaves reheat rice, so I'm really looking forward to receiving mine."

"I've been using a bentwood lacquerware bento box as a rice container, and my family and I have always wished we could just pop it in the microwave. The beautiful straight grain and the price are both delightful. I've purchased two."

"Ever since I bought an iron pot for cooking rice a few years ago, I've been searching for a wooden rice container. This product exceeds my expectations — not only for storing rice, but also for its versatility, safe and reliable materials, size, and price."

"I purchased four, one for each family member. Now everyone can have their own container, improving presentation at the table. We can even enjoy eel bowls in the 'hitsumabushi' style. Our dining experience will become much more vibrant."

"I backed this because I want my child to enjoy delicious rice. I'm deeply drawn to the warmth of wood and the care in its craftsmanship. It's such a wonderful product that I plan to buy another as a gift for my mother."

The star isn't the wood. The star is your daily meal.

"KINOKA | The Scent of Wood" isn't designed to highlight the wood itself. It exists to enhance the natural flavors of rice, vegetables, and ingredients. With its new microwave-compatible functionality, it effortlessly brings "thoughtfully prepared deliciousness" to busy everyday dining tables.

Two ways to use: "rice" and "steaming"

<1 Enjoy rice with freshly-cooked flavor> Simply store freshly cooked rice in "KINOKA | The Scent of Wood." The next day, warm the entire container in the microwave, and cold rice regains its fluffy, freshly-cooked texture, letting you taste the rice's inherent sweetness. No need to soak the container beforehand.

<2 Easy steaming without fire> Soak the container in water, allowing the Yoshino cedar to absorb ample moisture, then add ingredients and place the entire container in the microwave. The moisture stored in the wood turns to steam, creating a gentle steaming environment inside. Compared to using a bamboo steamer, this method is easier and faster — vegetables or side dishes are ready in just 2–5 minutes. It reduces dishwashing and is perfect for an extra dish on busy days or a quick snack with drinks after a tiring day. Its size also makes it suitable as a bento box.

Nara's cedar meets Kagawa's traditional craft — a wooden tool born from two regions

The material is Yoshino cedar from Yoshino region in Nara Prefecture. We carefully selected "Shirata" — the white, low-resin, beautifully pale part of the wood. We specifically used "Masame" (straight grain), known for its high capacity to absorb moisture and regulate humidity like breathing. Its mild scent won't overpower your food.

This cedar is handcrafted piece by piece by a bucket-making artisan from Kagawa Prefecture with 70 years of heritage, carrying forward the traditional craft of "Sanuki Okedaru." Decades of expertise in bucket-making enable the precision required for microwave use and the durability needed for daily use. This is a Made in Japan wooden kitchen tool born from the meeting of Nara's cedar and Kagawa's craftsmanship.

Because it touches your food every day, it's a wooden tool you can trust

Made with materials and processes compliant with Japan's Food Sanitation Law. Despite being wooden, it's microwave-safe, so you can use it freely and confidently in daily meals.

Makuake early sale status

• Launch date: June 29, 2026 (Mon) • Surpassed 1 million yen in crowdfunding within ~2 hours of launch • The lowest-tier reward with 3,000 yen off (limited to 70 units), available for 24 hours only, sold out on launch day • Regular retail price: 17,600 yen (tax included) • Early sale price: Early-bird discounts starting from 15,100 yen (tax included) currently available • Estimated delivery: Sequential shipping from September 2026 • Project page: https://www.makuake.com/project/kinoka_ohitsu/

※ Early sale prices and quantities are limited. Offer ends when supplies run out.

Company Overview

• Company name: Cradle emeri LLC • Business: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of the brand "Äkta (Ekta)"

Äkta (Ekta) Official Links

• Official store (Ekta Store): https://aktalife.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akta_life • Official LINE: https://lin.ee/z0W1aSt

<Inquiries regarding this press release> Public Relations, Cradle emeri LLC Email: aktaakta.me@gmail.com