First Public Reveal of the Entire Manufacturing Process! The Moment a Traditional 'Ikkanbari Kori' (Storage Box) is Born

Taketora (operated by Yamagishi Bamboo Store Co., Ltd.), a specialized bamboo manufacturer serving customers since 1894, has officially released the entire manufacturing process of its 'Ikkanbari Kori' (traditional storage boxes). While we have handled these items for over a decade, this is the first time we have disclosed the detailed process from splitting the bamboo and weaving the bamboo strips to applying Tosa washi paper and finishing with persimmon tannin. You can watch the series of manual tasks that transform a single piece of bamboo into a practical and beautiful storage box on our YouTube channel.

[Taketora] Full Process of Artisan Craftsmanship! How to make Ikkanbari Kori: Bamboo splitting, weaving, papering, and persimmon tannin application. https://youtu.be/ba2m-VyobsY

In recent years, lightweight plastic storage products have become mainstream, but Ikkanbari Kori, made only from bamboo, washi, and persimmon tannin, has long been a part of Japanese life. This technique has been used for various household items, including clothing baskets, handbags, and dustpans. The texture unique to natural materials and the depth that increases with use offer a charm not found in modern products.

Ikkanbari is a traditional technique where washi paper is layered over a bamboo basket and finished with persimmon tannin. The combination of a sturdy bamboo base with washi and persimmon tannin creates a storage box that is both light and durable.

We use locally sourced bamboo. Bamboo strips are prepared to a uniform width and thickness and carefully woven using the 'yotsume-ami' (four-eye weave) technique. The precision of this base determines the final finish. We also use heat-bending for the bamboo frame to prevent distortion. Each seemingly simple step is infused with years of artisan expertise.

For the papering, we use Tosa washi, a traditional industry of Kochi Prefecture. After preparing the base, we layer washi of different shades and add accents with darker paper on the edges and corners. This delicate work requires intense concentration to avoid wrinkles. Even the interior is lined with washi, showing meticulous attention to hidden details.

After drying the papered basket, we apply persimmon tannin as a finish. This tightens the surface, increases durability, and allows the color to deepen over time. The way it matures into an amber hue with continued use is one of the unique pleasures of Ikkanbari.

Ikkanbari was originally passed down as a way to repair baskets or as work during the farming off-season. This culture still lives on in the Shikoku region, and we hope to connect this tradition to the future. While products using imported or alternative materials exist, we deliver authentic Ikkanbari using domestic bamboo. Through this video, we hope more people will learn about the charm of Ikkanbari and the artisan techniques behind it, passing the value of Japanese handiwork to the next generation.