This is a handai, a traditional rice tub made of Sawara cypress.

It is used for preparing sushi rice, and also for serving dishes like nigiri or chirashi sushi.

This product uses Kiso sawara, a type of sawara cypress grown in the Kiso region of Nagano.

The standing trees resemble hinoki in appearance, but the wood is softer, lighter, more water-resistant, and easier to work with than hinoki.

Sawara gently absorbs moisture and has a milder scent compared to hinoki.
It pairs well with food and has long been favored for making rice containers and drop lids.

We introduce a handai fitted with a bamboo hoop, known as a “taga”, which is placed around the body of the tub.

On this page, we introduce three large sizes:
39cm, 42cm, and 45cm in diameter (approx. 15.35″ to 17.72″)—
suitable for serving large groups or for professional use in restaurants.

Matching lids are also available separately for each tub size.
(＊Please choose a lid in the same size as your selected handai.
For example, a 39cm lid fits perfectly with a 39cm handai.)

＊A separate page features five sizes from 24cm to 36cm,
which are easy to use at home.
（Please see this page for details.）

Let us introduce each size.

Now, let us show you how it’s used in practice.
(Here we’re using the 30cm (11.81″) size, suitable for home use.)

We tried arranging colorful chirashi-zushi in this handai.
The gentle tone and texture of the wood
beautifully complement the ingredients and make the dish even more appetizing.

You can also simply make rice balls, place them in the handai,
cover it with the lid, and keep them stored until serving.
It helps maintain the right level of moisture,
and when it’s time to eat, the presentation is also a pleasure to look at.

Another nice idea is to arrange small dishes or side plates in the handai
and use it like a tray or serving board.

This may no longer be a familiar tool in everyday life,
but there’s something about this handai, finished with a bamboo hoop,
that feels oddly familiar and calming to look at.

The lid is quite useful for keeping chirashi-zushi from drying out.
And the look of the handai with its lid gently closed—there’s a quiet beauty to that as well.

After use, please store the handai in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

When people gather around a meal served in a handai,
it naturally brings a sense of celebration, warmth, and joy to the table.

This handai is very light and durable.
It is a simple, functional tool—
shaped by removing everything unnecessary and keeping only what is essential.
There is always a reason why such time-honored tools have lasted through the generations.

A handai brings a gentle sense of beauty to everyday meals.
We hope you’ll enjoy using it in your own way.

Please check the size, and choose the combination—
with or without a lid—that suits your needs and preferences.

Care Instructions

• Before use, gently wipe the inside of the tub with a damp cloth.
• After each use, avoid synthetic detergents.
  Instead, clean both the inside and outside with salt or a powder cleanser.
  Do not leave standing water in the tub, as this can accelerate the deterioration of the wood.
• After washing and drying,
  spraying the inside with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol) can help prevent mold and discoloration.
• Allow the tub to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area—such as near a window or ventilation fan.
  Avoid direct sunlight, as rapid drying may cause the wood to shrink,
  leading to the hoop coming loose, cracking, or warping.
• Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
• If the tub will not be used for over a month, wrap the body and lid separately in paper or cloth.
  Store them in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature.
  Leave the lid open during storage.
  Keeping it closed or storing it in a plastic bag may cause sap or resin to form.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.