Wappa were traditionally used as lunch boxes by mountain climbers working in the mountains, and artisans in Owase City, Mie Prefecture, continue to make Owase wappa using traditional techniques. It takes about two months to complete one wappa, and all 45 steps are completed by hand using methods handed down for generations. No chemicals are used in the process. Wappa made from cypress have antibacterial properties, and because the inside is finished with natural lacquer, rice does not spoil easily even in the hot sun.