This is a sturdy, rectangular basket with handles.
It is a type of bamboo basket called “Goyōkago,” which was widely used across Japan during the mid-Meiji period. These baskets were known as delivery baskets, bicycle baskets, or, in larger sizes, laundry shop baskets.
They were used to carry goods for delivery, loaded onto the rear racks of bicycles, motorcycles, or handcarts.
In the mid-Meiji era, when bicycles with rubber tires and rear carriers became common in Japan, these baskets spread alongside them and were used throughout the country.
At the time, they were used not only by shops but also by traveling merchants and farmers for carrying harvests.
Today, with the rise of plastic baskets and automobiles, bamboo “Goyōkago” have nearly disappeared from everyday life.
This piece is made by a craftsman who first studied the basics of basketry in Kanagawa, and later continued his practice independently in western Tokyo.
He told us that when he first saw a Goyōkago, he was deeply struck by its form and fell in love with it. His passion was so strong that he decided to become a bamboo craftsman just to make this basket.
He has since relocated from Tokyo to Sado Island in Niigata, where he harvests his own bamboo and makes each basket entirely by hand.
A basket like this, with a rectangular shape, is also known as a “Kakukago,” meaning cornered or square basket.
Making a kakukago requires a unique set of techniques—thick bamboo must be shaved, bent using heat, and transformed from its natural straight form into a square structure.
Creating Goyōkago baskets, in particular, demands great physical strength in the legs and lower back. As the older artisans retired and no successors remained, production declined drastically across Japan, and today these baskets are extremely rare.
On this page, we introduce the Goyōkago in three sizes—small, medium, and large.
Generally, Goyōkago baskets are made from green bamboo.
“Green bamboo” refers to madake bamboo that is freshly cut and used in its natural green state. (In contrast, bamboo that has been heat-treated to remove its green hue is called “white bamboo.”)
Its defining features include the thick rim, the strong vertical supports that run through the basket, and the fine strips woven in a “gozame-ami” pattern.These elements together form the standard structure of a Goyōkago.The green hue of the bamboo gradually shifts over time and environment, taking on a soft golden tone similar to white bamboo.Another key feature is the pair of side handles, designed for convenient loading, carrying, and transport.This is the inside of the basket. It has hand openings built into the sides, allowing you to slip your hands through to lift it. The handle area is tightly wrapped with rattan, so there is no rough bamboo texture against the hand, making it comfortable to hold.The vertical support bamboos running through the basket are woven into the inner edge. To bend the bamboo, the inner side is shaved thin and heated with fire to soften it, leaving slight scorch marks. Copper wire is also wrapped around the rim and the supports for reinforcement.In the bent sections of these supports, the bamboo’s outer skin may sometimes peel slightly due to drying. This is an unavoidable occurrence that even careful craftsmanship cannot fully prevent. Some baskets may already have such peeling when delivered; please note that this is not considered a defect. (The photo shown is of a different green bamboo product made by another artisan.)In this Goyōkago, rattan is also wrapped around the bent portions of the vertical supports along the rim to help reduce peeling.The basket bottom is woven in the “ikada-zoko-ami”, a technique often used for making sturdy baskets.On the underside, multiple support bamboos run across the base, creating a very solid foundation.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the small size.Here is an image of its scale. Though called “small,” it is fairly large for a basket and offers plenty of storage capacity for home use.It can hold a generous amount of root vegetables such as onions and potatoes, or be used to store jars, cans, magazines, or newspapers.This is the medium size. Despite the name, it also has considerable capacity.It’s useful for storing larger or heavier items such as tools, or for keeping small toys neatly organized.It can also hold drink cans, condiment bottles, and other pantry items.Next is the large size.It has an impressive presence.It’s ideal for storing emergency goods or preserved food—you can see the contents at a glance, making it easy to rotate stock or check supplies.It also works well for camping gear and other outdoor items. With its handles, it can be carried and loaded into a car with ease.
A rectangular basket like this fits neatly into the corners of a room, against a wall, or on a shelf without wasting space. Even when several are placed side by side, they look tidy and well-organized.
If placed directly on flooring, dragging the bamboo base may cause scratches on the surface.
If that concerns you, it’s best to place a cloth or paper underneath, or attach felt pads to the points where the bottom support bamboos touch the floor.
During the era when Goyōkago baskets were widely produced (from the Meiji to the Showa period), bamboo crafts such as baskets and sieves made from green bamboo were generally called “aramono,” meaning simple household goods.
The Goyōkago featured here, however, stands apart from such “aramono” pieces. It is exceptionally well made, with clean, precise workmanship throughout, showing that when handled properly, it can be used for many years.
Unlike fine bamboo work that uses thin strips similar to sasa leaves, green bamboo craftsmanship allows for thicker, wider strips to be taken from the material. This makes it durable enough for everyday, heavy-duty use such as transport work.
A sturdy, well-built square basket—perfect for both home and professional use.
Please select your preferred size.
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.
This is a sturdy, rectangular basket with handles.
It is a type of bamboo basket called “Goyōkago,” which was widely used across Japan during the mid-Meiji period. These baskets were known as delivery baskets, bicycle baskets, or, in larger sizes, laundry shop baskets.
They were used to carry goods for delivery, loaded onto the rear racks of bicycles, motorcycles, or handcarts.
In the mid-Meiji era, when bicycles with rubber tires and rear carriers became common in Japan, these baskets spread alongside them and were used throughout the country.
At the time, they were used not only by shops but also by traveling merchants and farmers for carrying harvests.
Today, with the rise of plastic baskets and automobiles, bamboo “Goyōkago” have nearly disappeared from everyday life.
This piece is made by a craftsman who first studied the basics of basketry in Kanagawa, and later continued his practice independently in western Tokyo.
He told us that when he first saw a Goyōkago, he was deeply struck by its form and fell in love with it. His passion was so strong that he decided to become a bamboo craftsman just to make this basket.
He has since relocated from Tokyo to Sado Island in Niigata, where he harvests his own bamboo and makes each basket entirely by hand.
A basket like this, with a rectangular shape, is also known as a “Kakukago,” meaning cornered or square basket.
Making a kakukago requires a unique set of techniques—thick bamboo must be shaved, bent using heat, and transformed from its natural straight form into a square structure.
Creating Goyōkago baskets, in particular, demands great physical strength in the legs and lower back. As the older artisans retired and no successors remained, production declined drastically across Japan, and today these baskets are extremely rare.
On this page, we introduce the Goyōkago in three sizes—small, medium, and large.
Generally, Goyōkago baskets are made from green bamboo.
“Green bamboo” refers to madake bamboo that is freshly cut and used in its natural green state. (In contrast, bamboo that has been heat-treated to remove its green hue is called “white bamboo.”)
Its defining features include the thick rim, the strong vertical supports that run through the basket, and the fine strips woven in a “gozame-ami” pattern.These elements together form the standard structure of a Goyōkago.The green hue of the bamboo gradually shifts over time and environment, taking on a soft golden tone similar to white bamboo.Another key feature is the pair of side handles, designed for convenient loading, carrying, and transport.This is the inside of the basket. It has hand openings built into the sides, allowing you to slip your hands through to lift it. The handle area is tightly wrapped with rattan, so there is no rough bamboo texture against the hand, making it comfortable to hold.The vertical support bamboos running through the basket are woven into the inner edge. To bend the bamboo, the inner side is shaved thin and heated with fire to soften it, leaving slight scorch marks. Copper wire is also wrapped around the rim and the supports for reinforcement.In the bent sections of these supports, the bamboo’s outer skin may sometimes peel slightly due to drying. This is an unavoidable occurrence that even careful craftsmanship cannot fully prevent. Some baskets may already have such peeling when delivered; please note that this is not considered a defect. (The photo shown is of a different green bamboo product made by another artisan.)In this Goyōkago, rattan is also wrapped around the bent portions of the vertical supports along the rim to help reduce peeling.The basket bottom is woven in the “ikada-zoko-ami”, a technique often used for making sturdy baskets.On the underside, multiple support bamboos run across the base, creating a very solid foundation.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the small size.Here is an image of its scale. Though called “small,” it is fairly large for a basket and offers plenty of storage capacity for home use.It can hold a generous amount of root vegetables such as onions and potatoes, or be used to store jars, cans, magazines, or newspapers.This is the medium size. Despite the name, it also has considerable capacity.It’s useful for storing larger or heavier items such as tools, or for keeping small toys neatly organized.It can also hold drink cans, condiment bottles, and other pantry items.Next is the large size.It has an impressive presence.It’s ideal for storing emergency goods or preserved food—you can see the contents at a glance, making it easy to rotate stock or check supplies.It also works well for camping gear and other outdoor items. With its handles, it can be carried and loaded into a car with ease.
A rectangular basket like this fits neatly into the corners of a room, against a wall, or on a shelf without wasting space. Even when several are placed side by side, they look tidy and well-organized.
If placed directly on flooring, dragging the bamboo base may cause scratches on the surface.
If that concerns you, it’s best to place a cloth or paper underneath, or attach felt pads to the points where the bottom support bamboos touch the floor.
During the era when Goyōkago baskets were widely produced (from the Meiji to the Showa period), bamboo crafts such as baskets and sieves made from green bamboo were generally called “aramono,” meaning simple household goods.
The Goyōkago featured here, however, stands apart from such “aramono” pieces. It is exceptionally well made, with clean, precise workmanship throughout, showing that when handled properly, it can be used for many years.
Unlike fine bamboo work that uses thin strips similar to sasa leaves, green bamboo craftsmanship allows for thicker, wider strips to be taken from the material. This makes it durable enough for everyday, heavy-duty use such as transport work.
A sturdy, well-built square basket—perfect for both home and professional use.
Please select your preferred size.
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.
This is a sturdy, rectangular basket with handles.
It is a type of bamboo basket called “Goyōkago,” which was widely used across Japan during the mid-Meiji period. These baskets were known as delivery baskets, bicycle baskets, or, in larger sizes, laundry shop baskets.
They were used to carry goods for delivery, loaded onto the rear racks of bicycles, motorcycles, or handcarts.
In the mid-Meiji era, when bicycles with rubber tires and rear carriers became common in Japan, these baskets spread alongside them and were used throughout the country.
At the time, they were used not only by shops but also by traveling merchants and farmers for carrying harvests.
Today, with the rise of plastic baskets and automobiles, bamboo “Goyōkago” have nearly disappeared from everyday life.
This piece is made by a craftsman who first studied the basics of basketry in Kanagawa, and later continued his practice independently in western Tokyo.
He told us that when he first saw a Goyōkago, he was deeply struck by its form and fell in love with it. His passion was so strong that he decided to become a bamboo craftsman just to make this basket.
He has since relocated from Tokyo to Sado Island in Niigata, where he harvests his own bamboo and makes each basket entirely by hand.
A basket like this, with a rectangular shape, is also known as a “Kakukago,” meaning cornered or square basket.
Making a kakukago requires a unique set of techniques—thick bamboo must be shaved, bent using heat, and transformed from its natural straight form into a square structure.
Creating Goyōkago baskets, in particular, demands great physical strength in the legs and lower back. As the older artisans retired and no successors remained, production declined drastically across Japan, and today these baskets are extremely rare.
On this page, we introduce the Goyōkago in three sizes—small, medium, and large.
Generally, Goyōkago baskets are made from green bamboo.
“Green bamboo” refers to madake bamboo that is freshly cut and used in its natural green state. (In contrast, bamboo that has been heat-treated to remove its green hue is called “white bamboo.”)
Its defining features include the thick rim, the strong vertical supports that run through the basket, and the fine strips woven in a “gozame-ami” pattern.These elements together form the standard structure of a Goyōkago.The green hue of the bamboo gradually shifts over time and environment, taking on a soft golden tone similar to white bamboo.Another key feature is the pair of side handles, designed for convenient loading, carrying, and transport.This is the inside of the basket. It has hand openings built into the sides, allowing you to slip your hands through to lift it. The handle area is tightly wrapped with rattan, so there is no rough bamboo texture against the hand, making it comfortable to hold.The vertical support bamboos running through the basket are woven into the inner edge. To bend the bamboo, the inner side is shaved thin and heated with fire to soften it, leaving slight scorch marks. Copper wire is also wrapped around the rim and the supports for reinforcement.In the bent sections of these supports, the bamboo’s outer skin may sometimes peel slightly due to drying. This is an unavoidable occurrence that even careful craftsmanship cannot fully prevent. Some baskets may already have such peeling when delivered; please note that this is not considered a defect. (The photo shown is of a different green bamboo product made by another artisan.)In this Goyōkago, rattan is also wrapped around the bent portions of the vertical supports along the rim to help reduce peeling.The basket bottom is woven in the “ikada-zoko-ami”, a technique often used for making sturdy baskets.On the underside, multiple support bamboos run across the base, creating a very solid foundation.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the small size.Here is an image of its scale. Though called “small,” it is fairly large for a basket and offers plenty of storage capacity for home use.It can hold a generous amount of root vegetables such as onions and potatoes, or be used to store jars, cans, magazines, or newspapers.This is the medium size. Despite the name, it also has considerable capacity.It’s useful for storing larger or heavier items such as tools, or for keeping small toys neatly organized.It can also hold drink cans, condiment bottles, and other pantry items.Next is the large size.It has an impressive presence.It’s ideal for storing emergency goods or preserved food—you can see the contents at a glance, making it easy to rotate stock or check supplies.It also works well for camping gear and other outdoor items. With its handles, it can be carried and loaded into a car with ease.
A rectangular basket like this fits neatly into the corners of a room, against a wall, or on a shelf without wasting space. Even when several are placed side by side, they look tidy and well-organized.
If placed directly on flooring, dragging the bamboo base may cause scratches on the surface.
If that concerns you, it’s best to place a cloth or paper underneath, or attach felt pads to the points where the bottom support bamboos touch the floor.
During the era when Goyōkago baskets were widely produced (from the Meiji to the Showa period), bamboo crafts such as baskets and sieves made from green bamboo were generally called “aramono,” meaning simple household goods.
The Goyōkago featured here, however, stands apart from such “aramono” pieces. It is exceptionally well made, with clean, precise workmanship throughout, showing that when handled properly, it can be used for many years.
Unlike fine bamboo work that uses thin strips similar to sasa leaves, green bamboo craftsmanship allows for thicker, wider strips to be taken from the material. This makes it durable enough for everyday, heavy-duty use such as transport work.
A sturdy, well-built square basket—perfect for both home and professional use.
Please select your preferred size.
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.
