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Craft Report
A Pair of Chopsticks That Blends Heritage With Fresh Newness.
During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, demand rose for “high-quality items—even for chopsticks.”
Responding to this shift, Hashimoto Kousaku Lacquerware began producing urushi lacquered chopsticks.
Ever since, they have carefully crafted each pair using “Noto Hiba,” the official tree of Ishikawa Prefecture, and natural urushi—the only true natural lacquer—drawing on the long-inherited craftsmanship of their family-run workshop.
In 2020, noticing that fewer young people were familiar with lacquerware, artisans from Wajima—an area known for its 70-year lacquerware tradition—launched a new brand: “Jūhachi-zen — Lacquer Chopsticks for Today’s Lifestyle.”
Their aim was simple: to make lacquered chopsticks more accessible and enjoyable for everyday use.
Jūhachi-zen is known for fresh patterns, modern designs, and an unexpected tactile feel that goes beyond traditional Wajima lacquer chopsticks.
Blending the refined quality of a long-established workshop with playful design, each pair becomes a reliable companion for daily meals.
Launched in 2020. The design shown in the image is “Mizutama.”
The Warmth of Noto Hiba and the Fresh Texture of New Lacquer.
Heritage System, are home to the beautiful, fine-grained Noto Hiba used by Hashimoto Kousaku Lacquerware. This high-quality wood is known for exceptional durability and is traditionally used for tableware and even architectural materials.
Using local wood not only preserves craftsmanship but also contributes to forest conservation by supporting sustainable cycles of growth. Noto Hiba contains abundant natural hinokitiol, a compound with strong antibacterial properties that naturally suppresses mold growth. Alongside its beauty, durability, and proven antibacterial qualities, it is an excellent material for chopsticks.
Because chopsticks made from Noto Hiba are incredibly lightweight, they transmit the subtle weight and texture of each ingredient, making the dining experience more vivid and enjoyable.
While searching for something completely new, the artisans accidentally discovered a technique in which thicker lacquer is applied directly onto the wood.
The result is Jūhachi-zen-nuri, a unique finish with a pleasantly rough texture—unheard of among traditional lacquerware, which typically has a smooth, glossy surface.
This fresh texture and stylish design brings a new spark to everyday dining.
From coating to decoration to inspection, every step is done by hand by skilled artisans.
No chemical paints are used—only natural materials—so the chopsticks are completely safe for everyday use.
The warmth of natural materials and the contemporary look and feel, free from traditional constraints, add comfort and delight to every meal.
While creating pop, youthful designs like Jūhachi-zen, the workshop also continues to produce authentic Wajima lacquer chopsticks with hand-painted maki-e using traditional techniques.
The wooden tool used for coating is called a “fune.”
In addition to hand-painted maki-e, some motifs are applied by rolling the chopsticks over engraved stamps. Depending on the pattern, multiple layers are applied to create a more complex, expressive design.
Conversations With Living Lacquer—Passing It to the Next Generation.
“I once heard an older craftsman in his 80s say, ‘Lacquer is alive—there are still things we don’t fully understand.’
Even when I asked neighboring artisans about their techniques, I could never replicate them exactly. Whether you work on the first or second floor, whether your workshop faces the sea or the mountains—humidity and temperature vary, so you must adjust your method to the environment.
It’s difficult, but that’s also what makes it enjoyable.”
Ms. Sakamoto, who kindly agreed to be interviewed for this feature.
As a child, the family craft was simply part of the scenery, and he never expected to take it over.
After spending five years outside the prefecture, he returned to Wajima—and soon found himself inheriting the craft.
Before he could fully learn the techniques, the previous master passed away, leaving him to rely on instinct, memory, and constant dialogue with the lacquer.
“I worked by feel—recalling sounds, remembering vague impressions—never knowing if it was really correct.
But the finish turned out completely different from my father’s work, so I kept experimenting, trying to understand why.”
Determined to bring lacquered chopsticks to people of all ages, Mr. Sakamoto launched the Jūhachi-zen brand. He is delighted that younger generations are discovering and responding to his work.“I hope that someday, when people see the Jūhachi-zen logo, they’ll instantly say, ‘Oh, those chopsticks!’”Committed to “creating chopsticks that are safe and trustworthy” and to using only natural materials without chemical coatings, he continues his daily dialogue with lacquer—passing down the spirit of urushi craftsmanship to the next generation.
Interview: Takuya Atarashi Photography: Daiki Morishita Text: Emiko Shimono
