If you enjoy Japanese food, why not introduce chopsticks and other utensils made in Japan to your table? There are so many kinds of chopsticks to choose from, though. There are traditional chopsticks made from lacquered natural wood, but there are also more modern chopsticks with chic, popular designs. Then you have long chopsticks, which are intended for men, and shorter ones intended for women. In this article, we’ll mainly focus on the lacquered ones that can be purchased online, scoring them based on their price, quality, and ease of use. If you were thinking about buying a pair of authentic Japanese chopsticks, just keep on reading.
How to Use Chopsticks
If you have trouble using chopsticks, try this method: First, hold one chopstick using your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, like you would a pencil. This will be your top chopstick. The end of the lower chopstick rests at the foot of your thumb and is locked in place by your ring finger. The important thing to remember is that the lower chopstick does not move. When you want to grab something, just move the top one. No one gets it on the first try, but with enough practice, you’ll soon become proficient at it.
More info: ▶ How to Use Chopsticks Properly (Left- and Right-Handed People) tsunagu Japan>
Chopstick Trivia: They Also Work as Talismans
In Japan, chopsticks are sometimes also used as good luck charms. Part of it comes from the fact that they help people eat delicious food, but there’s also another reason. Because they always come in sets of two, some people send chopsticks to their parents as a sign that, just like the utensils, they want to always be together with them. Chopsticks have also come to symbolize health and a long life and thus are very popular gifts.
1. Chopsticks Star Anise 7 Colors (21 cm, 23 cm) | Kagawa Lacquerware
Score: ★★★★★
Kagawa lacquerware is a traditional Japanese craft that originated in Kagawa, Shikoku, during the late Edo period (1800s). This set of chopsticks, which come in seven different colors, has been made by experienced Kagawa lacquerware craftspeople from natural wood cut octagonally. This makes the chopsticks easier to hold and to pick up things with. With their modern and chic earth-colored handles and a very reasonable price, this set of seven pairs of chopsticks is a real deal.
Size: 8.26" & 9.05" (20.9 cm & 22.9 cm)
Material: Natural wood, lacquer
Brand: 87.5 (Kagawa Lacquerware)
Related article: ▶ Traditional Japanese Crafts: The Complete Guide to Japanese Lacquerware
2. Chopstick Rest Set Cherry Blossoms Petals | Tsugaru Vidro
Score: ★★★★☆
These chopsticks are Wakasa lacquerware, a traditional Japanese craft from Fukui, and they come in sets of two paired with chopstick rests made in the Tsugaru Vidro style from Aomori. These utensils have been covered in many coats of lacquer, polished, and had cherry blossom designs painted on them. The chopstick rests similarly feature a soft pink design of scattered cherry blossoms. The set includes one pair of male chopsticks and one pair of female chopsticks, making this a great gift for couples. A set of two chopsticks at this price is a great deal.
Size:
Item Dimensions:
Material: Glass, wood
Brand: HOKUYO GLASS (Tsugaru Vidro)
Related article: ▶ Japanese Crafts: A Guide to Tsugaru Vidro
3. Modern Chopstick Wrap Tulip | Wakasa Lacquerware
Score: ★★★★☆
This is another pair of Wakasa lacquerware chopsticks. The unique design is actually a characteristic of the craft, and is made from the glimmering inside part of a seashell. The iridescent colors change depending on how the light hits it, creating a beautiful spectacle. The chopsticks come with a wrap so that they can be used during outings or to enjoy a boxed lunch. In recent years, to reduce waste caused by disposable utensils, many Japanese people have started carrying around their own set of personal chopsticks, and this one, plus the wrap, can be yours for a very reasonable price.
Size: 9.44" & 7.67" (24.0 cm & 19.5 cm)
Material: Cotton, Natural wood, Lacquer
Brand: MATSUKAN (Wakasa Lacquerware)
4. Couple Chopsticks / Chopstick Rest Set Intrusion (Gold) | Kanazawa Gold Leaf
Score: ★★★★★
Kanazawa gold foil is a traditional Japanese craft from Ishikawa Prefecture. The incredibly thin foil, no thinner than 0.0001 mm, is used in a variety of other crafts, like this set of chopsticks, including a male and a female pair, both of which come with their own rest. These would make a great addition to a special dinner or as a thoughtful gift. Plus, at this price, they’re a great deal.
Size: L: 9.05" (22.9 cm), M: 8.26" (20.9 cm), Rest: 1.37" (3.5 cm) * 0.98" (2.5 cm) * 0.55" (1.4 cm)
Material: Glass, Kanazawa foil, Natural wood
Brand: HAKUICHI (Kanazawa Gold Leaf)
Related article: ▶ A Guide to the Traditional Japanese Craft: Kanazawa Gold Leaf
5. Spoon / 9 Colors | Kagawa Lacquerware
Score: ★★★★☆
Yet another Kagawa lacquerware craft made by experienced Japanese artisans. This spoon is rather large, so it can be used to dole out soup or any other dish served from a bowl. The handle comes in nine fun, pop colors which will brighten up any table. You can also line the spoons up and serve individual appetizers out of them. How chic! The lacquerware is resistant to fracturing and high temperatures,* so it can be used with things like hot soup.
* This lacquerware spoon is very resilient, but it will break if enough force is applied to it, so please be careful.
Size: 6.10" (15.5 cm)
Color: Red, Orange, Pink, Yellow, White, Emerald, Olive, Green, Black
Material: Natural wood, lacquer
Brand: 87.5 (Kagawa Lacquerware)
Related articles:
▶ 5 Japanese Bowls You’ll Want to Decorate Your Pantry With
▶ The Complete Guide to Traditional Japanese Crafts
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*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.