Ethical lacquered chopsticks to preserve traditions among modern Japanese

Japanese brand, Urushi no Hashi Juhachi Zen, offers 18 stylish lacquered chopstick designs, as the name “Juhachi (18)” suggests. In Japanese culture, the eighteenth position is typically the most prominent in a performance, implying a performer’s best work. Thus, the Juhachi Zen line represents the brand’s masterpiece, the painted chopsticks.

This multi-generational brand is dedicated to passing on their traditions and craftsmanship. The brand originated from a chopstick manufacturing company in Wajima, which Kousaku Hashimoto launched in 1950. Hashimoto worked as a lacquer painter before launching his business. The lacquered chopstick business flourished when his descendants combined the skills of chopsticks crafting and painting which he passed down.

Zenbird spoke with the representative of the company, Kiyono Hashimoto, and her daughter, Natsuki Hashimoto, the fourth generation in the family business.

Mission as sustainable family chopstick company

“At exhibitions we participated in in the past, many people mentioned they had never seen or touched urushi (lacquer) before. I am hoping our chopsticks will be their first contact to experience urushi,” Kiyono proudly comments. “Urushi is called ‘the only natural paint’ that people have used since thousands of years ago.” She and her daughter have the mission to inform younger generations about the wonderful aspects of urushi so they can pass down to the next generation.

Back in the day, their lacquered chopsticks were highly popular, sold at department or specialized stores where lacquerware fans would shop for these traditional products. However, few modern, younger Japanese have set foot into those stores in recent years. Juhachi Zen was launched to reach these consumers.

Lacquering is believed to be the oldest eco-friendly technology. It requires only natural ingredients such as trees, lacquer and soil. Conventional lacquerware is one of the most durable kinds and gains natural sheen as you use it over time. Even if it gets scratched or cracked, it can be repaired, sometimes through kintsugi. Lacquerware also can be repainted when the paint wears off.

Renowned artisanal goods such as Wajima lacquerware are also known to be expensive. Moreover, many Japanese hold the stereotype that the ingredient gives them skin rashes when they hear the word “urushi.” Kiyono assures that “this is not always the case. Nonetheless, many somehow have this negative image of ‘urushi’ which simply is unfortunate. I want more people to know that urushi can be used in daily casual settings.”

Approachable and ethical design for users

The brand’s initial challenge was to express the uniqueness of their chopstick from plenty of other chopsticks already in the market. Natsuki says, “We intentionally create stylish designs to catch people’s eyes and give a different impression of urushi, especially younger generations. We want to show more items can be expressed through urushi and surprise people. Seeing people discovering unknown aspects of urushi makes me happy.”

The brand has broken the stereotype that urushi can only be black or red. Their color selection expands to include other colors such as blue and green. They also feature an organic look of woody texture on the ware, different from conventional lacquerware items. “Our designers and I wanted to create something that would fit with the styles of modern boutique or gift shops.” Natsuki tells us many customers’ remarked about the designs using words such as “cute.” Customers’ feedback like “People would be excited to receive these cute chopsticks as gifts” encouraged her.

Natsuki explains the reasonable pricing of their products: “It is possible because we are a chopstick company that owns special tools and skills, so we make our own products, without outsourcing. Our designs do not require many layers, and this layering process typically makes lacquerware more expensive.” Therefore, they have the flexibility to set prices that are accessible to more customers.

Additionally, the chopsticks from Juhachi Zen are genderless. Kiyono and Natsuki emphasize that the lengths are all the same. What they mean is that traditional dishes often come in two sizes, with a smaller one for women and a bigger one for men. Simultaneously, colors are not gender specific either. Kiyono comments, “Men can use the red ones, or women can use black ones. We want everyone to choose a pair according to their style and mood.”

Forecasting a legacy 100 years from now

Hashimotos have always used local trees, Noto cypress, in Wajima to manufacture chopsticks, and they will continue to do so. They believe their chopstick crafting promotes circular forestry by using the trees of Noto forest. The chopsticks made with light-weight Noto cypress also offer users the comfort of genuine hardwood.

Lacquer, known as “therapeutic paint,” also gives users a good feeling when touching the soothing texture. The brand emphasizes that eating with such utensils can provide positive effects for our well-being.

The Hashimotos’ company has long been committed to be involved in monozukuri manufacturing that is kind to our body. Kiyono says, “We do not use any chemical paint.” The motto reflects clearly in their products made with natural ingredients, which are both people- and environmentally-friendly. The Hashimoto family is enthusiastic about continuing to create such products, just as their ancestors did. “We long for the time when people experience urushi [artisanal products] without hesitation and pass them on to their children.”

Editorial note

Juhachi Zen brand puts a lot of thought and effort into two small sticks called hashi. According to them, the chopsticks are more than a tool. These artisan utensils are used to eat while spending time with loved ones, benefiting both body and mind. Japanese have always used them to eat, but their manufacturing raises the question, “Have they always been safe and ethical?” For our everyday tools to be sustainable, even for hundreds of years to come, there is much to learn from products like Juhachi Zen’s about ethical production and consumption.

If you would like to see Urushi no Hashi Juhachi Zen’s product, come to MoFF 2022!

The exhibition curated by Zenbird and Lifehugger will be held in “MoFF 2022” at TRUNK HOTEL in Shibuya on Friday, Sept. 9. We will introduce Juhachi Zen at the exhibition. Please join us at MoFF 2022 to check out their product line.

Here is the link of MoFF 2022.

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