Chopsticks Making Workshop

Chopsticks (Hashi) have been an essential part of Japanese food culture since ancient times. In Japan, they are more than simple eating utensils—historically, they have also been regarded as sacred objects used in Shinto rituals and offerings.

In this hands-on workshop, you will craft your own pair of chopsticks starting from raw timber, using a kanna (traditional Japanese hand plane) to carefully shape and smooth the wood. You can choose from Hinoki (Japanese cypress)—a wood traditionally used in the construction of shrines and temples—or other fine woods sourced from around the world.

This experience invites you to engage your senses—enjoying the wood's natural scent, texture, and warmth—while discovering the beauty of Japanese woodworking and craftsmanship. The chopsticks you create will be truly one of a kind, shaped by your own hands.

We look forward to welcoming anyone with an interest in Japanese culture or the art of making.

箸（はし）は、古くから日本の食文化に欠かせない道具であり、神道の儀式や供え物にも使われてきた神聖な存在でもあります。この箸作りワークショップでは、カンナを使って木材から自分の箸を作ります。材料の木材は、ヒノキやほかの良質な木からお選びいただけます。

日本の木工の魅力に触れながら、My箸を作ってみませんか。

Important

This workshop will be offered in Japanese with English support.

About the Instructor:

Shintaro Oku is a woodworker and the founder of "Koppa" a Japanese brand dedicated to creating wood products from offcuts and salvaged timber. His work focuses on highlighting the material's natural character and inherent beauty.

Oku exhibits his work in Japan and internationally; in 2025, he showcased his craft at the London Design Festival and was featured in Wallpaper magazine. Through his craft, he aims to share the warmth of wood and the joy of making things by hand.

奥信太郎氏は、端材や再生木材を活用した木製品ブランド「Koppa」を手がける木工作家です。素材そのものの表情や魅力を生かした作品づくりを行っています。

国内外で展示活動を行い、2025年にはロンドン・デザイン・フェスティバルに出展、雑誌『Wallpaper』にも掲載されました。木のぬくもりや手仕事の楽しさを伝えることを大切にしています。

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Host or Publisher Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre