Protecting the Dinner Table with 100% Natural Lacquer Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks—Hyozaemon's Commitment to Authenticity

2025.06.29

#Artisan

#Craftsmen

#Fukui

#Traditional Crafts

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#Traditional Crafts

The Appeal of Japanese Traditional Crafts and Techniques from a non-Japanese resident of Japan（Robert Yellin）

#History

[Part 5 (Final)]: The Future of Crafts and Hopes for the Next Generation—The Teachings of Living National Treasure Teiji Miyamoto

Wakasa-nuri is a traditional craft that has continued since the Edo period in Obama City (Wakasa region), Fukui Prefecture. The robust designs, adorned with abalone shells, eggshells, and pine needles, are truly one-of-a-kind, accounting for approximately 80% of lacquered chopsticks produced in Japan.

"Hyozaemon Co., Ltd.," headquartered in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, manufactures Wakasa-nuri chopsticks meticulously, one pair at a time, by the hands of skilled artisans. Driven by the philosophy that "Chopsticks that go into your mouth are part of your food," the company insists on using only 100% natural lacquer from the base coat to the finish.

This time, we asked Chairman Hyogo Uratani about the reasons the company continuously pursues genuine craftsmanship.

PROFILE

Hyogo Uratani

Hyozaemon Co., Ltd. Chairman & CEO

Born in 1945, Fukui Prefecture.

For many years, he has advocated for the cultural depth and significance of chopsticks, actively engaging in awareness campaigns across the country. He organizes educational courses about chopsticks at elementary schools, donates chopsticks as part of volunteer activities for disaster victims from events such as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake, and supports the chopstick thanksgiving festival at Hie Shrine to raise awareness about chopstick culture. He also participates in the movement to preserve and foster the Aodamo tree. In 2006, he received the Special Merit Award from Obama City. His motto is "Effort." A devoted husband.

How a Simple Question Changed Manufacturing

Hyozaemon began engaging in chopstick-making when Iwakura Uratani (the current chairman’s father) started working in the production of Wakasa-nuri chopsticks. In 1960, the company was launched under the name "Uratani Hyozaemon," starting its journey in the manufacturing and sales business.

The company began to reconsider the safety of its chopsticks around 1970. The turning point came when a mother asked: "My child is drawing with the tips of the chopsticks— is it safe if the coating wears off?"

"Most lacquered chopsticks on the market use plastic-based paint. At the time, even we at our company used synthetic chemical coatings without any second thought.

However, that mother's simple question made us seriously consider: 'What does real safety mean?' Since then, driven by the belief that 'Chopsticks that go in your mouth are part of your food,' we have dedicated ourselves to making authentic chopsticks."

The company has trademarked the term "Virgin Lacquer" for their pure, unblended lacquer, and maintains strict standards by only using Virgin Lacquer on the tips of their chopsticks during manufacturing.