Interview with Chopstick Artisan Katsuhiko Takeda

“The real charm of chopsticks can only be felt once you hold them in your hands,” says Katsuhiko Takeda, owner of Daikokuya in Tokyo. About 15 years ago, he began making chopsticks after realizing that to truly understand them, he had to craft them himself. What started as a business idea became a passion for creating unique, hand-carved Edo-style chopsticks.

With shapes like pentagons, octagons, and squares, and materials ranging from ebony to rosewood, each pair of Daikokuya chopsticks is a work of art. “Balance is key,” says Takeda. “Every piece is handmade to ensure smoothness and functionality, which in turn, creates a beautiful design.”

Takeda believes that each person’s perfect chopsticks are different, just like shoes. “We want people to find chopsticks that fit their hands perfectly, so they enjoy using them again and again.”

Despite their higher price, Daikokuya's chopsticks continue to gain popularity, thanks to the passion and craftsmanship behind each piece.