Yamachiku Sustainable Bamboo Chopsticks
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for creating thoughtfully designed, sustainable bamboo chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
"Moso is the thickest bamboo in Japan," according to the company's experts. "With it, you can make not only thin chopsticks, but also thick chopsticks. Generally, thick wooden chopsticks are very heavy, but thick bamboo chopsticks are light. The focus is usually on the 'thin and flexible' aspect, but 'thick yet light' is also a feature of bamboo chopsticks."
Alongside their mission to popularize sustainable chopsticks, Yamachiku has taken on another role: protector of satoyama, the small agrarian communities that were once abundant along the edges of Japan's forested mountain ranges. Because they rely on farming and forestry to survive, satoyama were hurt by the chopstick industry's shift from sustainable bamboo to petroleum-based plastics.
As Yamachiku thrives, their need for a constant supply of bamboo has helped buoy small towns in Kumamoto by boosting demand for the materials those satoyama produce - and the more popular sustainable bamboo chopsticks become, the better off those communities will be.
Slim Bamboo Chopsticks
$ 16.00 USD
Elegant chopsticks for everyday use made from hand-cut moso bamboo. The four-sided design of the barrel prevents your flatware from rolling away when set down on a table or bowl. Choose a color to match your tableware, or create a set with one of each shade.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo, polyurethane, acrylic
Dimensions: Length: 9"
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Urushi Slim Chopsticks
$ 28.00 USD
These strikingly beautiful bamboo chopsticks are finished with highly prized Japanese lacquer (or urushi), a natural material derived from trees that have been used for this purpose for thousands of years. A four-sided shape prevents the chopsticks from rolling away across your table and offers more purchase in the hand when gripping and picking up food. We love these chopsticks for both special occasions and everyday use. Available in six hues to fit any preference or to coordinate with the colors of your tableware.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo, polyurethane, Japanese lacquer (urushi)
Dimensions: Length: 9"
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Susu Round Bamboo Chopsticks
$ 16.00 USD
Beautiful yet minimal, the Susu Round Bamboo Chopsticks sport a colorful curved top, while the flat planes of their natural wood portions help keep the chopsticks from rolling out of reach. A shorter length and lightweight construction make these a perfect option for young ones or those with smaller hands.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo, polyurethane, acrylic
Dimensions: 8.25" L
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Okaeri Chopsticks
$ 25.00 USD
Even before you open the packaging, it's clear that there's something special about Okaeri Chopsticks. Their beautiful, minimalist case pays homage to The Tale of Princess Kaguya - a well-known Japanese fable - and alludes to the elegance within: sleek, simple flatware crafted from sustainably harvested moso bamboo. Each chopstick is topped with an eye-catching red tip that, when viewed as a pair, is designed to symbolize infinity - a nod to Yamachiku's commitment to sustainability. Also available in two 23cm versions.
Winner of numerous accolades, including a 2021 ADC Award, a 2020 Gold Award from Omotenashi Nippon, and recognition from TOPAWARDS ASIA.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo
Dimensions: 16 -21 cm (6.3" - 8.25") in length, depending on chopstick variety
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Okaeri Chopsticks, 23cm
$ 29.00 USD
Even before you open the packaging, it's clear that there's something special about Okaeri Chopsticks. Their beautiful, minimalist case pays homage to The Tale of Princess Kaguya - a well-known Japanese fable - and alludes to the elegance within: sleek, simple flatware crafted from sustainably harvested moso bamboo. Each chopstick is topped with an eye-catching red tip that, when viewed as a pair, is designed to symbolize infinity - a nod to Yamachiku's commitment to sustainability. Also available in three smaller sizes.
Winner of numerous accolades, including a 2021 ADC Award, a 2020 Gold Award from Omotenashi Nippon, and recognition from TOPAWARDS ASIA.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo
Dimensions: 23 cm (approx. 9") in length
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Kitchen and Serving Chopsticks
$ 11.00 USD
Tapered at both ends, these versatile chopsticks can be used for cooking or serving up to two separate dishes, reducing clutter on the table or in the kitchen. The three-sided shape of each barrel conveniently prevents the chopsticks from rolling away when set down on a counter or table, and their visually striking designs add a splash of color to any occasion.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo, polyurethane, food-grade paint
Dimensions: Length: 12.9”
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
