Beauty and ease of use at the dinner table - the hallmarks of artisanal skill

Japan has ever fewer chopstick artisans, but Ginza Natsuno carries a wide array of original chopsticks, crafted in collaboration with artisans from all over Japan, with the aim of maintaining this integral part of Japan's culinary culture.

Ginza Natsuno is lined with beautiful chopsticks crafted by artisans from across Japan. Choose from some 3,000 varieties — perhaps a pair in rare rosewood and ebony, or ornate with mother-of-pearl inlay and Nishijin-ori leaf, or in lacquer, with small ring patterns of sprinkled rapeseed. The Kiyomizu-yaki chopsticks, created in collaboration with ceramic artisans from Kyoto, feature a striking contrast between the lacquered tips and the hand-painted ceramic handles. Kiyomizu-ware is fired at high temperatures and highly durable, but pieces can be repaired if needed.

The Kosai chopsticks are an eye-catching new design in vibrantly colored aluminum combined with wood — the seam is virtually imperceptible because of the skill of the artisans. "We aimed for a simple design that would blend naturally with other cutlery. Chopsticks are the most frequently used utensils in Japan, and it's common for each household member to have their own. We made these in a variety of colors so that our customers can easily identify their own chopsticks," says CEO Sato Toshiki.

Visit Ginza Natsuno in Ginza, Aoyama, Roppongi, Kichijoji, Tokyo Solamachi (next to Tokyo Skytree), and Kyoto. What better Japanese souvenir than your own personal pair of specially designed chopsticks?

Kosai-bashi (¥3,850). Hollowed out to be lightweight and easy to use, available in five colors.

Edo Karaki-bashi (¥1,650–¥44,000), with the natural texture and color of wood. Available from three-sided all the way up to 10-sided forms.