Japanese Chopsticks

Find the perfect pair from our collection of authentic Japanese chopsticks. Known as hashi in Japanese, chopsticks are an essential dinnerware item that lets you fully immerse yourself in Japan's rich culinary culture.

All handmade with care, our selection includes reusable chopsticks in designs ranging from casual to elegant, and sizes from small to large. Whether you're looking to buy your first pair or seeking a special gift, you'll discover the finest set here.

How to Choose the Best Pair of Japanese Chopsticks

Our guide for chopstick types and length selection will help you find the best pair for you and your family. Looking for elegant designs for adults, charming children's chopsticks, or specialized chopsticks for cooking? These tips will assist you in choosing the right set.

What is the best length of chopsticks for you?

Optimal length chopsticks are easy to hold and use. The manner that you eat becomes more graceful when you hold chopsticks that are the right size. Measure your hand size and choose the length that is the perfect for your hands.

For adults, the optimal chopstick length is 1.5 times the length between the tips of your thumb and your index finger when spread at a right angle.

Generally, it is recommended that individuals of average or small height should choose middle-sized chopsticks with a length of about 21–23 cm (8.3–9 in), and taller individuals should choose large chopsticks with a length of about 23–25 cm (9–9.8 in).

However, the size of one's hands varies from person to person, so we recommend that you measure your hand as shown in the illustration on the left, calculate the optimal length, and then choose a pair of chopsticks close to the calculated length.

For children

For children, the optimal length of chopsticks is the length of the hand plus 3 cm (1.2 in).

By giving children chopsticks that are the right size, they can have fun practicing their chopstick skills.

Please note that the appropriate size for children's chopsticks vary greatly depending on each individual. Please refer to the following table as a guideline to choose the right size.

Age
3 to 4 years old	15–16 cm (5.9–6.2 in)
5 to 9 years old	17–18 cm (6.7-7.1 in)
10 to 15 years old	19–20 cm (7.5–7.9 in)
Female adults, teenagers	21–23 cm (8.3–9 in)
Male and Female adults	23–25 cm (9–9.8 in)

How to Hold Chopsticks

In Japan, people learn to use chopsticks properly from childhood. For adults, it may be challenging at first, but with practice, you'll gradually become accustomed to them. Let's start with the basics of using chopsticks.

1Hold one of the two chopsticks by pinching about two-thirds of the way from the chopstick tip with your thumb and index finger, as you would hold a pen.

2Next, place the other chopstick through the ring between your thumb and index finger, and rest it between your middle and ring finger. Keep the tips of the upper and lower chopsticks close together.

3When picking up your food, move the upper chopstick using your index finger, middle finger, and thumb. The lower chopstick, held at the base of the thumb, should remain stationary.

How to Eat with Chopsticks

There are many rules when using chopsticks in Japan, but initially, simply being able to hold food and bring it to your mouth is a great achievement. Using two thin chopsticks in a controlled and balanced manner with one hand requires some skill. Take your time and gradually get used to using chopsticks by incorporating them into meals that are suited for their use.

Chopstick Training

Level 1

Once you have held the chopsticks correctly, try holding something. The key is to hold the chopsticks firmly with your thumb and make sure that the tips of the chopsticks are touching each other.

Level 2

After you feel comfortable holding food with your chopsticks, try bringing the food towards your mouth. Practice moving the upper chopsticks to hold food. By adjusting the pressure of your grip, you will be able to hold on to items that tend to fall apart when held tightly, such as sushi.

Level 3

When you get used to holding food with chopsticks, try cutting menus such as grilled fish into small pieces. Align the tips of the chopsticks, cut into the food like a knife, and open the chopstick tips to break up the pieces of food into bite-sized pieces.

Tips for Using Chopsticks

For RiceWhen you get used to holding food with chopsticks, try cutting menus such as grilled fish into small pieces. Align the tips of the chopsticks, cut into the food like a knife, and open the chopstick tips to break up the pieces of food into bite-sized pieces.

For NoodlesIf you find it difficult to eat noodles such as ramen with chopsticks because the noodles slip out of your chopsticks, hold a spoon in your left hand to catch the noodles. When trying to hold a bundle of noodles, ftry to hold one noodle at the very tip of the chopsticks.

For TofuEating soft tofu with chopsticks can be quite a challenge, even for Japanese who are used to using chopsticks. The more you try to grab a big chunk of tofu, the more it will fall apart. Cut the tofu into slightly smaller pieces and then try to gently lift the tofu from the sides.

Practice Using Chopsticks

Orthodontic chopsticks

In Japan, using chopsticks correctly is a key aspect of table manners, so there are various orthodontic items available to help.These user-friendly chopsticks are great for first-time users and are especially helpful for children.

Mame Utsushi

There is a fun traditional game played with chopsticks called mame utsushi, which means "transferring beans." The challenge is to use chopsticks to move dried beans from one plate to another as quickly and accurately as possible. Once you get the hang of using chopsticks, you can play this party game with your family and friends to further improve your skills.