Wakasa lacquered chopsticks are characterized by their beautiful design, which is created by applying more than a dozen coats of colorful lacquer while using natural materials such as sea shells, egg shells and plants, and then carefully grinding and polishing the layers of lacquer.

The founder of Wakasa-nuri, who was inspired by the beautiful Wakasa Bay, came up with this technique, which has been passed down to the present day under the generous patronage of the domain lords of the time.

For the wooden base that will become the chopsticks, robust woods such as zelkova, cherry, chestnut, and horse chestnut are used. After a preparation process that involves five or more steps, raw lacquer is applied. Then, by applying patterns using all kinds of natural materials, multiple coats of lacquer, and techniques such as maki-e and Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), beautiful Wakasa lacquered chopsticks are created.

There are also many chopsticks that have been coated with synthetic paints such as urethane to make them dishwasher-safe and easier to use in daily life, while retaining the traditional techniques of chopstick making.

Wakasa lacquer chopsticks are traditional lacquered chopsticks from Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, with a history of about 400 years. It originated when Sanjuro Matsuura, a lacquerer for the Obama domain, took a hint from the Zonsei, a type of lacquerware made in China, and came up with a design of the undersea scenery.
Wakasa lacquered chopsticks was designated as a "traditional craft" on February 6, 1978 in recognition of its advanced techniques. It is characterized by their unique three-dimensional patterns created by applying layers of colored lacquer made of sea shells and eggshells.

They are made by combining various and the finest lacquerware techniques such as Raden (pearl inlay), Maki-e (lacquering ), and Togi-dashi (polishing ).
Wakasa Lacquered Chopsticks are also most popular in Japan, with an 80% share of the lacquered chopstick market. Today, you can find a wide variety of Wakasa lacquer chopsticks, some handmade using traditional methods, some made using transfer sheets, and some made using dishwasher-safe paints. Enjoy choosing the chopsticks that best suit your lifestyle.

Of course, it is safe. Both natural and synthetic lacquers do not cause allergies. And natural Japanese lacquer has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so you can rest assured that it is more than safe.

The sap of natural lacquer (Urushi) is indeed toxic, but as it hardens, the allergenic ingredients cannot penetrate the skin, and also, has resistant to acids, alkalis, and alcohol, and does not dissolve. So all of the finished Japanese lacquerware is totally safe.

Lacquered chopsticks are not only beautiful, but also durable, hygienic. But they are not dishwasher safe. Only synthetic lacquer chopsticks can be used in the dishwasher. Choose the ones that are comfortable for you to use, including daily care.

However, recently,  a new lacquer called "MR Urushi", which is made from natural lacquer and can withstand the heat of a dishwasher, has been developed. Please read the page description of each lacquered chopsticks product carefully to see if it can be used in a dishwasher.

Japanese Lacquerware Chopsticks

Among lacquered chopsticks, the natural lacquer chopsticks are the highest quality. They have a rich luster that is inherent to natural lacquer, and some chopsticks are beautifully decorated with traditional Japanese techniques such as Raden, maki-e, and colored lacquer. Though the natural lacquered chopsticks are not dishwasher-safe, the lacquer itself has a sterilizing effect and can be kept clean by hand washing.

Synthetic Lacquerware ”Urethane"Chopsticks

Synthetic lacquered chopsticks made from urethane are the best chopsticks for daily use, and account for a large share of the Wakasa lacquered chopsticks, which account for 80% of the chopstick market in Japan. They are affordable, and their decorative beauty is second to none, even compared to natural lacquer. They are also dishwasher safe, making them very easy to use in daily life, and are recommended for both people who eat with chopsticks on a regular basis and those who are new to Japanese chopsticks.