Okaeri Bamboo Chopsticks

The Okaeri reusable chopsticks are created by Yamachiku, a company that has been making only bamboo chopsticks in the town of Minamiseki, Kumamoto Prefecture, aiming to "return to the basics of chopsticks."

The word okaeri means "welcome back" in Japanese, and these chopsticks were designed to remake the simple bamboo chopsticks that were once used in many Japanese homes and restaurants.

In addition, as the phrase "welcome back" is a homely expression exchanged at the dinner table, they are intended to add color to ordinary daily life.

There are a variety of sizes that can be used by the whole family, from small children to men with large hands. The chopsticks are carved into a square shape as they reach the tips, so they do not roll around.

These chopsticks are recommended for daily use and also make great gifts.

Yamachiku

Yamachiku is a Kyushu-based manufacturer specializing in bamboo chopsticks. The region's warm climate provides ideal conditions for bamboo, with Kyushu accounting for about forty percent of Japan’s total forested area of bamboo. Since its founding in 1963, Yamachiku has remained committed to creating products that fully utilize this versatile material. While bamboo can be challenging to work with, the company’s deep knowledge and expertise have allowed it to craft durable, high-quality chopsticks with precision.

Bamboo Crafts

Bamboo has been actively planted throughout Japan for centuries. Flexible, strong, and versatile, bamboo is an indispensable part of Japanese culture and daily life.

The plant plays a crucial role in Japanese tableware, used as the base material for chopsticks, tea ceremony tools, and lightweight, portable items like baskets and bento boxes.

Young bamboo can match the height of mature bamboo in just three months, and completes its growth in just three years, making it a permanently replenishing natural resource.