"Chopsticks Day"

 

The one and only handmade chopsticks

August 4 is “Chopsticks Day” in Japan.

This day was created in 1975 because the numbers 8 (ha) and 4 (shi) sound like “hashi,” the Japanese word for chopsticks.

Japanese people spend their whole lives with chopsticks.

From the moment a baby celebrates their first “Okuizome” (a traditional ceremony where chopsticks are used to symbolize a lifetime of eating well), to the countless meals in daily life, and even at funerals, where bones are passed with chopsticks, this simple utensil is deeply rooted in our culture. 

"Okuizome"--A 100-day-old baby’s “first meal” ceremony

                            

At memorial offerings, chopsticks are even placed upright in rice as a sign of respect for the departed.

Handmade chopsticks

Chopsticks are not only an essential tool in everyday life, but also an important part of the Japanese spirit and tradition.

In our “Summer Children's Etiquette Class,” we also practiced using chopsticks — and the children did an excellent job!

Summer Children's Manners Class

We also introduce chopstick culture to people from overseas. In a workshop for international students, one student even skillfully made a chopstick rest using a chopstick envelope!

Chopstick rest made by a international student

Want to try making your own chopsticks?

 Feel free to reach out! 🥢

✉️ mizumoto@sahoukai.com