How to find the best Japanese traditional chopsticks from various types

Chopsticks are used, especially in East Asia, where there is a culture of eating glutinous foods like rice. Chopsticks that are pairs of sticks work as a versatile tool not only to hold food but also to scoop, cut, peel, wrap, and carry food. As you get used to it, you will be able to grab a small grain of rice by chopsticks.

Although you may think all chopsticks look the same, there are differences, and each of them has specialties. HYOZAEMON, a Japanese manufacturer of chopsticks, tell us the characteristics of diverse chopsticks and in which way they are convenient.

HYOZAEMON's chopsticks

The Japanese manufacturer of chopsticks, HYOZAEMON was founded in 1921 in Obama city of Fukui Prefecture. Obama city is famous for chopsticks production from centuries ago. The chopsticks produced in the place is called Wakasa chopsticks, which use urushi, traditional Japanese lacquer for coating.

HYOZAEMON also follows the traditional production of Wakasa chopsticks and uses urushi for the finish. Urushi is a natural lacquer taken from the urushi tree that does not need any chemical coating. Based on the process, HYOZAEMON creates safe, eco-friendly, and practical chopsticks.

Types of chopsticks

Basic chopsticks / Good for a beginner

Octagon Kumea chopsticks

Simple chopsticks made of Kumea, the tree from South East Asian countries. The color is usually dark brown. The chopsticks are cut into an octagon, which helps you hold easily. They are coated by urushi.

Fine tip chopsticks for grilled fish

Chopsticks for grilled fish

They are made for eating grilled fish. The tips of the chopsticks are so fine that it enables you to remove small fish bones and separate the flesh easily.

Square chopsticks for delicate sashimi

Chopsticks for sashimi

The chopsticks help you eat sashimi, fresh raw fish sliced into pieces. The surface of sashimi is usually made so delicate and slippery. Hence, the tips of the chopsticks are made square and help you hold sashimi tightly.

Gripped chopsticks for noodles

Chopsticks for ramen noodles

For ramen noodles, it is important for chopsticks to have gripper. The chopsticks have thin cuttings on the tips and enable you to grab noodles easily.

Sizes of chopsticks

In addition to the types of chopsticks, it is crucial for users to find the best size of chopsticks. The length, width, and weight are different between each pair of chopsticks.

To find the best size, look up the size of your hand. The following is how to know the best length of chopsticks for you.

1. Make a right angle with your thumb and index finger.

2. Measure the length between the thumb and index finger, and multiply 1.5.

3. The result would be the best size of chopsticks.

Eg) When the length between your fingers is 14cm, the best size of chopsticks would be 14*1.5=21cm.

*Use centimeter for the unit.

Examples of size

The length between fingers is 14-14.5cm -> Choose chopsticks of 21-22cm

The length between fingers is 15-15.5cm -> Choose chopsticks of 22.5-23.5cm

Tips to use chopsticks

Use your dominant hand to hold chopsticks.

Place the bottom chopstick between your thumb and index finger. The tip should be on your ring finger. Then hold the top chopstick with your thumb and index finger. The chopstick should be on your middle finger, as well. Move the top chopsticks using your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The bottom chopstick does not move, but it only works as support.

We all know it is hard for beginners to use chopsticks. It needs practice and a little bit of patience to use chopsticks properly. Chopsticks shaped square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon are recommended for beginners.

Click here to find more HYOZAEMON's chopsticks