How a Simple Question Changed Manufacturing

Hyozaemon began engaging in chopstick-making when Iwakura Uratani (the current chairman’s father) started working in the production of Wakasa-nuri chopsticks. In 1960, the company was launched under the name "Uratani Hyozaemon," starting its journey in the manufacturing and sales business.

The company began to reconsider the safety of its chopsticks around 1970. The turning point came when a mother asked: "My child is drawing with the tips of the chopsticks— is it safe if the coating wears off?"

"Most lacquered chopsticks on the market use plastic-based paint. At the time, even we at our company used synthetic chemical coatings without any second thought.

However, that mother's simple question made us seriously consider: 'What does real safety mean?' Since then, driven by the belief that 'Chopsticks that go in your mouth are part of your food,' we have dedicated ourselves to making authentic chopsticks."

The company has trademarked the term "Virgin Lacquer" for their pure, unblended lacquer, and maintains strict standards by only using Virgin Lacquer on the tips of their chopsticks during manufacturing.

Uratani joined Hyozaemon at around the age of 23, inspired by his father's wish for him to help out with sales.

"Our company, capable of everything from crafting the wooden base to decorating and finishing all in-house, was quite unique among traditional crafts nationwide. Because of our obsession with authenticity, building a sales network has always been a challenge for us.

Still, my father never bent his beliefs. Seeing his unwavering commitment, I just couldn’t imagine taking a different path."

His passion for chopsticks grew even stronger after an experience in a sushi bar in Los Angeles.

"Some locals at the restaurant asked me, 'Can you show us the proper way to hold chopsticks?'—but I couldn’t confidently teach them. As a Japanese person raised in this culture, it was incredibly embarrassing not to be able to share it well.

After coming back and studying more, my passion for chopsticks kept growing. That’s what sparked my commitment to authentic chopsticks, and my interest eventually expanded to the wider food culture of modern society.

Hyozaemon’s focus on natural materials makes their chopsticks uniquely warm—something you won’t find in plastic or synthetically-coated ones. "Experiencing genuine chopsticks isn’t just about fostering appreciation for materials; it can also cultivate a mindset that values tableware and caring for our belongings," says Uratani.

Changing Japanese Food Culture Through Chopsticks

Hyozaemon has gone beyond the boundaries of Wakasa-nuri chopsticks, launching various initiatives from the perspective of "Japanese chopsticks." Their first focus was on the proper way to hold chopsticks.

"I felt that very few adults are able to properly teach children how to hold chopsticks. That's why we began to emphasize the importance of chopsticks etiquette."

In 1998, in collaboration with an elementary school in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, they started the "お箸知育教室" (Chopsticks Knowledge and Education Classroom). To spark children's interest in chopsticks, they have conducted more than 200 on-site lessons a year across 44 prefectures nationwide. To date, the number of students who have attended these classes has exceeded 160,000.

Further, in 2002, they launched the "かっとばし!!プロジェクト" (Kattobashi!! Project), which reuses broken bats previously used in pro and corporate baseball as well as offcuts from bat production. They manufacture and sell chopsticks with grips shaped like bats and chopstick rests shaped like benches, among other items.

A portion of the proceeds from this project is used through the NPO Aodamo Resource Development Association to plant and cultivate 'Aodamo'—a species known for its high-quality wood used in bats—contributing to a sustainable manufacturing cycle.

Moreover, in 2008, they organized meetings gathering people from regions such as Japan, China, and South Korea, where chopstick culture is deeply rooted.

"At our company, every member—including our craftsmen—approach manufacturing not just with a 'Let’s just sell it' mentality, but with strong SDGs and cultural values. We grow our business while elevating culture. Balancing both is crucial for any company’s management."

Their initiatives extend far beyond simply making chopsticks—they not only protect the traditions of Wakasa lacquerware but also act as a bridge connecting Japan's culture to future generations, paving the way for a richer tomorrow. Hyozaemon's chopsticks truly embody the "spirit of Japan."

Aspiring to Be a "Brand of the Heart" that Delivers the Emotions Imbued in Objects

When asked about the future of Wakasa-nuri, Uratani shared:

"I hope it will eventually be used for more than tableware and be applied in other areas as well.

The designs of Wakasa-nuri are truly magnificent—they’re like treasures left to us by the pioneers of Wakasa. My father has devoted his life to safeguarding Wakasa-nuri.

Now that I am working with Wakasa-nuri in this region, I believe it’s my duty to share authentic Wakasa-nuri made with real lacquer, guided by the teachings of my predecessors. Otherwise, the tradition will only deteriorate further.

One of our recent efforts is to explore using Wakasa-nuri in items beyond just tableware. At our company, we are currently prototyping rings made from chopstick materials. Even if not rings, earrings or hairpins could be options. I want to create environments where the artisans themselves can also enjoy such creative work.

I believe creative 'experiences' that start from making things and the 'experiences' that arise from craftsmanship are abundant all around us. I call our brand a 'brand of the heart,' infused with feelings towards our products. Going forward, I want to keep providing our customers with genuine craftsmanship through chopsticks."

Hyozaemon continues to respect tradition while flexibly taking on new challenges. Not only does the company introduce us to the charms of Wakasa-nuri, but it also deepens our appreciation for the profound richness of Japanese culture.