Tsunan town in Niigata Prefecture is an area that receives some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan. Residents in the town collaborated to develop this product based on the concept of “contributing to the revitalization of the area through use of local resources to promote forest conservation and recycling while raising awareness of the value of Japanese cedar.” To allow reuse, the chopstick cases are made of wrinkle-free, washable yukata fabrics, each entirely handsewn by local female residents who have high skills. The product comes available in 20 designs including Ukiyo-e for overseas markets and designs that symbolize Niigata. In addition, original designs for businesses can be produced upon request.
The chopsticks are made from Echigo cedar trees which have been properly thinned in consideration of the environment. To make the best use of antimicrobial properties of phytoncide and other medicinal substances of the cedar trees while also ensuring safety of the products, no paint is used and each chopstick is finished by hand. The resulting product is lightweight with a non-slip texture, human friendly, and conveys the natural warmth of cedar wood.
Cryptomeria japonica, the scientific name for cedar, means “hidden treasure of Japan.” In recent years, the role and values of forests as well their positive impacts on humans are gaining more attention in advancing the SDGs. The company hopes to spread such awareness through this product.