Chopsticks Serve Populations Across the World
Chopsticks Serve Populations Across The World
Did you know that approximately one-third of the people in the world use chopsticks to eat? Not surprisingly, in countries where sticky rice is the staple, such as Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam, the use of chopsticks is higher than in other regions of the world.
According to statistics, China alone uses 45 billion chopsticks annually. When you add in all the other regions that use chopsticks, the total number of chopsticks people employ each year is enormous.
Hashi Are Highly Functional Utensils
For people new to using chopsticks, it can take time and practice to master traditional hashi, which is the word for chopsticks in Japanese.
Unlike conventional eating utensils such as forks and knives, people use over fifty muscles and thirty joints in their hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders when using chopsticks to eat.
However, once people become comfortable using these utensils, they use them to pinch, scoop, press, mix and divide foods.
Chopsticks come in a wide range of materials, including bamboo, bone, fine china, metal, plastic, and wood. Chopsticks made from eco-friendly and reusable materials helps to minimize their environmental impact at landfills, which is essential thanks to their widespread usage.
Nuri-Bashi from Edofiber is ideal for restauranters, suppliers, and other businesses worldwide who want to offer authentic Japanese chopsticks to their valued clients and customers.
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Discover the Benefits of Traditional Japanese Chopsticks
To the untrained eye, all chopsticks probably look quite similar, but there are definite differences between high-quality Japanese hashi and other forms of chopsticks.
The most noticeable difference is that Japanese chopsticks are typically shorter than other hashi. Also, traditional hashi tapers off to a slender point and is available in a variety of sizes. Smaller chopsticks are ideal for children, teens, and women with petite hands.
These utensils have come a long way since their introduction. In the early days, Japanese chopsticks were reserved solely for religious ceremonies. At this time, hashi looked like tweezers made from one piece of bamboo attached at the top.
Interesting Facts About Chopsticks
Another interesting fact about chopsticks you may not know is these traditional Asian-inspired utensils get celebrated every year on February 6.
On that day, people all over the globe celebrate chopsticks and their invaluable service to humanity. If you plan on attending any events like this, it pays to understand a few critical points about etiquette.
Whether indulging in sticky rice, noodles, soup, or a meat dish, there are specific rules to follow when using hashi.
The first rule is using both hands to pick up the hashi while keeping the tips away from your fingertips.
When positioning them in your dominant hand, hold it like a pencil taking care not to keep it too close to the tip or the ends.
The second piece rests on your third finger, which stays in place when using them. Using the first two fingers and your thumb, you move the chopstick up and down.
Proper etiquette also requires that once finished with using hashi, you bring them together using both hands and gently place them on your hashi Oki rest.
Get the Best Chopsticks at Edofiber
Most importantly, not all chopsticks are created the same, not do they bear the same name in all languages. For instance, in Ancient China, they are called “zhu.” In modern Chinese, they are called “kuaizi.” In Japanese, they are “hashi.”
Hashi by Edo-Fiber offers multiple options to help add value and authenticity to your business. Please contact us for more information on our products. We fully support our full line of chopsticks and look forward to providing you with world-class service.
Lacquered Chopsticks Create a Compelling Dining Experience
Japanese Lacquered Chopsticks Create a Compelling Dining Experience
There’s no doubt that chopsticks have a range of the most basic design to elaborate artistic expressions. Originally conceived and put into widespread use by the Chinese, by the time Japanese people began using them regularly, a few noticeable differences between the two cultures emerged.
Chinese chopsticks are almost always are simple and unfinished. Their Japanese counterparts, on the other hand, often have a finish, including beautiful lacquer.
Discover the Elegance of Nuri-Bashi
People who seek the ultimate in chopsticks will inevitably learn about Wakasa-Nuri-Bashi. These ornate chopsticks are meticulously hand-crafted by master artists in the Wakasa district in Fukui prefecture.
These beautiful chopsticks are considered luxury items in Japan and are generally handmade. The most crucial process for creating Wakasa-Nuri is applying a pattern to the chopsticks, covering that up, and revealing the design through careful polishing.
Although the handmade process is painstaking and can take up a year to complete, producing lacquered chopsticks for the masses is more straightforward. First, the process sees the application of two undercoat lacquer layers on the base material, which is almost always wood.
That first finish is thoroughly polished. Then, the application of additional lacquer gets applied and is polished again. The result is stunning, both dramatic and elegant.
Chopsticks Using Nuri-Bashi Lacquerware Style Are Suitable for Wholesale Business
Fortunately, for people who are nowhere near Fukui prefecture and want the look of the handmade classics without the cost, EdoFiber offers a solution.
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EdoFiber has developed a method of mass-producing the lacquerware style of Nuri-Bashi that is suitable for wholesale business. The company provides a valuable service for restaurants worldwide who want authentic Japanese chopsticks.
Wakasa-Nuri chopsticks, which are sometimes called jewel-lacquer, create a compelling presentation for the ultimate dining experience. EdoFiber lacquered chopsticks retain the historical heritage, and combine with modern technology, to make innovative lifestyle items that are sufficient for everyday and commercial dining.
A New Age Dawns for Nuri-Bashi
Due to the amount of time it takes for a master artisan to create chopsticks in this traditional manner, Nuri-Bashi has been too expensive for most commercial enterprises. Now, all of that is changing thanks to EdoFiber’s new process, which makes them affordable to a mass market.
EdoFiber partners with forward-thinking companies all over the world to promote the beauty and functionality of Washi. We’re first Washi makers in the world to receive first Forest Stewardship Council certification.
We’ve supplied chopsticks to the restaurant industry since 1959. Since that time, we’ve earned a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative products. We’re confident that you will appreciate our lacquered chopsticks. They add elements of tradition and beauty to your tabletops and takeout, which helps you maintain an edge over competitors who don’t use these stately utensils.
Wakasa Nuri-Bashi luxury chopsticks have long been a symbol of excellence for the Fukui prefecture. Our chopsticks incorporate the key elements that make lacquered chopsticks memorable for everyone. Restaurant businesses looking to improve their diner’s experience should consider adding our new products to your lineup.
If you would like more information on our extensive line of high-quality products, reach out today for more details.
Nuri-Bashi Lacquered Chopsticks
Nuri-Bashi Lacquered Chopsticks
Japanese chopsticks, known as Hashi, are revered the world over for their beauty and artistry. A range from Waribashi, disposable chopsticks, all the way to the luxury Nuri-Bashi, which carry finely-painted lacquer finishes helps merchants meet their every need.
To bring forth such visual appeal in a wooden chopstick has long been the domain of artisans, trained in traditional craft.
Lacquered Chopsticks Are Vital Cultural Symbols
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Chopsticks intertwine with Japan’s history and culture and enrich the country’s food heritage. The utensils and Japanese cuisine are so crucial to the country’s culture that UNESCO conferred them as an intangible cultural heritage. That means they’re part of a social custom upheld through many generations. These traditions express the respect that Japanese people hold for nature.
To protect this heritage, the Japanese government applied for the designation in 2012. When writing their application, they outlined four essential areas that make their cuisine worthy of worldwide recognition.
- Japanese cuisine uses a diverse range of fresh ingredients that maintain a healthy level of respect for their inherent flavors.
- The country’s cuisine is part of an exceptionally well-balanced and healthy diet.
- The food is an expression of natural beauty and the changing seasons.
- The fare maintains close links with critical annual events that celebrate Japanese heritage.
Chopsticks are a significant component of Japanese cuisine and the traditions surrounding food and the people. The UNESCO designation shows the world that Japanese cuisine plays a vital role in the country’s social identity, and the nation will continue to cherish the connection forever.
It’s worth keeping these concepts in mind when you’re evaluating the role chopsticks play in traditional cuisines and eating in Japan. Both are intertwined and, when conceptualized as one, help form a crystal-clear picture of how the Japanese respect this aspect of their historical culture.
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Chopstick Etiquette Is Worth Knowing
Don’t overlook how etiquette and chopsticks go hand in hand. To avoid embarrassment, following these guidelines helps to keep your reputation in good standing.
- The first thing to learn is to hold your chopsticks correctly. Sometimes, easier said than done.
- It’s never polite to eat directly from serving dishes. The proper protocol is to politely take food from shared bowls and place it onto your plate or bowl before digging in and consuming it.
- Always use a chopstick holder.
- Don’t dig through food. Please select what you want to eat next, and use your chopsticks to pick it up and consume.
- Don’t lick chopsticks. It’s inconsiderate and not something others want to witness. Never leave the chopsticks in your mouth while eating.
- Be careful about giving food to others.
- Chopsticks are vital food utensils, not toys.
- Avoid Tsukitate-Bashi, which is putting your chopsticks into a bowl of rice vertically. The Japanese reserve this tradition for funerals, not for everyday dining.
Like other forms of etiquette, it’s not so much what you do, but ensuring you don’t do certain things considered to be socially unacceptable. For those unfamiliar with the culture, you might not get everything right the first time. However, start learning now, and it shouldn’t take too much time and effort to master the art of using chopsticks the Japanese way.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a supply of Hashi-Oki, which are the rests for chopsticks, use them. These are small ceramic objects used by people to rest the end of the chopsticks when not in use.
There’s no shame in not understanding every nuance of using chopsticks at first. As long as you have a willingness to learn and respect the culture, you’ll get the hang of using them traditionally.
Quality Is an Integral Part of the Japanese Cuisine Tradition
As the UNESCO designation implies, the Japanese maintain a long tradition of focusing on the highest-quality food preparation. The passion they exhibit extends from food preparation to consumption, which is exemplified by chopsticks.
One of the reasons the government is safeguarding Washoku is that younger generations are leaving behind many traditions. Without a preservation effort in place, the old ways might give way to modern convenience. That’s why foodservice companies who are part of this heritage must make efforts to educate others while respecting this legacy.
The lower-end disposable chopstick market is giving way as consumers look for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. When they do, many turn their sights towards Fukui prefecture, which is renowned for manufacturing lacquerware chopsticks called Wakasa-Nuri. The reason the artisans in that district are so skilled gets credited to the four hundred year tradition that’s passed from generation to generation.
Wakasa-Nuri is known for its comfortable touch feeling, as well as the beautiful embellishments that adorn them. They’re moisture-resistant, making them ideal and suitable for daily use. One of the main reasons why these types of chopsticks are less popular than others is because they’re more expensive due to the effort required by artisans to manufacture them. That’s changing now, though, thanks to a new process from Edofiber.
Mass Production Makes Japanese Traditions More Accessible
Japanese chopsticks carry a premium price over Chinese competitors. The reason is the reputation for high-quality that’s a part of the tradition. Diners regard the final product for its finish and visual appeal.
Although many people use disposable chopsticks -worldwide estimates say 80 billion of them each year, the drawbacks are evident. Using one set for each meal is wasteful and contributes to numerous problems. That’s why nondisposable utensils are gaining ground. They provide a more sustainable solution while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
Edofiber is a company that’s uniquely qualified to sell chopsticks that maintain Japan’s rich cuisine legacy. The company has decades of operational history, with a singular focus on producing high-quality products for foodservice companies.
A prime example is our new product offering, Nuri-Bashi chopsticks. We have pioneered a new technique to mass-produce these culturally-important utensils, making them an ideal addition for foodservice companies.
Edofiber is a top-rated supplier of chopsticks as well as Washi paper supplies for restaurants and foodservice companies worldwide. We’re the first Forest Stewardship Council certified Washi makers in the world. Our commitment to sustainability is in total alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
If you would like more details on these high-quality products, reach out today for more information.
Japanese Hashi Chopsticks
Japanese Hashi Chopsticks
Like many people who live outside of Asia, you may not know too much about chopsticks, other than they’re a fun and unique way to eat. Japanese chopsticks, known worldwide as Hashi, have a long and varied history.
The first chopsticks in use in Japan arrived from Korea. People traveling from China via the Silk Road introduced the utensils to Japan.
Chopsticks held much meaning for the Japanese, who revered them as being precious. The original chopsticks they knew weren’t separate. Instead, they had the two individual sticks fused at the top. In around 1,000 CE, all that changed as the type of Hashi you see now became the norm.
How Japanese and Chinese Chopsticks Differ
A few notable differences help Chinese and Japanese chopsticks stand out from one another.
Chinese chopsticks took their current form during the Qing dynasty, which occurred between 1644 and 1911.
Consider the typical characteristics of Chinese chopsticks, which are known as Kuaizi.
- They are generally 10.5 inches long.
- Handles are .27 inches long and .22 inches in diameter.
- There’s no tapering, and the tips have blunt cuts.
- Wood, metal, stone, bone, and compound chopsticks are all available in China.
Japanese chopsticks have distinctly different elements.
- Most Hashi chopsticks are 9 inches in length.
- They are squarish in shape with rounded edges in their handle. Most are round at the tip.
- The handles start at the .3 inch point and continue to the tips where they’re .8 inches in diameter.
- The chopsticks have a beautiful taper that goes from the handle to the top. The tip itself rounds over distinctly and has no visible, sharp edges.
It’s not only the physical attributes that differ. Each culture takes a slightly different approach to their use of the utensils, based on local customs and traditions. Chopstick etiquette differs around the world, so it’s worth gaining an understanding of these practices before you dig into a tasty meal. In 1878, the invention of disposable chopsticks by the Japanese again changed the accessibility of Hashi worldwide.
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Using Japanese Chopsticks Demonstrates Respect
To make Hashi more ornate and visually attractive, manufacturers commonly use Washi paper sleeves for protection and decoration.
An exciting thing about Hashi is that the host wraps them with a sleeve to welcome the guest. Guests who wish to thank their host for the beautiful dinner will often fold the sleeves and create Origami artwork as a sign of their appreciation for the exceptional meal. This expressive sign of mutual respect is a beloved cultural aspect that shows the continued power of chopsticks to bring people together.
Choose Only The Best Hashi
Edofiber is the premier, top-rated supplier of both chopsticks and Washi paper chopstick supplies. For over 100 years, Edofiber has been demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the production of high-quality chopsticks.
We’re the world’s first-ever Forest Stewardship Council certified Washi makers. With an entire line of products, including processed paper, regular paper, and Washi food service supplies, we have everything you need to provide diners with authentic utensils that will heighten their dining enjoyment.