What’s all the fuss about seven-sided chopsticks?

How many sides does a chopstick have? The answer depends on who you ask. (Daikokuya)

Chopsticks are simple, right? The artisans at Daikokuya in Tokyo beg to differ.

Chopsticks have a rich history spanning thousands of years. Originating in ancient China, today, they are an essential tool for enjoying Asian cuisine — including Japanese food.

While chopsticks come in many shapes and sizes, there is one particular style that stands out for its uniqueness and craftsmanship—the seven-sided chopsticks.

Traditionally, chopsticks came in a simple round shape. However, as cultures and preferences evolved, so did the design of chopsticks. Nowadays, chopsticks are available in a wide variety of shapes and materials. In South Korea, for example, metal chopsticks have gained popularity, offering a different tactile experience compared to their wooden counterparts.

The seven-sided chopstick, meanwhile, is all about function — although their form is nothing to sneer at. Most wooden chopsticks are square or hexagonal. While easy to manufacture, the corners of these chopsticks can make for an uncomfortable eating experience, depending on how one holds their chopsticks.

The Daikokuya workshop in Tokyo has decades of experience within its walls. (Daikokuya)

For ultimate comfort, chopstick craftsman Tokuhito Marukawa of Daikokuya in Tokyo found that seven sides work best.

But working with a prime number proved challenging — symmetrical shapes like hexagons and octagons can be ground down with a machine, but to achieve seven sides requires him to start with eight and feel for the exact angle (approximately 51.4 degrees) to slowly shave each side.

Grinding out seven-sided chopsticks is a task that requires unique skills. (Daikokuya)

The result is a carefully and individually crafted set of chopsticks — a unique piece that cannot be replicated identically. This attention to detail and precision is what sets the seven-sided chopsticks apart from others, and is a skill that only the artisans of Daikokuya possess.

Many people in Japan carry their chopsticks with them outside of their homes for use in restaurants or cafeterias — after all, once you’ve experienced the luxury of the perfect chopstick fit, why revert to something inferior?

Daikokuya’s seven-sided chopsticks come in a range of finishes. (Daikokuya)

Despite the success of his seven-sided chopsticks, Marukawa continues to create chopsticks in various shapes. He recognizes that different individuals have unique preferences, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to chopsticks. Some may prefer the simplicity of five-sided chopsticks, while others may find comfort in different shapes. Marukawa says that once someone finds their preferred shape, they develop a lasting affinity for that particular style.

The artistry and craftsmanship behind seven-sided chopsticks highlight the dedication and skill required to create these remarkable utensils. As chopsticks continue to evolve and adapt to meet individual preferences, it is fascinating to see how something as seemingly simple as a utensil can be transformed into a work of art that enhances the dining experience for people around the world.

Daikokuya’s handmade chopsticks come in a range of styles, from four sides up to eight sides, and even round shapes. Please see our shop section for the full range of Daikokuya chopstick products available.