INTRODUCTION
The simplicity of the chopstick
The chopstick is mentioned in Kojiki (oldest Japanese literature dating to
the 7th century A.D.), and is the simplest utensil, requires little storage
space, and is easily cleaned.
Does a Chopstick serve as a bird's beak?
With just two sticks, it provides a dot, line, and surface function without
changing finger positions. Just one hand, it functions like a bird beak.
Chopstick functions and culture
Chopsticks are made from various kind of woods: ebony, rosewood, boxwood,
mulberry, ironwood, etc. Various lacquer finishes from various towns like
Wakasa, Wajima, Tsugaru, Aizu, etc.
The uses include food arrangement, picking up foods, tea ceremonies,
religious ceremonies, etc. There are chopstick settings, chopstick boxes,
and chopstick bags as accessories.
Japanese are known for skill and craftsmanship. From infancy onward, all
Japanese learn to depend on these simple chopsticks, and must train their
hand and fingers movements in ways that lead to craftsmanship and handcraft.
It is my desire to connect people through Hashi (a word in Japanese which
means both "chopsticks" and "bridge"), and share common enjoyment in life.
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