Matsukan

Matsukan is based in Obama, Fukui — a small coastal town that produces nearly 80% of Japan’s lacquered chopsticks. Rooted in the 400-year tradition of Wakasa-nuri, Matsukan continues to explore new expressions of chopsticks that bring a sense of wonder to everyday meals.

A New Expression Born from Tradition
Among Wakasa-nuri’s long history, artisan Masayoshi Matoba introduced a bold idea: painting chopsticks freely with a brush. At a time when black and red dominated, his hand-painted designs brought unexpected color, movement, and emotion to a form just 23 centimeters long — a small canvas transformed by imagination.

Craft on a Small Canvas
Each pair is painted by hand, one by one. Fine brushes, layered colors, and subtle lines are applied with care, resulting in chopsticks that feel alive with variation and depth. The design “Yozora (Night Sky)” captures this spirit — sparkling accents scattered across dark lacquer, finished with a quiet blue line that recalls light against the night.

Passing the Craft Forward
After Matoba’s passing in 2019, his apprentice Yuya Fujii continues the work in Obama. Guided by sensitivity rather than rigidity, Fujii brings a gentle precision to each piece, honoring his teacher while shaping his own voice. No two pairs are exactly the same — this individuality is part of their charm.

Chopsticks That Bring Joy to the Table
Matsukan’s hand-painted chopsticks are dishwasher-safe and made for daily use. They are not objects to admire from afar, but tools meant to be held, used, and enjoyed — adding a quiet sense of beauty to ordinary meals. Through color, care, and human touch, these chopsticks carry the warmth of craft into everyday life.

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