Miko, the store manager, has finally managed to get hold of a pair of chopsticks that she has always wanted. They are made from Kagoshima's Moso bamboo, specifically the root bamboo, which grows underground. Each piece is carefully crafted by a bamboo artisan, making them one-of-a-kind.
Unlike industrial products, unevenness, chips, and irregularities may be found in the knots, but these are all part of the natural beauty of the wood. If you find these individual differences unacceptable, please refrain from purchasing.
Product Features
A unique landscape painted by nature
As bamboo roots grow powerfully, avoiding soil and rocks, they each take on a unique look. No two are alike, with uneven nodes, curves, and thickness. These unique shapes add a story of nature to your daily dining table.
A shape that fits comfortably in your hand, thanks to the craftsmanship of our artisans
Root bamboo is hard and difficult to process, but it is fashioned using a technique called "reshaping," which involves applying heat to reshape it. While preserving its natural appearance, we place importance on making it easy to hold and use. It is a practical craft that combines roughness and elegance.
What is Nedake?
This is bamboo material made from the base of the bamboo (the part closest to the underground stem). The base is particularly thick and densely fibered, making it strong and durable. It has the unique knots and natural curves that are unique to the part close to the root, making it a highly valued and distinctive material.
Bamboo is a rare and highly valued material that has long been used for tea ceremony utensils (such as tea scoops and flower vases) and crafts. These are one-of-a-kind pieces that can only be made by skilled craftsmen, and their appeal lies in the fact that they can be used with affection as a piece that is "your own."
In a scene like this
Perfect for serving hot pots and other large dishes. Use them as chopsticks for serving New Year's dishes, seasonal festivals, or when guests come over. Also great as serving chopsticks or cooking chopsticks (not suitable for direct flame or high-temperature cooking). These modern Japanese chopsticks look great with both Japanese tableware and Western tableware like glass and stoneware.
Tips for Use
The tip is angled for easy picking. It won't crumble delicate side dishes or seafood. Stack them together and use them as tongs (for salads, appetizer plates, etc.). At 27cm, they have ample reach, even for dishes in the center of the table.
Care (to keep it looking beautiful for a long time)
Cleaning: Quickly hand wash with a mild detergent and a soft sponge. Drying: Wipe off any moisture and dry completely in a well-ventilated place. Storage: Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity, and store in a well-ventilated place. Do not use in the dishwasher, dryer, soak for long periods of time, or on an open flame, oven, or microwave.
Bamboo is a "breathing" material. If used with care, it will grow to a rich amber color and last a lifetime.
FAQ
Will I receive the same item as the photo?
No two pieces are the same. The knots, thickness, and curvature of the bamboo roots are unique to each piece. The photos shown are just examples, so please enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is the paint safe?
Because it comes into contact with the mouth, it is finished with a urethane coating suitable for everyday use. It prevents dirt and stains, allowing for hygienic long-term use.
Can I use it in the dishwasher?
Not possible. High temperatures and rapid drying can cause cracks and warping. We recommend hand washing and air drying.
What is the intended use?
Ideal for serving chopsticks, plating chopsticks, and cooking/finishing chopsticks. Avoid leaving them in a hot pot while cooking.
About Yagi Takekogyo
A century-old workshop that lives with bamboo
Yagi Takekogyo was founded in 1925 (Taisho 14) by its founder, Hitoshi Yagi, in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima. Surrounded by bamboo forests, it began as a "bamboo training center" (Chiku Koshusho) teaching local young people the skills of bamboo craftsmanship, while producing items useful in people's daily lives. Bamboo was an indispensable material for farm tools, kitchen utensils, and everyday items, and Yagi Takekogyo served as a place to systematically pass on the knowledge and techniques behind this craft.
A spirit passed down from generation to generation
The second generation continued to make "tools that support daily life" even during the chaotic times of war and post-war. Even with scarce resources, they did not waste a single bamboo and their careful craftsmanship earned them the trust of the people.
Now, under the leadership of third-generation owner Fuyuki Yagi, bamboo products are no longer just household items, but have been elevated to the brand value of a "traditional craft" that embodies Kagoshima's local culture. In order to spread the appeal of bamboo products nationwide, Yagi Takekogyo has also established a base in Tokyo and built a system for delivering directly to urban consumers.
In recent years, there has been a global focus on sustainable living and a return to natural materials, and Yagi Take Kogyo's manufacturing resonates perfectly with this trend. Bamboo is a renewable resource and a material with a low environmental impact. While keeping in touch with the values of people who are sensitive to ecology and sustainability, the company continues to produce products that harmonize with modern dining tables and lifestyles. By adding innovation to its century-old tradition, Yagi Take Kogyo has become a prominent brand that connects "Japanese handicrafts" to the next generation - this is the image of the company, evolved by the third generation.
Eyes and Hands That Engage with the Material
The Moso bamboo used by Yagi Takekogyo is a gift from Kagoshima, which boasts the largest bamboo forest area in Japan. From felling to processing, natural drying, curing, and finishing, it takes several years to complete. Craftsmen carefully examine the color, grain, and node position of each individual bamboo stalk, making the most of its unique character to craft the optimal tool.
Bamboo is a renewable resource, and proper thinning and utilization keep mountains healthy and support the Satoyama cycle. Protecting this practice is also an important mission of Yagi Takekogyo.
Today's market is flooded with affordable imported products. However, it is extremely rare to find a workshop that uses domestically sourced materials and has upheld the same "Japanese handcraft" approach for nearly a century. Rather than mass production, the craftsmen engage closely with each individual bamboo stalk, listening to the voice of nature as they work. This is where the true value and reassurance of "Made in Japan" lies.
Holding a Yagi Takeko tool is an act of connecting the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, which is disappearing due to the influence of foreign products, to the future through the hands of a century-old company. Share the cycle of Satoyama and the philosophy of the craftsmen, and experience their stories in your daily life.
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