Hashimoto Kousaku Sikkiten
About Company
Wajima craftsmanship, at your table every day.
Founded in Wajima, Ishikawa, in 1949, Hashimoto Kousaku Sikkiten Co., Ltd. specializes in urushi lacquered chopsticks. Drawing on generations of expertise in lacquering and decoration, the company brings together the character of natural materials and designs made for today’s dining table.
A family craft, made for modern dining
The business began when Wajima lacquer artisan Kousaku Hashimoto established his own workshop. Incorporated in 2010, the company is now led by President Kiyono Hashimoto, with the fourth generation helping develop new products and new ways to reach customers.
In 2020, the company launched 18ZEN, a chopstick brand designed to bring lacquer into everyday life. Its colors, patterns, and distinctive textures invite people unfamiliar with lacquerware to discover it through something they use at every meal.
Noto hiba wood, urushi lacquer, and the artisan’s touch
18ZEN chopsticks are made from Noto hiba wood and finished with urushi, a natural lacquer. Each wooden blank is inspected individually, and artisans carry out the lacquering, decoration, and final checks by hand. The wood’s lightness and comfortable feel are complemented by the colors and patterns of the lacquer finish.
For kanshitsu chopsticks, artisans sprinkle powdered, hardened lacquer onto a lacquered surface, apply further coats, and polish the finish. The resulting fine texture gives the chopsticks their distinctive feel and helps provide a secure grip.
For everyday meals and thoughtful gifts
Noto Hiba Lacquered Chopsticks
Introduced in April 2026, this collection combines Noto hiba wood and urushi lacquer with colors and patterns inspired by auspicious symbols, cherry blossoms, and Japan’s seasons. Designed for everyday use, the chopsticks also offer visitors a practical keepsake of Japanese craft.
Kanshitsu Chopsticks
A textured finish made with powdered lacquer defines this collection. Successive layers of lacquer and polishing reveal decorative patterns, bringing together everyday practicality and a colorful presence at the table.
18ZEN — Urushi Chopsticks
18ZEN takes the workshop’s specialty—its skill in lacquering—and gives it a contemporary expression. Collections such as Mizutama, Kuroshiro, and Shiroobi offer a choice of colors and patterns, whether for your own table or as a gift of two complementary pairs.
Images: Hashimoto Kousaku Sikkiten, official website
Small-batch OEM and custom chopstick production
Alongside its own collections and wholesale business, the company offers small-batch OEM production. Its experience in lacquer application and decoration supports the development and manufacture of chopsticks for other brands.
For product development or wholesale inquiries, please outline the intended use, quantity, design, and delivery schedule. Available specifications and production terms are discussed individually.
Discover your next pair in person
Hashiya MAN-E-MON
Opened in April 2026, MAN-E-MON is the company’s first directly operated shop. Combining a gallery and retail space, it offers a place to see the collections and choose a pair in person.
The company also operates online shops. Please confirm current opening arrangements before visiting.
Further Reading in English
Inside 18ZEN: Materials, Design, and Craftsmanship
This English-language craft report explores the wood, lacquer finishes, and decorative techniques behind 18ZEN. Workshop photography and an interview offer a closer look at the people and work behind the brand.
Read the craft report →A Wajima Chopstick Maker’s History and Collections
Japanese craft retailer BECOS introduces the company’s history, materials, and decorative approach, alongside its chopstick collections. The English-language profile also covers its Noto Hiba Lacquered Chopsticks.
Read the brand profile →Company Information
| Company Name | Hashimoto Kousaku Sikkiten Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| President | Kiyono Hashimoto |
| Founded / Incorporated | Founded in 1949 / Incorporated in 2010 |
| Address | 52-39 Kekachidaira-machi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0023, Japan |
| Business | Design, manufacture, retail, and wholesale of urushi lacquered chopsticks; small-batch OEM production |
| Collections & Brands | Noto Hiba Lacquered Chopsticks, Kanshitsu Chopsticks, and 18ZEN |
| Company Shop | Hashiya MAN-E-MON |
| Websites & Social Media |
