The Origin and History of HASHI (Chopsticks)

Among the many kitchen utensils the Japanese use in their daily lives,Hashi are one of the oldest and most familiar.
They are said to have been invented is ancient times out of the simple necessity of handing food.
The original HASHI were made by bending a piece of bamboo or other wood at the center, and were similar in ahape
to a pair of tongs. The name HASHI most likely came from Kuchi – bashi ,the word for beak in Japanese.

When the Edo period brought peace to Japan, the economy expanded, and cities began to grow.
Restaurants started to appear, and the hotel business prospered, invigorated by increased traffic between cities.
The demend for HASHI grew.
At the time, HASHI were made of rounded strips of bamboo, cedar, cypress of the wood of willow trees.

WARI-BASHI (disposable HASHI) resulted from the fastidiousness of the Japanese.
They did not like to use the same utensils that others had used nor to have their soiled ones used by others.
Today, the first bite of solid food a Japanese receives is still fed to him in a ceremony held 120 days after his birth,
Using HASHI, an implement that carries food into their mouths, but is something to which they are intimately
connected throughout their lives.

“Don’ts-when using HASHI (Chopsticks)

Since ancient times, Japanese have regarded HASHI as sacred tools, as may be seen in their use in Shinto and
Fork rituals.
Japanese learn from their elders “to be aware of even the picking up and setting down of HASHI”
Here are some “Don’ts when using HASHI (Chopsticks).

Mayoi-bashi (Indecisive HASHI)
      You should not linger over dishes with HASHI, undecided as to want to next.

Utsuri-bashi (Capricious HASHI)
      You should not pick up one kind of food with HASHI only to change your mind pick up another.

Saguri-bashi (Stirring HASHI)
      You should not stir a bowl of soup with HASHI, in order to get certain ingredients.

Kaki-bashi (Shoving HASHI)
      You should not hold a bowl to one’s mouth and “shove “ rice in using HASHI.

Yose-bashi (Drawing HASHI)
      You should not draw a bowl towards you using HASHI

Sashi-bashi (Piercing HASHI)
      You should not pierce foods and with HASHI.

Yoko-bashi (Adjacent HASHI)
      You should not use HASHI like a spoon by holding them parallel to each other.

Namida-bashi (Crying HASHI)
      You should not drip soup from the tips of HASHI while moving them.

Komi-bashi (Stuffing HASHI)
      You should not stuff an already full mouth with food using HASHI.

Neburi-bashi (To suck HASHI)
      You should not suck the tips of HASHI.

Thus you may understand how HASHI hold a significant place in the lives of Japanese.
Each pair of these HASHI has been made with the greatest care and it is with pride that we offer them to our customers.
We hope you will continue to use our product for years to come.

You are now capable of using Japanese HASHI (Chopsticks) in the correct manner and according to etiquettes.