The Legacy of Quiet Craftsmanship

In the quiet coastal city of Obama in Fukui, where the Sea of Japan meets a rare ria shoreline, a century‑old craft continues to shine. House of Shokunin partners with Matsukan - Japan’s iconic chopstick atelier founded in 1922-to bring the poetry of Wakasa lacquer into modern life.

For over a century, Matsukan has elevated the humble chopstick through meticulous craftsmanship rooted in Kitashioya and inspired by the rich seabed of Wakasa Bay. This tradition stretches back nearly 400 years, and today Obama City still produces over 70% of Japan’s lacquered chopsticks.

From its founding by Tsurunosuke and Kiku Matsumoto to its fourth‑generation leadership, Matsukan has continually reimagined what chopsticks can be - functional, sculptural, expressive - while embracing innovation, artisan collaborations, and sustainable materials. Its 100th anniversary in 2022 marked a renewed commitment to creativity.

House of Shokunin celebrates this legacy by curating pieces that blend heritage with modernity. Each pair is a small masterpiece - solid yet delicate - transforming everyday dining into quiet luxury.

Craftsmanship that endures. Culture you can hold. The art of living, refined.