Sugi (Japanese cedar) is a conifer in the cypress family native to Japan. The warm light brown colored tree has a mildly woody scent and prominent grain lines.
Natural Noto Sugi Chopsticks are made of sugi trees that are cut to thin out the forests in the Noto Peninsula. Thinning reduces overcrowding and promotes healthy forest growth.
No chemicals or bleach are used in the manufacturing process in these natural chopsticks, and the surface is left untreated; no varnish, lacquer or oil has been applied. They hold food very securely, especially slippery foods such as tofu and noodles.
The chopsticks are decoratively tied with sanada himo, a tightly woven traditional Japanese cotton ribbon. The butterfly-shaped knots are modeled after the wrapping pattern of Japanese katana handles.
The Ishikawa Local Timber Revitalization Project is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013 to promote a healthy and sustainable growth of local forestry. They teamed up with the Kosumi Chopstick Studio, which produces chopsticks using old-fashioned machinery, to create Natural Noto Sugi Chopsticks.