chopstick rests
Now you can practice your master swordsmanship skills with chopsticks and a miniature ceramic opponent.
Chopstick rests, called hashi-oki in Japanese, serve the simple task of keeping the tips of your chopsticks off the table and stopping them from rolling away. They’re not always used in Japanese homes, but you’ll often see them in nicer restaurants, and they also make unique, inexpensive souvenirs as you can find ones made from a number of different materials, and in an endless number of shapes and colors.
Some shapes might be a little TOO unique, however, as demonstrated by a Japanese Twitter user who innocently posted a photo of the cute, pink chopstick rests she found in Okinawa. She was quickly made aware of their unfortunate shape by a number of commentors, though. Or, maybe, she was made aware of how many people really have their minds in the gutter…
MOST POPULAR
Now
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?
Skyscraper sized Pokémon cards to appear in Tokyo all year long in Tocho projection mapping event
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
One million cockroaches escape from farm in China
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
You should visit Osaka’s first rescue cat cafe so I don’t have to
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
Weekly
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Monthly
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism- The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth- Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
One million cockroaches escape from farm in China
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
You should visit Osaka’s first rescue cat cafe so I don’t have to
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
Japanese carpenters demonstrate traditional wooden joints and it’s oddly satisfying 【Video】
Daiso creates its own collectible trading card game, and yes, the packs are just 100 yen【Video】
Japan just had its first same-month foreign tourist decrease in four years
10 things Japan gets horribly wrong
-
