While chopsticks have remained relatively the same for centuries, Japanese design firm Nendo (founded and led by Chief Designer Oki Sato) has been exploring ways to make them even more comfortable and functional. Finding round chopsticks slippery to hold and overly square ones uncomfortable, Sato and his team have created several new designs that are as practical as they are visually intriguing. The Hanataba chopsticks are ridged with each tip (when viewed from above) appearing as a five-petal flower, while the Kamiai design snaps together using tiny magnets. If Sato has his way, you may never look at chopsticks the same again.
Rethinking Chopsticks