Crafting Legacy: Kawai and Haibara Unveil ‘KURABI’ Chopsticks
A new collaboration brings centuries-old washi designs to the modern dining table, blending tradition with everyday elegance.
Kawai Co., Ltd., based in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, and Haibara Co., Ltd., from Nihonbashi, Tokyo, have partnered to launch the exquisite “KURABI x Haibara” series, available from January 20, 2026. This collaboration embodies the heartfelt theme, “When inherited designs come alive on the dining table,” merging their distinct strengths into a novel product that celebrates Japanese heritage and elevates the daily dining experience.
The genesis of this project began with Haibara’s aspiration to translate their exquisite traditional designs onto chopsticks. A serendipitous encounter led Kawai Co., Ltd. to discover Haibara’s captivating patterns and the allure of their products, sparking a conversation that fused their shared vision and brought this innovative series to fruition.
A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Artistry
Each chopstick in the “KURABI x Haibara” series is a testament to meticulous handcraftsmanship, where Haibara’s timeless patterns and washi paper techniques are expertly integrated by Kawai’s skilled artisans. The result is a piece that carries a distinct, tactile quality, making every meal an experience.
Designs That Speak Volumes
The “KURABI x Haibara” collection features four meticulously chosen patterns, each designed to convey a message when presented as a gift. Washi paper is delicately wrapped around each chopstick, ensuring a unique texture and visual depth for every single piece. Adding a touch of elegance, a golden line (like a delicate thread wrap) is meticulously applied by hand to each chopstick, serving as a subtle yet striking accent.
The chosen patterns are:
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Kiku Karakusa (Chrysanthemum Arabesque): The chrysanthemum, revered for its antiseptic qualities, combined with the arabesque pattern symbolizing “eternal youth and longevity” and “prosperity,” makes this design a fitting emblem for an item used to bring food to the mouth.
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Mon-iri Tanabata Kazari (Tanabata Festival Decoration with Family Crests): This design beautifully intertwines the essence of the Tanabata festival—a celebration of wishes—with auspicious Japanese symbols like pine, bamboo, and plum, embodying good fortune and national identity.
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Takara-zukushi (Treasures Galore): Featuring symbols such as the fundō (weight), uchide no kozuchi (magic mallet), kakuremino (invisibility cloak), and chōji (clove), each element in this pattern represents “wealth,” “wishes,” “protection,” and “preciousness.”
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Tsurukame-iri Kikko Karakusa (Crane and Turtle in Tortoise Shell Arabesque): An undeniable symbol of longevity, this design prominently features cranes and turtles within a tortoise shell arabesque. It’s a pattern that naturally evokes thoughts of loved ones, making it ideal for gifting to parents or cherished family members.
The Art of Gifting
Beyond their personal use, these chopsticks are crafted to be meaningful gifts. Each design carries a story, a wish, or a blessing, allowing the giver to express sentiments that resonate deeply with the recipient’s life. They are perfect for wishing long life to family and friends, celebrating future happiness, or marking seasonal greetings and special occasions.
As one enthusiast remarked, “Holding these chopsticks, you don’t just feel the wood and washi; you feel the centuries of Japanese tradition and the heartfelt wishes embedded in each pattern. It’s a tiny piece of art for your daily ritual.”
Product Overview
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Product Names:
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KURABI Tsurukame-iri Kikko Karakusa
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KURABI Kiku Karakusa
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KURABI Mon-iri Tanabata Kazari
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KURABI Takara-zukushi
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Retail Price: 2,200 yen (tax included)
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Launch Date: January 20, 2026
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Sales Channels: Company’s own EC store, Rakuten “Kawai Seisakusho”
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Size & Specifications: 23cm, Made in Japan, Dishwasher safe for home use
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Packaging: Delivered in original packaging
Dive Deeper into the Story
For more detailed information and behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of “KURABI x Haibara,” a special dialogue article is available on Kawai Co., Ltd.’s official website.
Read the Dialogue Article Here
About the Companies
Kawai Co., Ltd.
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Location: 16-2 Kitashioya, Obama City, Fukui Prefecture
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Representative: Koichi Kawai
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Business: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of Wakasa lacquerware chopsticks, lacquerware, and other tableware related products.
Haibara Co., Ltd.
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Location: Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower, 2-7-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
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Representative: Tatsuo Nakamura
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Business: Washi-related business, measurement recording paper and supply business.
The Future of Kawaii in Lifestyle
The “KURABI x Haibara” series is more than just a new product; it’s a testament to the evolving definition of “kawaii” in a global context. Moving beyond overtly cute characters, this collaboration highlights how traditional Japanese crafts, imbued with deep meaning and exquisite design, can captivate international audiences. It shows that the charm of Japanese culture lies not only in its modern pop phenomena but also in its timeless artistry and the profound stories woven into everyday objects, promising a future where elegant, meaningful design continues to enrich our lives and connect us to Japan’s rich heritage.
