Japanese Woodcraft & Dining Workshops with Marunao
Chopsticks Making • Japanese Dining Etiquette • Holiday Woodcraft
Join Takahiro Fukuda, Marunao’s third-generation owner, for December workshops that bring craft, culture, and the warmth of the Japanese table to Los Angeles.
The 2-hour chopsticks workshop guides you through crafting your own chopsticks using tools brought from Japan and Niigata-grown cedar and ironwood. Afterward, enjoy a Japanese meal where you'll learn and practice essential Japanese table manners and chopsticks etiquette, using the pair you just made.
The 1-hour holiday woodcraft workshop invites you to create Christmas wreaths or photo frames using the same ebony and granadillo wood found in Marunao's chopsticks.
All tools and materials provided. No experience necessary. Limited seating available.
Event Details
- Fri, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 7, 2025
- ARJ Los Angeles - ROW DTLA and Santa Monica
ABOUT MARUNAO
The story of Marunao begins with the sacred tools of Japanese carpentry. Founded in 1939 by Naoyoshi Fukuda (福田直悦) in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture in central Japan, Marunao originally specialized in crafting sumitsubo (traditional ink-pots), essential instruments used by master carpenters for marking straight lines when building Japanese houses. For over 80 years, Marunao produced these tools and decorative sculptures for temples and shrines, perfecting their craft through traditional hand-carving methods.
In 2003, under Takahiro Fukuda (福田隆宏), the third generation of the Fukuda family, Marunao transitioned into creating chopsticks. Drawing on decades of expertise in working with ebony and shitan wood, Marunao applies the same meticulous craftsmanship to every pair of chopsticks, from the precision-carved 1.5mm octagonal tips to the careful selection of precious hardwoods. Each piece is crafted to be both beautiful and functional, designed to be touched by hand and used within the mouth.
Marunao opened their headquarters in 2014 in Sanjo City as a combined factory, gallery, and retail shop. Their Wakisashi cutlery series received Germany's Red Dot Design Award in 2017, and the brand has exhibited at prestigious design shows including Maison & Objet in Paris, Ambiente in Frankfurt, and Salone del Mobile in Milan. In 2019, Marunao opened direct retail locations in Tokyo's Aoyama district and Paris, becoming the first Niigata manufacturing company to establish a store in France.
Following the success of their first U.S. workshop in June 2024, ARJ Los Angeles is excited to welcome Marunao back to lead exclusive workshops this holiday season. As one of only four company-direct operating stores worldwide, we're honored to bring Marunao's heritage and craftsmanship to Los Angeles once again.
WORKSHOP 1: CHOPSTICKS MAKING & JAPANESE CHOPSTICK ETIQUETTE
Included with Each Ticket ($100)
- All materials and tools brought from Japan
- Two (2) sets of handcrafted chopsticks to take home
- Japanese meal by Pikuniko
- Japanese chopstick etiquette and dining culture experience
- Personal custom-order consultation with Takahiro Fukuda
- Exclusive in-store discount on Marunao products with original gift wrapping & bag
A family-friendly experience — perfect for parents and kids to learn together.
Discover the full journey from craft to table in this immersive 2-hour workshop that blends hands-on woodworking with Japanese dining culture. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore Japanese craftsmanship while learning proper table manners in a fun, engaging way.
In the first part, you’ll craft two sets of chopsticks using authentic Japanese planes and original tools brought from Japan. Working with Niigata-grown cedar and ironwood, kids and adults alike will enjoy carving and shaping their own chopsticks to take home.
In the second part, enjoy a special Japanese meal using the chopsticks you just made. As you dine, you’ll learn Japanese chopstick etiquette and table manners, discovering how craftsmanship and cultural practice come together at the table.
Made by Pikuniko, the meal includes yakizakana (grilled fish), miso soup, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), tsukidashi (seasonal vegetables), and rice. All dishes will be served on Marunao’s handcrafted plates and bowls, offering a complete experience of Japanese craft at the table.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please reach out to us at help@arj.la.
WORKSHOP 2: CHRISTMAS WREATH & PHOTO FRAME MAKING
Included with Each Ticket ($70)
- All materials and tools brought from Japan
- Your choice of Christmas wreath OR photo frame
- Personal custom-order consultation with Takahiro Fukuda
- Exclusive in-store discount on Marunao products with original gift wrapping & bag
Create your own one-of-a-kind Christmas wreath or photo frame in this 1-hour hands-on holiday workshop. Using ebony and granadillo—the same premium woods used in Marunao’s renowned chopsticks—you’ll craft a unique piece that reflects your personal style. Add festive decorations to complete your design, making it a beautiful addition to your holiday décor or a thoughtful handmade gift for someone special.
No experience is required — beginners are welcome. All materials and tools will be provided. Seats are limited and early sign-ups are strongly encouraged.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to limited seating, all workshop registrations are final and non-refundable.If you notify us at least 72 hours before the workshop, we will provide a store credit for the registration amount to use toward ARJ merchandise purchases. To cancel and request a credit, email us at help@arj.la. Please note that we are unable to honor reschedule requests with less than 72 hours advance notice.
