Founded in 1939 by Naoyoshi Fukuda in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Marunao began as a maker of sumitsubo (traditional carpentry ink pots used by master craftsmen for marking straight lines) and decorative sculptures for temples and shrines, perfecting their craft through generations of traditional hand-carving. In 2003, third-generation artisan Takahiro Fukuda redirected the company's focus to chopsticks, applying the same meticulous craftsmanship to precious hardwoods.

Marunao's dedication to thoughtful making has earned international recognition, including a Red Dot Design Award for their Wakisashi cutlery series and exhibitions at Maison & Objet in Paris, Ambiente in Frankfurt, and Salone del Mobile in Milan. In 2019, Marunao became the first Niigata manufacturing company to open a store in France, with flagship locations now in Sanjo, Tokyo's Aoyama district, and Paris. 

ARJ Los Angeles is proud to serve as one of only four company-direct operating stores worldwide and Marunao's exclusive partner in the United States.