Hashi-Making: Learn to make your own chopsticks

Students will learn to use a traditional Japanese handplane (鉋, kanna) to shape a pair of chopsticks from a square wood blank. No prior woodworking experience is needed. By the end of class, every student goes home with a finished, usable pair of hashi they made themselves. The class is designed to be accessible to all ages (11+ unaccompanied; younger with a parent) and serves as a welcoming introduction to Japanese hand-tool craft. What you'll learn: • The anatomy and design of the kanna — how it differs from Western planes and why it pulls instead of pushes • Proper grip, body position, and safe blade handling • How to read wood grain and why it matters for a clean cut • How to use a jig to hold the blank and guide consistent planing passes • How to produce a smooth, finished surface using a hand tool What to expect: • You will make real shavings and real chopsticks — this is hands-on from the start • Mistakes are part of the process; the second blank is for applying what you learned • The instructor circulates continuously to give individual guidance • Students who finish early can plane a chopstick rest • The class is quiet, focused, and meditative — a welcome contrast to a busy day All tools are provided. Students use a shared tool library — no purchases required.