Eiji Nakatsuka (中塚 英司)
Self-Introduction
Born in 1975 in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture.
Grew up happy and healthy as the second son of a sushi chef.
I was good with my hands, but I spent my teenage years mostly drawn to physical movement and music, full of energy and passion
In 1993, got a job at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kawasaki, but left soon after
Devoted my twenties to dance—HIPHOP, mainly. After signing a professional contract, performed in many shows as a backup dancer and show dancer
Ran dance schools in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Tochigi
As I approached thirty, frequent injuries and health issues led me to search for a different form of expression
In 2005, by chance, ended up living in France for a while, and life there—especially working on farms—sparked an interest in making things by hand
In 2006, was approached by Hiroshi Baba of starnet in Mashiko and started making wooden parts like bag handles and buttons
In 2007, became fully independent, and began making items I had always been familiar with—kitchen tools like spatulas and wooden cutlery
Now based in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi, where I continue my work
Introduction from the Shop Owner
I first met Nakatsuka-san in 2015, probably at some kind of event. I’m not exactly sure whether it was then or sometime after, but the first thing I bought from him was the spoon in this photo. (I took the photo right after I got it.)
It was the first time I had ever felt such supple, pure beauty in a spoon. I still clearly remember how moved I was when I held it in my hand—a spoon made simply by carving, sanding, and oiling a piece of Japanese mountain cherry.
After that, I added a few more of Nakatsuka-san’s spoons to our home. We’ve used them constantly—for fried rice, for curry—and over time, the pure and innocent beauty they had at first has matured into something deeper and richer. This first spoon was the starting point for my love of wooden spoons.
What makes Nakatsuka-san’s work stand out most is the beauty of his curves—not just in his spoons, but in his spatulas too.
Every woodworker has their own way of working, and the differences can be surprising. Nakatsuka-san also has a unique approach, one that seems to match his own sensitivity perfectly. It feels as though his body and instincts are in direct conversation with the wood.
We hope you'll pick up and use the wooden products that have been created in his small workshop. Use them to the fullest and enjoy the way they change over time.