Shizendou - Working with Nature of Hida Takayama
Shizendou is the work of Yasuhiro Kaneko, a solo wood artisan based in Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Naoko met Kaneko-san at the Jinya-mae Morning Market (陣屋朝市) on a cold winter morning, where he was selling his hand-carved wooden tools among local farmers and craftspeople.
Kaneko-san lives close to nature and works independently. Prior to becoming independent, he built his career by making custom furniture to order. Today, he focuses on smaller wooden tools for everyday use—spatulas, rice paddles, spoons, cutting boards, clocks, and more. His background in furniture making is reflected in the careful shaping, balance, and durability of each piece.
He works with a wide variety of locally sourced woods from the Hida region, selecting each piece for its grain, density, and character. Every item is carved by hand, allowing the natural qualities of the wood to guide the final form. No two pieces are exactly alike, and each one carries the presence and weight of the tree it came from.
Hand-Carved Hida Natural Wood Spatula
Made in Kaneko-san’s small atelier in Hida Takayama, this hand-carved wooden Rice Paddle is shaped from locally sourced timber to feel natural and balanced in the hand. The gently curved edge makes stirring, sautéing, and mixing smooth and controlled, while the carefully finished surface is safe and comfortable to use with donabe and other cookware.
Each paddle is carved from a single piece of wood and carefully finished to highlight the natural grain and tone. Lightweight yet solid in the hand, it is especially suited for use with donabe rice cookers. With use, the wood develops deeper character while maintaining its smooth touch.
Wood Variations
Walnut
Warm brown tone with flowing grain patterns.
Magnolia
Pale, soft grey-beige color with a subtle grain. Light and understated.
Japanese Yew
Golden amber tone with visible grain lines. Dense and resilient.
Charred Hinoki (Cedar)
Deepened tone achieved through light charring by hand.
Enjoy the Natural Wood Characteristics
Each piece is truly unique in shape, grain, and texture—even within the same type of wood. The item you receive may look different from those shown in the photos. Please enjoy the beauty of ichigo ichie—the idea of treasuring each once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
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Due to the natural qualities of the wood, knots, scratches, and small cracks may be present.
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The grain and color vary with each piece. Enjoy the unique expressions of the natural material.
- The wood also develops character with use, and that is one of the natural features we hope you will cherish.
