# Custom-Tailored Chopsticks Katsuyuki Miyabi's Chopsticks are Designed for Those with Disabilities By Meghan Young | Published 2014-08-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customtailored-chopsticks References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3033835/designing-chopsticks-for-the-disabled) & [miyabow](http://miyabow.com/) People who face [obstacles when attempting to use chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactil) may benefit from having their own custom-tailored chopsticks made. Although there might be other utensils for them to eat their meals with, sometimes there is a charm to chopsticks that few people would want to give up or miss out on. These custom-tailored chopsticks makes it possible to enjoy Asian fare in a traditional way. Designed by Japanese craftsman Katsuyuki Miyabi, the custom-tailored chopsticks are custom made to suit each persons' needs. A cross between chopsticks and tongs, they simply need to be squeezed together to pick up food. Once the pressure is released, the custom-tailored chopsticks spring back open. According to [Fast Co Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-outdoor-furniture), "In Japan, one's ability to use chopsticks and the way they wield them reflects strongly upon them." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Custom-tailored Utensils:** Creating custom-tailored utensils for individuals with disabilities opens up opportunities for inclusive dining experiences. - **Adaptive Tools:** Developing adaptive tools like the custom-tailored chopsticks bridges the gap between traditional utensils and accessibility. - **Inclusive Design:** Embracing inclusive design principles, such as custom-tailored chopsticks, promotes equal access and enjoyment of cultural experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can explore creating custom-tailored utensils as a means to enhance independence and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. - **Hospitality:** The hospitality industry can incorporate custom-tailored utensils to provide an inclusive dining experience for guests with disabilities. - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can utilize custom-tailored chopsticks as an opportunity to cater to a wider range of customers, including those with disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Culture-Honoring Spiralled Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rassen-chopstick.md) - [Taste-Adjusting Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tasteadjusting-chopsticks.md) - [Saltiness-Enhancing Electric Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-chopsticks.md) - [Ergonomic Instant Noodle Forks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-x-nissin-the-fork.md) - [Chopstick-Crafted Homeware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renew-by-trinity.md) - [Crow Beak-Inspired Tweezers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuchibashi.md) - [Inclusive Tactile Cutlery Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactil.md) - [Empowering Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-sticks.md) - [Interchangeable All-in-One Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinchy-cutlery.md)