ITADAKIMASU
THE PROCESS
Make it
To begin the production phase, I laser-cut chipboard templates of my utensil designs to test scale, proportion, and layout. These helped refine the shapes before moving into metalwork and less room for error.
After completing my research, sketches and early prototyping, I began fabricating the flatware and tea scoop. Using sheet steel, I cut the desired shapes and created custom dies to form the spoon and scoop bowls with a hydraulic press. Each handle was shaped from steel rod — heated, hammered, and sanded into a rounded, ergonomic form for comfortable use.
For the knives, I cut the blade profiles from O1 tool steel, heat-treated them for hardness, and sanded each blade to achieve the desired edge and angle. The knife handles were crafted from aluminum, which I carefully sanded and shaped for a smooth, balanced fit in the hand.
To visually unify the collection and reflect my cultural research, I applied a custom powder-coated ombré finish to all handles, using a palette inspired by geisha makeup and kimono tones — pinks, blues, yellows, and white.
As a final touch, I designed and built a custom wooden display box for packaging and presentation. Inside, I laid pieces of curtain fabric sourced from Japan behind the utensils, adding a layer of cultural texture and contrast to the final display.