Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

The internet worked itself into a lather when Kotobukiya first unveiled these babies back in January, a full five months before they were due to go on sale. Heads up: you can actually buy them now. Following up on the success of its Lightsaber Chopsticks, the company this time around looked closer to home for inspiration. Its Nihonto-bashi—literally, samurai sword chopsticks—are based on the katana wielded by three of Japan’s most famous warriors: one-eyed warlord Date Masamune (1567-1636), his great adversary Sanada Yukimura (1567-1615), and the fearless Maeda Keiji (1543-1612).

Nihonto-bashi, ¥1,050 per pair. Available from department stores and via Amazon Japan. www.kotobukiya.co.jp