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Alpha Stick

ー Japan’s Proud Innovation in Chopsticks ー

Welcome to the World of Ma & Mi


Ma & Mi is an art brand of chopsticks, born in Kobe, Japan.
Based on the unique vision and designs of Ma-chan, our designer,
and brought to life by Mi-chan, our creator,
together we have built a one-of-a-kind brand.

Our clashes turn not into division, but into creation
transforming differences in values, and even our mutual misunderstandings,
into the very energy that fuels our work.
This is our style.

When the traditions of Japanese culture meet our free-spirited ideas
and endless curiosity, something beyond a mere utensil emerges—
the future of chopsticks.

Please enjoy the delicate and imaginative world woven by Ma & Mi.
That world is only truly complete when it's in your hands.



■ Innovation as a Tool
Alpha Stick – The New Standard

Created by the two of us,
Alpha Stick is a new kind of chopstick
one that looks, feels, and experiences completely differently
from the familiar "old type" chopsticks.

And there's one more thing—
there's a reason it's "Stick" in the singular, not "Sticks".
That's because each one has its own personality and life.
We intentionally call it Alpha Stick in the singular.

■ Tradition Meets Innovation. Skill Meets Playfulness.

When different elements meet, resonate, and take shape,
the result is Alpha Stick, the signature chopstick of Ma & Mi.

People think of chopsticks merely as tools for picking up food.
We aim to change that perception.

It's more than just a tool to pick things up,
and more than just about ease of use
it's about rethinking the very meaning of chopsticks
and daring to redefine the concept itself.

We want Alpha Stick to replace Chop Sticks
and become the new standard for chopsticks.

And if possible—
within our lifetime, we hope the words "Alpha Stick"
will appear in the dictionary as a symbol,
and quietly find their place at dining tables around the world.

International Encyclopedia of Lifestyle and Culture
Alpha Stick (アルファスティック)
noun
Origin: Kobe, Japan / Ma & Mi

  1. A new type of chopstick born in Kobe, Japan.

  2. A fusion of tool and art, created to replace traditional Chop Sticks.

  3. Magic chopsticks in which each piece carries its own personality and life, enriching the dining experience.
    Example: "Somehow, this dish tastes different when I eat it with Alpha Stick."

…something like that. (laughs)

Dreaming of such a future,
we hope to leave it as our legacy in this lifetime
and that is why we continue to work with chopsticks every day.

■ Expanding the Possibilities of Expression
The Artistic Playfulness of "Stick Art"

We see chopsticks not only as tableware,
but also as a canvas on which to paint.

From this idea, Stick Art was born—
a new kind of artistic play,
where we paint freely on chopsticks in ways never seen before.

It is a small revolution, born from the intersection
of Japanese traditional craftsmanship and our shared sensibilities.

Every chopstick we offer is a collaborative, handcrafted work,
created together with artisans from Wakasa Obama, Fukui Prefecture
and us, the stick artists.

From the encounter of unique sensibilities and masterful skill
comes a finish that quietly brings a "margin of art"
to your everyday table.

From our hands to yours
slightly mysterious, slightly new
please enjoy these magic chopsticks.



■ Three Variations

Today's Alpha Stick goes far beyond being "easy to pick up with."
It now carries beauty and stories,
and continues to evolve even now.

This evolution has taken shape in three distinct series
to make your everyday dining more free, more enriching.
With every use, a sense of comfort spreads from your fingertips to your heart—
this is the experience we bring to you.

Ma & Mi's Alpha Stick is available in the following three series:

  • Standard Series
    Simple yet exceptionally easy to use,
    "magic chopsticks" perfect for everyday dining.

  • ※ From this series, the auspicious model "Ebisubashi" was born, dedicated to Nishinomiya Shrine.
      For details, please see [About Ebisubashi].

  • Platinum Series
    Building on the Standard Series, these add art for a touch of refinement and presence—
    "special chopsticks" for special moments.

  • Ma & Mi Series
    Infused with our own sensibilities and personalities,
    these "one-of-a-kind chopsticks" are as beautiful as art pieces.
    This series is recognized by the OMOTENASHI Selection,
    chosen by distinguished foreign residents of Japan.

    Options include five classes (K / S / A / B / C),
    as well as made-to-order and customizable designs.


  • Two Opposites Weaving a Single Story

    Ma & Mi is not just another chopstick shop.
    And Alpha Stick is not just another pair of chopsticks.

    ■ A Brand Born Where Differences Meet and Take Shape

    It all began with a small idea.

    Ma-chan, our designer, moves carefully and thoughtfully,
    valuing sensitivity above all else.
    Mi-chan, our creator, acts on inspiration in an instant—
    a carefree and bold man of action.

    One is delicate yet strong-willed and cautious.
    The other is sunny-spirited and unpredictable.

    Ma-chan wants to walk forward with empathy;
    Mi-chan wants to push ahead with complete freedom.
    Their ways of thinking, working, even the speed at which they move—are all completely different.
    Yet somehow, like light and shadow coming together to form one shape,
    these differences create a unique relationship.

    "When people with completely different values and strengths join forces,
    something new is bound to be born."

    At first, the idea was small, but our expectations were big.
    Over time, the parts of ourselves we couldn't compromise became clear,
    and our days were filled with arguments.
    Many times we thought, "Wouldn't it be easier to work alone?"

    And yet, surrounded by the encouragement of friends who believed in us,
    we returned to our starting point again and again, and made it this far.

    Two people with completely incompatible natures, meeting, clashing,
    and—despite the fights—creating something together.
    That is the world of Ma & Mi's chopsticks and Stick Art.

    ■ The Days We've Continued, Supported by Friends

    Because we clash so much, there are shapes and answers
    that can only be found between the two of us.
    Ma & Mi's works quietly contain
    "what exists between the two of us,"
    and the hours of two people who couldn't understand each other,
    trying their best to bridge the gap
    .

    In truth, our values were more different than we realized,
    and at some point, even the scenery we each saw had changed.
    But—by learning from each other as mirrors,
    and by not seizing the helm of the other's heart—
    we've slowly begun to see the same view.

    Through our creative work,
    we've learned this slowly, but surely.

    We invite you, too,
    to listen quietly to the dialogue between the two of us.

    These days of creation could never have continued
    on our strength alone.

    For ten years, the artisans of Wakasa have supported us behind the scenes.
    Trusted partners have joined us to move our ideas forward.

    And—
    to our dear fans who have supported us since the days
    when today's Standard Series was still called Bikkuri-bashi,
    we owe our deepest thanks.

    To every one of these people, with all our hearts—
    Ma & Mi continues to create.

    ■ Passing Our Feelings Through Chopsticks, Gently to You

    Chopsticks are not just tools for eating.
    They are companions in daily life,
    untying the heart and carrying a little spark of joy.

    To your everyday table,
    we hope to bring a touch of excitement and a quiet sense of wonder.

    Please take in your hands this "art of chopsticks" born from our two sensibilities.

    May Ma & Mi's Alpha Stick quietly bring you moments that smile upon you.

    And may a small story begin
    the moment you hold them.

    …And as for us—
    we'll probably keep creating,
    still arguing along the way. (laughs)



    "Bring a Little Spark to Your Table.
    Start Every Day with Alpha Stick."


    Ma & Mi's Alpha Stick is packed with charm:

    • Alpha Stick is an evolved style of chopstick, recognized by the OMOTENASHI Selection.

    • A gift that delights, and a tool that surprises—an experience in every use.

    • Beauty, style, and ease of use all in one—magic chopsticks.

    • At our event booths, you can experience the "Wait, it's that different?!" moment for yourself.

    • Photo & video shooting, posting and sharing on social media—absolutely welcome! We'd love to hear your voice.



    ※ This site was created together with Oden (ChatGPT) — Mi-chan's only friend.
    ※ More than half of the responsibility lies with Mi-chan and Oden.

    Experience it for yourself

    Ma & Mi's Alpha Stick brings a special touch to your everyday life!
    We bring them to events and markets all across Japan,
    together with Pink Chopstick Shop and our friends.
    Enjoy one-of-a-kind art chopsticks and join our fun workshops, too!

    Brand: Ma & Mi

    Presented by: Alpha Team LLC
    Email: hiro@j-ris.com
    Phone: +81-80-3613-9196

    Business Hours

    Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
    (Generally open year-round with irregular days off)