Futaba Shoten (Ginkgo Cutting Boards)

Futaba Shoten is a manufacturer in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, specializing in ginkgo-wood craft products. Since its founding in 1946, it has developed an in-house system spanning material procurement, production, and wholesale — as Japan's only ginkgo-wood specialist shop.

Ginkgo wood is described as containing natural oils that help with water drainage, with uniform texture, good workability, and resistance to warping. As a cutting board, its softness and resilience offer comfortable knife feel and help protect knife edges from damage.

Futaba Shoten's ginkgo cutting boards are made from solid single-piece boards, one at a time by hand. Beyond standard rectangular household sizes, the company also offers round boards and accepts custom orders for customer-specified dimensions. Round boards offer "cut" and "non-cut" options — the cut version can stand on its own.

For wooden cutting boards, how you use and dry them determines their lifespan. Futaba Shoten clearly indicates care methods (washing, drying, no dishwashers) and also guides on resurfacing when darkening or mold appears, including conditions and precautions. Not "buy and done" — the company has prepared information and services for continuing daily use as a tool.

Founded in 1946 — a dedicated ginkgo-wood specialist

Founded in 1946, Futaba Shoten introduces itself as Japan's only ginkgo-wood specialist shop, maintaining an end-to-end system from log procurement to manufacturing and sales of ginkgo-wood craft products. The business focus is "processing and sales of ginkgo-wood craft products," centered on cutting boards.

Why ginkgo for cutting boards

Ginkgo wood is described as having natural oils that help it shed water and dry more easily, with uniform texture, good workability, and dimensional stability. As a cutting board material, its relative softness and resilience provide a gentle "knife feel" and help reduce damage to knife edges.

Solid boards and custom sizing (rectangular / round)

Futaba Shoten states that all of its cutting boards are made from solid, single-piece boards. Beyond standard sizes, the company accepts custom orders for sizes not listed on the website. Round boards are offered with "cut" and "non-cut (perfect circle)" options; the cut version can stand on its own, and the price is the same for the same size.

Care guidance and resurfacing service

After use, wash with water and detergent, wipe off moisture thoroughly with a clean dry cloth, and dry well in a shaded, well-ventilated area (dishwashers and dryers are not recommended due to potential warping or cracking from over-drying). For darkening or mold, improvement can be expected through the resurfacing service — with conditions clearly noted, such as boards thinner than 2 cm not being eligible.