Chopsticks were invented by the Italian fashion designer, Giacondo DaGnocciavetti, in the early 1980's as tools for handling sequins, small buttons, and beads. In a particularly controversial advertizing campaign in Tokyo, DaGnocciavetti was shown using these wooden sticks to eat raw fish off of the stomach of a naked woman. The Japanese government responded quickly, permanently banning both the use of these "chopsticks" and the consumption of raw fish. The Japanese chopstick and raw fish industries immediately moved to other countries, which is why there are so many sushi bars everywhere.