The traditional Miyajima shakushi(wooden rice scoop) is made on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture. The origin of this tradition dates back to the Kansei period (1789-1800). One night, a monk at Shinsenji Temple named Seishin had a dream about Benzaiten (a goddess of the gods), and based on the beautiful lines of her biwa shape, he considered making a ladle and began teaching the islanders how to use the sacred wood of Miyama to make them. The fame of the Miyajima ladle was widely publicized, along with the virtues of monk Seishin, who said that if one ate rice with the ladle made of the sacred tree, he would receive divine virtues and bring good luck to the islanders. The shape of the ladle is taken from the shape of the biwa (lute) held by Benzaiten, and the material used is horse chestnut, cherry, mulberry, etc., split according to the grain of the wood so that the aroma does not transfer to the rice, the rice grains do not stick to the ladle, and it does not bend when the rice is hot. Today, the ladle is not only used for practical purposes, but is also loved by people who dedicate it to pray for business prosperity, family safety, and good luck in elections and sports, or take it home with them.

The Miyajima shakushi is made mainly from yamazakura cherry trees grown in Hiroshima Prefecture. The reason for the current use of mountain cherry trees from Hiroshima Prefecture is that Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, known as the City of Trees, is home to one of the largest concentrations of lumber in western Japan, allowing for the selection of "high quality lumber". This allows us to select the best quality lumber, and because we transport the lumber from Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, we are able to keep costs down, which is reflected in the price of our products. From this selected raw material, Yamazakura cherry trees from Hiroshima Prefecture, are cut into the shape of a ladle and carefully finished one by one by the hands of craftsmen. The beautiful curves, polished to the smallest detail, have a smooth texture that is gentle and calming when held in the hand. It fits well in your hand, and you will feel its quality every time you use it. The wood of the yamazakura tree is characterized by its hardness, elasticity, and fine texture, making it durable and long-lasting, and the more you use it, the redder the color of the wood becomes and the more it tastes.

A large shakushi is currently on display at the Miyajima Machidukuri Koryu Center(community design center). With a length of 7.7 meters, a maximum width of 2.7 meters, and a weight of 2.5 tons, it is the largest ladle in the world. The ladle was created by Miyajima-cho as a symbol of Miyajima, the birthplace of the shakushi, as well as to preserve the traditional craft Miyajima-zaiku for future generations, and was put on display when Itsukushima Shrine was registered as a World Heritage site.
The Miyajima shakushi is still popular as an auspicious Miyajima souvenir as it is said to "bring happiness," and furthermore, as a "vowed ladle," the first bite from the groom to the bride at a wedding is the first bite. As a wish for learning, fertility, prosperity, and victory, it is also popular among high school baseball players and various sports as well as corporations and local customers. Even today, it is loved by many as a good-luck charm.