Japanese Uchiwa, hand-held flat fans, of 2020 今年のうちわ
- Mariko Miki- The Blue
- Jul 30, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 22
In Japan, summer is nearly upon us as the long rainy season comes to a close. Back in the days before air conditioning, Japanese people would use "uchiwa," or hand-held flat fans, to get them through the hot and humid summers.
Every year since 1977, the Kamakura City Tourist Association has been producing special summer uchiwa with designs by artists associated with Kamakura.
This year's uchiwa features a colorful and gorgeous design called "Hana-zukushi," meaning "Flowers in Bloom," created by a female Western-style painter, and has been on sale since June.
This year, in light of challenges posed by the worldwide pandemic, a new charity edition has been on sale from July 21 toward efforts to restore the Kamakura tourism industry.
On the back of each fan, the words "Mugen Seifu（無限清風）," meaning "infinite clear wind," are printed with the calligraphy of Shodo Yoshida, the chief priest of Kencho-ji Temple (*See note below for more explanation of this meaning).
Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Kamakura City Fund for the Prevention of the Coronavirus Infection, a mutual support fund for the citizens of Kamakura.
Although commercially sold uchiwa are generally made of plastic, these are handcrafted of real bamboo, making them appealing to the touch, and their vibrant and modern design complements any summer style.
While enjoying the sound of cicadas and wind chimes, why not add this special Japanese traditional item to help enhance your appreciation for summer in Japan or purchase one as a light and easy-to-carry souvenir.
*Note: These words are taken from a quote from Zenji Daikaku, the founder of Kencho-ji Temple, which he liked to use "infinite clear wind" as a metaphor for the gates of Kencho-ji Temple, being open to all people with an endless and infinite clear wind that blowing in and out of the temple.
＜Tax-included prices＞ （cash only）
・Original edition：¥350
・Charity edition：¥500
＜How to buy＞
*You can buy at Kamakura City Tourism Association Offie.
・Address: Enoden Bldg. 4F, 1-12 Onarimachi, Kamakura City
(Enter the building where a Chinese restaurant is located on the first floor, then take the elevator to the 4th floor. )
(Map)
・Hours: 9am-5pm(open 7/wk)
＊If you are fluent in Japanese, you can check the information on some other ways on the website below;
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