Beat the heat with sustainable and traditional Uchiwa fans

How are you coping with the summer heat? Many of you might say electric fans or air conditioners, as they are undoubtedly great technological investments. Alongside those tools, we have a portable hand fan called an “Uchiwa” in Japan. It’s still popular for beating the heat, especially when wearing kimono and yukata.

Japan’s Uchiwa production has a rich history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The artisans continue to pass on their skills and now blend tradition with modern materials to address growing environmental concerns. Here are some examples.

Vegan mushroom leather “mushco” meets Kyo Uchiwa

Japan’s first company specializing in mushroom leather, “mushco,” has partnered with famed Uchiwa makers from Kyoto Prefecture, “Kyo-Uchiwa,” to introduce a new line of mushroom leather Uchiwa this summer.

Mushroom leather, made from mycelium, features unique patterns, color shades and textures, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Much like how Kyo-Uchiwa was appreciated as an art form in ancient court for its elegance, the same can be said for this product.

Beyond the general goals of vegan leather, such as promoting animal welfare and addressing environmental concerns, mushroom leather offers another benefit. It has the potential to help revitalize Japan’s declining forestry industry because mushroom production requires sawdust from domestic timber.

This brand strives to create new value and preserve traditional Japanese techniques by incorporating sustainable, eco-friendly materials into traditional Japanese crafts. Future collaborations with artisans from other traditional crafts are also anticipated.

(Image: PR Times)

Marugame Uchiwa from Kagawa prefecture tackles marine pollution

A new type of Uchiwa aimed at tackling marine pollution has emerged in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. When the industry was rapidly growing, this region became the largest Uchiwa producer, thanks to its abundance of necessary resources, making it possible to handle the entire production process. Today, it commands over 90% of the national market share.

Artisans in this region are expert in crafting various shapes and designs of Uchiwa, tailored to different uses such as fan, fashion and decoration. Their skills and creativity led to this product.

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A post shared by 【公式】丸亀うちわ | Marugame Uchiwa (@marugame.uchiwa)

(Image: Instagram)

Marugame Uchiwa traditionally used fishing nets to increase their durability. Inspired by this tradition, artisans have now decided to collect discarded fishing nets, which otherwise would become marine pollution, and repurpose them to create durable products.

Unfortunately, in modern times, as demand for a cheap option like plastic ones increased, the popularity of Marugame’s traditional bamboo Uchiwa is declining. This project will not only address marine pollution but also preserve Japan’s tradition, support the artisans’ craftsmanship and revitalize local industries.

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A post shared by 【公式】丸亀うちわ | Marugame Uchiwa (@marugame.uchiwa)

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These sustainable yet traditional items are good for a gift for your loved ones and yourself.