Marugame Uchiwa
The form of "cool" born from a single bamboo, continuing for over 400 years.
"Marugame Uchiwa" is a nationally designated traditional craft passed down in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. Born in the early Edo period as a souvenir for Konpira pilgrimages and promoted as a side job for samurai, it developed into a local industry. Made by hand — splitting both handle and ribs from a single bamboo and pasting washi paper or cloth on top — these uchiwa are said to account for about 90% of Japan's domestic production, making it a leading production-area brand. The Kagawa Uchiwa Cooperative Federation works on inheriting Marugame Uchiwa and creating new appeal through museum operations, artisan training, and technical lectures / experience programs.
Why We Love It
You'll be captivated by the artisan technique of carving both handle and ribs from a single bamboo. You'll be surprised by the gentleness of the supple wind — completely different from plastic uchiwa! Of course they suit a yukata, but actually they're also modern and cool when displayed as interior decor. Please enjoy the sophisticated way of incorporating this 400-year-old "cool" artwork into daily life.
PROFILE About the Company / Workshop
The roots of Marugame Uchiwa lie in the Edo-period "Konpira pilgrimage." Shibu-uchiwa featuring a red ground with a "Marukin" mark gained popularity as travel souvenirs, and as the Marugame domain later promoted uchiwa making as a side job for samurai, it grew into an important regional industry.
The greatest characteristic of Marugame Uchiwa is the structure of splitting both handle and ribs from a single bamboo. Leveraging bamboo's suppleness and strength, each piece is crafted as a tool that is light, comfortable to fan with, and familiar in the hand. Combining various materials and techniques — washi, fabric, lacquer, indigo dyeing — uchiwa are both practical items and works of craftsmanship with a clear presence.
At the "Marugame Uchiwa Museum" operated by the Kagawa Uchiwa Cooperative Federation, the world of Marugame Uchiwa is introduced through historical materials, valuable work displays, and production demonstrations. At "Uchiwa Workshop Take" inside Marugame Castle, hands-on making experiences taught directly by artisans are also available — gaining popularity as a venue that integrates tourism and craft experience.
Beyond preserving tradition, new challenges continue — including collaborations with washi artisans and creators, design uchiwa that can be enjoyed as interior decor, and promotional uchiwa for businesses. Why not incorporate "portable coolness" into daily life through a piece that lets you feel the climate of Marugame and the technique of artisans?
Nationally designated traditional craft: Marugame Uchiwa
Marugame Uchiwa was designated as a national traditional craft in 1997 — a representative bamboo uchiwa of Japan. While preserving manufacturing methods continuing since the Edo period, the brand pursues designs and usability that accompany modern living.
A major production area handling about 90% of domestic production
The area around Marugame City is known as a "town of uchiwa" — a major production area said to account for about 90% of domestic uchiwa production. With a diverse lineup of shapes, patterns, and uses, you can enjoy them widely from practical use to interior decor.
Experience handcraft technique at the museum and workshops
At the Marugame Uchiwa Museum and "Uchiwa Workshop Take" inside Marugame Castle, you can watch artisan demonstrations and try making your own. By making a bamboo uchiwa with your own hands, you can feel the technique and time embodied in a single uchiwa.
Passing to the future through artisan training and technical lectures
The Kagawa Uchiwa Cooperative Federation also focuses on training successors through technical lectures and the New Meister Certification System. The whole region works together to pass on the culture and technique of Marugame Uchiwa to the next generation.