団扇　(Uchiwa) Japanese round fan

22nd March – 弥生

Rounded fan – Uchiwa, making wind manually, was introduced to Japan in Kofun era (around 1700 years ago)from China.

In the older time, it was made of wood and rather used by higher positioned people for hiding their face than used for creating wind, intercepting sunshine like now. Or even it was used for getting rid of insects. Uchiwa was believed that it could chase away bad luck.

Some decades later, it started to be made of bamboo and washi paper, this type it could create stronger wind than the older wood type.

Then Japanese new style fan called 扇子 (Sensu) was born in Heian era, making Uchiwa foldable with waving shape.

Compared to Uchiwa as having stick handle, Sensu does not have the handle. Nowadays, it is generally used to make winds, however traditionally, it has been used for various noble things and high class events such as traditional rituals for gods, traditional dancing, tea ceremonies and so on. Many nobles wrote poems on Sensu and displayed at their home. At that time, Colorless Sensu was for men and colorful, patterned Sensu was for women.

Back to Uchiwa topic, from Meiji era, it started to be used for the purpose of advertising. Printing the ads on the Uchiwa and distributing to public to market companies’ products.

The use of Uchiwa changed from showing dignity to practical use.

Now, there are air conditioners and fans, so not many people use Uchiwa and Sensu anymore. However, it is eco-friendly, tasteful and elegant, so why don’t you get one and use it in this summer!