3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Japan Photo Journal: Production of traditional 'mizu-uchiwa' fans peaks ahead of summer
Traditionally crafted "mizu-uchiwa" fans, distinguished by their glossy luster and waterlike translucence, are seen at the Sumii Tomijiro Shoten fan store in Gifu on June 2, 2025, as production peaks ahead of Japan's sizzling summer. The fans are made by attaching ultrathin "gampi-shi" paper, which resembles oil blotting paper, to bamboo frames. They are finished with a natural lacquer and air-dried indoors for about 10 days using a technique from the Meiji era (1868-1912). Coming in around 20 designs with motifs such as ayu (sweetfish), morning glories and cormorant fishing with burning torches, they sell for 3,550 to 6,000 yen (around $25 to $42) each. The store's fourth-generation owner Kazunari Sumii, 62, said, "I hope people will enjoy summer with these cool-looking fans."
(Japanese original by Kazuki Yamazaki, Nagoya Photo and Video Department)
