Marugame Uchiwa fans (Traditional Japanese fans made from bamboo)

Marugame Uchiwa fans, produced in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a traditional handmade fan that has been produced since the Edo period (1600-1868) and is designated as a national traditional craft. It developed as a souvenir for visitors to Konpira-gu Shrine, and production expanded due to the encouragement of the clan and the geographical advantage of having raw materials readily available locally. Today, bamboo uchiwa production accounts for approximately 80-90% of Japan's total production, and is highly valued both domestically and internationally for its beautiful design, quality, and practicality. Even today, with the advance of plastic products and machine production, bamboo uchiwa fans made by hand by craftsmen are loved by many people for their warmth and elegance.