Hi this is Mayuko.
There are a lot of traditional things in japan. All of them are unique and have interesting characteristics.
I choose Sensu 扇子 as a thing that has made a comeback in Japan.
Sensu is Japanese holding fan which was produced during Heian period (794-1192). Sensu is made of paper on a bamboo frame, usually with a design painted on them. From ancient period, Japanese has been using Sensu not only to cool or refresh their selves but also as fashion item. However, opportunity to use a Sensu decreased by the spread of an electric fan or air-conditioners.
In recent years, I have many chances to see people who use Sensu during summer. In addition, there is Sensu area in the department store and there are many people who come to buy Sensu. People are used to consider Sensu as thing which old people use. But nowadays, there are many kinds of Sensu which design is very fashionable.
I think why Sensu is making a comeback is Sensu is very easy to carry and cool or refresh ourselves whenever we want. Moreover, after Tohoku earthquake (3.11), people start to economize power so Sensu is one of the best ways to get cooler without using air-conditioning. Also, there are many modern designs Sensu which young people like so that young people use Sensu as fashion item.
I think it is very good thing that traditional thing is making a comeback because traditional things are very simple, but very useful. There are long history and ancient people’s idea in the behind. We must carry over them to next generation.
Good topic! Do you have a sense? I do and I use it on the hottest days. Sensu is a folding fan, not holding fan as you wrote in the first line of your blog.
ReplyDeleteNowadays you can even see them in 100 yen shops. Many are now available in popular designs. It is nice to have so much variety and a wide price range, which makes them attractive and available to everyone.
Ms. MacGregor
Oh, please excuse my typing mistake - I should have written sensu. The auto correction function on my computer kept changing the spelling.... Sorry. Ms. MacGregor
DeleteI see a lot of people using sensu in summer and I also have two. The comeback of sensu is good for both the environment and people. Using sensu makes people reduce use of electrical power. Furthermore, many sensu have beautiful designs, so people can enjoy seeing them. I love them very much.
ReplyDeleteMinami
I use sensu in summer as well. I think they are really useful, because it does not take up space at all. Moreover, now there are so many kinds of sensu available in stores so I think it can be one of the fashion items of Japan.
ReplyDeleteMinori
Hello. This is Koichi.
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't have sense, but some of my friends used it in the last summer. According to your picture, it costs less than 1,000 yen! It is cheaper than I expected. It seems that I should buy it next summer.
Sensu is one of the most famous traditional things and I have also found young people using them this summer.
ReplyDeleteSensu is sold for good price and every people can buy and enjoy using them. It gradually becomes a part of our fashion coordinate!
Yuna