Uchiwa are flat fans made of stiff paper pasted onto a frame of split bamboo. They’ve been used for centuries in Japan. Marugame-uchiwa were first made in the Edo period for pilgrims who visited Konpira Shrine in Marugame. The feudal lord who governed the region until around the middle of the 19th century encouraged the lower-ranking samurai of the domain to pursue this craft as a side business. Originally the fans were decorated with the character for gold in a circle, representing the first character of Konpira, but today, many original and trendy designs are used. Marugame now produces around 90% of the uchiwa in Japan.

There are several places where you can make your own uchiwa fan with help from experienced staff.