About Boshu Uchiwa
Boshu Uchiwa are round bamboo fans produced mainly in Tateyama City and Minami Boso City, Chiba Prefecture. Full-scale production began around the mid-Meiji period, distinguished by the use of locally-sourced female bamboo (medake) from Boshu (South Boso) for the ribs. The unique 'marugara' (round handle) technique uses a single bamboo stalk with the round handle intact, finely splitting the tip portion to create ribs—a seamless one-piece construction combining strength and beauty. Prized as a summer seasonal item for its cooling rounded form and the delicate translucency of fine ribs.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 房州うちわ振興協議会（産地にご確認ください） hands-on experience