HAKUCHIKUDO Ryosen Gion Hanamikoji Store

HAKUCHIKUDO is a historic fan shop based in Gion, Kyoto. It was founded in 1718 under the name Kanaya Magobei and initially specialized in fans for temples. Around 150 years ago, the shop began producing fans for the general public and for purchase as gifts.

Folding fans have existed for roughly 1,200 years and have long been cherished as fashionable items that reflect the trends and culture of each era. The folding fans offered by HAKUCHIKUDO are known as kyosensu. This term refers exclusively to fans in which all elements—the fan paper surface, ribs, and finishing details—are meticulously handcrafted in Kyoto, Shiga, and other nearby areas. The name kyosensu is actually an official designation established by the Kyoto Folding Fan & Round Fan Association of Commerce and Industry, and only shops that are official members of the association may use it.

The creation process involves around 88 individual steps, most of which skilled artisans perform by hand. At HAKUCHIKUDO, each fan is crafted with great care and shaped by the expert hands of artisans who specialize in different stages of the work.

In Japanese, folding fans are sometimes called suehiro, a word which refers to the typical shape of a fan that gradually widens toward the end when unfolded. In a charming play on words, suehiro also means prosperity. For centuries, fans have been regarded as lucky charms that represent growth and good fortune and are often given as gifts at weddings and other celebratory occasions. HAKUCHIKUDO’s products come packaged in either paper or wooden boxes and include a fan pouch, making them perfect not only for personal use but also as a thoughtful gift for someone special.

The HAKUCHIKUDO Ryosen Gion Hanamikoji Store is now open on Kyoto’s Hanamikoji Street. This store offers a diverse selection of fans, ranging from traditional hand-painted items to an innovative series that incorporates lace and leather. There are also kimono fans, dance fans, and decorative fans, so you can take all the time you’d like to choose the perfect style of fan for you.

Kyosensu continue to evolve with the times, while also honoring tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of these traditional craft products for yourself—an elegant, eco-friendly item that’s as pleasing to use as it is to behold.

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