my slow Japanese podcast #8

Let me begin by explaining what traditional crafts are.

Traditional crafts are handmade items whose techniques have been passed down over many generations.

They reflect the unique characteristics of each region and are important for deeply understanding Japanese culture.

Throughout Japan, there are unique crafts that represent the local climate, history, and lifestyle.

Today, I’d like to focus on one of them: Akabeko, a traditional craft from Fukushima Prefecture.

Akabeko is a traditional toy often seen in Koriyama and the Aizu region of Fukushima.

It is a red cow-shaped figure, and its head moves back and forth in a wobbly way.

It has long been cherished as a lucky charm that brings good health and wards off illness.

Akabeko is also a popular souvenir believed to bring good luck to family and friends.

If you’re not sure what Akabeko looks like, try spotting the red cow in my video!

Now, the history of Akabeko is said to go back as far as the Edo period.

Do you know about the Edo period? It was around 200 years ago. In English, it's called the Edo Era.

Back then, cows played an important role in farming and daily life in Fukushima,

so people started making toys modeled after them.

Cows were seen as symbols of a good harvest and farming, and were considered guardians of agriculture.

Akabeko was likely created as a way to pray for the well-being and prosperity of families and communities.

If you visit Fukushima today, you’ll find many types and designs of Akabeko.

They are full of handmade charm.

Especially the lacquer-coated ones are truly beautiful—like pieces of art.

If you display one in your home, it can bring a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Let me tell you about the time I actually went to Fukushima and bought an Akabeko.

I visited the Aizu region, and when I went to a diner near my hotel,

there was a very large Akabeko. It wasn’t the modern design, but an old-fashioned one—it looked really cool!

Of course, Akabeko isn’t the only traditional craft in Japan.

There are many others, such as Mino ware from Gifu Prefecture, Kutani ware from Ishikawa,

and Bizen ware from Okayama.

These ceramics, along with wooden crafts and textiles, are produced all across the country.

Arita ware from Saga Prefecture and Shigaraki ware from Shiga are especially well-known overseas, and are representative of Japanese porcelain.

Another example is Yuzen dyeing, a traditional Japanese dyeing technique.

In particular, Kyo-Yuzen from Kyoto features colorful and delicate patterns—it's absolutely beautiful.

For wooden crafts, Hida furniture and magewappa from Akita are famous.

Magewappa is a type of bentwood lunch box that is lightweight and durable,

and it's popular not only as a lunch box but also as home décor.

I’d love to go to Akita to buy one myself.

And of course, kimono and obi (sashes) are also beautiful traditional crafts.

Nishijin-ori, for example, is a luxurious fabric woven with gold and silver threads.

It’s often used in kimono and obi and reflects Japan’s unique sense of beauty.

As you can see, Japan has countless traditional crafts throughout the country.

When you travel, I encourage you to look for the unique features of each region.

Buying them as souvenirs is great, but it’s also a wonderful chance to learn about the local culture and history.

Thanks for listening. お疲れ様でした！