Fans by Ota-ya

Ota-ya, a long-established fan maker that originated from Edo-style fans, moved to the Boso Area due to the war, and the fourth-generation owner Mitsue Ota now carries on the tradition of Boso fans. Fans originated in ancient China and were introduced to Japan, where they were used for cooling and as decorative items from the Nara period onward. During the Edo period, technological advancements led to their widespread adoption among commoners, with fans featuring designs by Ukiyoe artists called “uchiwa-e” becoming especially popular. Bamboo from the Boshu region of Chiba Prefecture proved ideal for fan ribs. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, Edo artisans relocated to the Funagata area, establishing Boshu as a center for uchiwa fan production.