Akabeko
赤べこ
“It seemed heavy, but actually, its construction was simple and surprisingly light.”
- Akari Odagaki
“It seemed heavy, but actually, its construction was simple and surprisingly light.”
- Akari Odagaki
In the Aizu region, cows are called ‘Beko.’ About 400 years ago, there was a big earthquake. After that, cows are used to rebuild the town. Because of the harsh road, many of them retired from their work. However, cows, which worked hard until the end, had red colors. After that, the cows were called ‘Akabeko’ and were familiar with many people. Considering the folklore, ‘Akabeko’ has been made, hoping ‘Be patient and healthy.’ Red is considered a color which the plague hates. The circular pattern on the body represents scars that have healed from the plague. Gifting them with their hope for children 's health was the custom for low-ranking samurai in Aizu. To care for and make children enjoy themselves, they can shake their heads.
Akabeko has a cute appearance, and it is swaying up and down.
Watch the video.→
Price
¥1815 ~ 6050 yen (Akabeko, 2023)
Akabeko TV. (2023, January 15). Akabeko introduction - Japanese traditional toy & lucky charm [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/EQ27M1RFWP4
The process of creating Akabeko
Pasting (Norizuke)
Six sheets of washi are layered on top of each other.
Creating the framework (Katazukuri)
The layered paper is pressed into a mold and dried.
Cutting the framework (Katagiri)
Cut with a cutter and remove the shoulder.
Back tension (Sebari)
Reattach the cut portion with washi paper.
Norizuke
2. Katazukuri
3. Katagiri
White makeup (Shironuri)
Paint the entire surface with white. After drying, paint again in white.
Red makeup (Akanuri)
Decorating ceramics (Eduke)
Paint in black, white and gold.
Finishing touches (Shiage)
In the end, the weighted head is attached to the body.
5. Shironuri
6. Akanuri
7. Decorating ceramics
I realized it seemed heavy, but actually, its construction was simple and surprisingly light when I experienced creating Akabeko.
To know More!
Recently, there have been many entertainments using Akabeko, such as snacks and gacha gacha (capsule toys).
Snacks:
Akabeko “Akabee” is a cute baked sweet sablefish. The buttery sable dough is baked to a crisp.
Depending on the size, the price changes.
Red Bottom Water Fountain (Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau, n.d.)
By Kotomi Yasuda