Kazaguruma
風車
The Kazaguruma in Aizu is a meaningful good-luck charm. It symbolizes good fortune turning in people's favor, protection from bad luck, and healthy growth for children.
- By Tokida Hiroshi
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Historical Background of Kazaguruma & Aizu's three fortunate things
Historical Background of Kazaguruma & Aizu's three fortunate things
(Nakagawa Masaichi's story, n.d.)
In the New Year season, people put Aizu(Fukushima Prefecture)'s three fortunate things with good meaning on the sacred altar in their house. They consist of Kazaguruma(Wind-mill), Okiagari-Koboshi(Weeble Wobbles), and Hatsune(first warbling heard in a New Year). About 400 years ago, the leader of the prefecture started this custom by ordering his subordinates to create them for a celebration of the New Year. Aizu was prosperous as a castle town. This city has a long history of merchants. This is one of the reasons why Aizu's three fortunate things started. The meaning of the three fortunate things is related to protection from disaster, praying for family health, and so on. “Tokaiti”, the market held on January 10th by the local chamber of commerce, people try to purchase in order for their family to live healthily without any disasters for a year.
What is Characteristics of Kazaguruma？
What is Characteristics of Kazaguruma？
One of the three fortunate things is “Kazaguruma,” a toy like a windmill. However, it is different from the ordinary one. The product, one of Aizu's three fortunate things, is crafted by forming a tiny basket using bamboo, attaching paper wings to the edge of the bamboo, and fixing them with a bean. The meaning of using a bean to fix bamboo and paper wings is that they pray to work very diligently. Due to the meaning of this product, many merchants have preferred to place it in their shops to make more sales among several generations. Merchants tend to compete in the size of Kazaguruma with other competitors.
(Nakagawa Masaichi's story, n.d.)
To know more...
To know more...
The way of creating ordinary Kazaguruma (Japanese and English)
The way that artisans create Okiagari-koboshi (Webble-Wobble)(Only in Japanese)
Kazaguruma(Windmill)'s exhibition (Only in Japanese)
The interview to the artisan (Only in Japanese)
Visit Yamada's Folk Crafts Factory!
Visit Yamada's Folk Crafts Factory!
(Aizu-Wakamatu Sightseeing navi, n.d.)
The master of this factory, Mr. Yamada, has an opinion about continuing to create the products by themselves. His idea is that the handmade artwork should have the maker's prayer or desire, which is unique to the handmade product. It gives additional value to buyers. So, if you are tired of the current digital society, you can enjoy touching the warmth of human beings!
This factory creates the handmade Aizu's three fortunate things including Kazaguruma. We can also experience a part of crafting some traditional artwork from April to October. If you are interested in Aizu's three fortunate things, you should enjoy the time on this factory!
Direct Voice from Tokida Hiroshi (My friend)
Direct Voice from Tokida Hiroshi (My friend)
The Kazaguruma in Aizu is a meaningful good-luck charm. It symbolizes good fortune turning in people's favor, protection from bad luck, and healthy growth for children. Compared to the more famous akabeko and okiagari koboshi, the windmill represents flexibility, change, and smooth progress in life. Though quiet in appearance, it carries a strong and positive message.
By Tokida Hiroshi
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