Matatabi Bamboo Work
マタタビ細工
"These works are continuously loved and sought after by people. Perhaps the invisible thoughts and dedication infused in each piece are unconsciously conveyed to others, which makes them so fascinating."
-Shotaro Shimada
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Copyright © 2019 Kaneyama. All rights reserved.
What is Matatabi (木天蓼)?
A climbing shrub from the Matatabi family, found throughout Japan in mountainous areas, valleys, and forest edges. It contains volatile matatabi acid, known for its scent resembling that of a cat in heat, which attracts feline animals such as cats.
The name matatabi is said to originate from a few different theories: one suggests that travelers who ate the fruit regained their energy and were inspired to "travel again" (mata-tabi, meaning “travel again” in Japanese); another traces it to the Ainu word matatanbu, meaning “a winter-hanging souvenir”; and another derives it from an old Japanese name Watatabi (和多々比).
Historical Background
Historical Background
In Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture, it has been said that the techniques used in Oku-Aizu’s traditional braided crafts existed as far back as the Jomon period. In addition, historical documents contain references to braided crafts, indicating that these techniques have been part of daily life in this region since ancient times.
Due to the heavy snowfall in the mountainous areas of Oku-Aizu, farming is not possible during winter. As a result, braided crafts have long been passed down through generations as wintertime handwork.
Today, in response to the decline in artisans due to an aging population, the Mishima town has started a lifestyle crafts movement aimed at establishing Oku-Aizu traditional braided crafts as a regional industry and preserving its techniques and traditions. This movement has gradually spread in the community, and now, more than 100 artisans are working to sustain the craft of Oku-Aizu braided crafts.
Copyright © 2019 Kaneyama. All rights reserved.
Characteristics
Characteristics
Oku-Aizu braided crafts use natural materials such as hiroro (a type of sedge), wild grapevine, and matatabi (silver vine), which grow in and around Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture. The crafts are categorized according to the material used: Hiroro Zaiku (hiroro craft), Yamabudō Zaiku (wild grapevine craft), and Matatabi Zaiku (matatabi craft). Among these, matatabi crafts are especially valued for their softness and high water absorbency.
Copyright © 2019 Kaneyama. All rights reserved.
To know more
To know more
How to make matatabi bamboo crafts from picking up the materials
(with ENG subtitle)
A story of the craftsman
(JPN only)
Aizu Craftsmen Festival
People can buy and enjoy works here
(JPY only)
Where to make Matatabi Bamboo Work
Where to make Matatabi Bamboo Work
Seikatsu Kougeikan (Life Craftwork Shop)
You can experience making various traditional crafts, including Matatabi crafts, and purchase handmade items.
Address:
395 Suwano-ue, Aza-Nyū, Ōaza-Nyū, Mishima-machi, Ōnuma-gun,
Fukushima Prefecture 969-7402, Japan
TEL: +81-241-48-5502
FAX: +81-241-52-2175
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday)
The day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays
Direct Voice from Shotaro Shimada
Direct Voice from Shotaro Shimada
I felt that a significant aspect of Japanese tradition is the enrichment of daily life through the effective use of natural resources found in the surrounding environment. In other words, Japanese people live in harmony with nature and value that balance. I was also impressed by the efforts of those who are taking action to preserve and pass on traditions, even as Japan faces the challenges of a declining birthrate and an aging population. What I find especially interesting is that despite the numerous times and effort required to practice and create these handmade crafts, there are always people who are attracted by them and dedicate many years of their lives to mastering them. Moreover, these works are continuously loved and sought after by people. Perhaps the invisible thoughts and dedication infused in each piece are unconsciously conveyed to others, which makes them so fascinating.
References
References
Fukushima Television. (2025, June 9). 編み組細工のバッグなど 職人から直接購入「会津工人まつり」人口1300人の町に10倍の人が福島発 [Amikumi Crafts Bag and More: “Furusato Aizu Artisan Festival” in Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture] [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/H8OyWXt-hQs?si=nig5_6j-NeGt9TwU
Kaneyama Town. (n.d.). Kaneyama no Takara: Traditional Crafts. https://www.town.kaneyama.fukushima.jp/kaneyamanotakara/Tra/tra05.html
Nippon Teshigoto Zukan. (2022, April 22). Okuaizu Amikuni Zaiku Shokunin - Aoki Kobo. [Crafts man of Okuaizu Amikumi Zaiku - Aoki craft shop]. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/QBXTrVznwJU?si=NuPpv_NitjCuP4uh
Kogei Japan. (n.d.). Okuaizu Amikumi Zaiku. [Okuaizu Amikumi Zaiku– Traditional Japanese Crafts]. https://kogeijapan.com/locale/ja_JP/okuaizuamikumizaiku/
Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square. (2024). OKU-AIZU-AMIKUMIZAIKU（BASKETRY）/ Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8O6HSlCNtkA?si=XAqAwSDYm7qXiO6p
Seikatsu Kogei Kan (n.d.). Okuaizu Amikumi Zaiku Official Website. https://www.okuaizu-amikumi.jp/
UEKIpedia (n.d.). UEKIpedia. https://www.uekipedia.jp
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