想いと技術が織りなす「風」（英語）
A long time ago, kite flying was popular
in Kosai city, hometown of Sakichi Toyoda.
It is said that Sakichi
was such a master of kites
that he could fly a kite even on a windless day.
How could it fly?
The bend of the bamboo…
The way of stretching the paper…
Delicate ingenuity and skillful hands.
And above all, a heart that never gives up.
His experience to fly a kite into the windless sky
would lead to his many inventions of weaving looms.
Now, it is our turn to create the wind.
With a resolute spirit, we will become the wind.
May this folding fan
bring you a gentle breeze—
that supports your first step.
About the Fabric of the Folding Fan
“Toyoda Power Loom, Type Y”
The fabric used for this folding fan is woven by the
“Toyoda Power Loom, Type Y”, an innovative machine invented in 1915.
(How the fabric is made) https://youtu.be/t21vdFDF_nI?si=RCb2n487oZSmndFZ
Craftsmanship of the Folding Fan
“The Long-Established Kyoto Workshop Founded in 1718”
This folding fan is a traditional piece crafted by the long-established Kyoto workshop founded in 1718.
It is said that making a folding fan requires about 88 steps, from cutting the bamboo to the final finishing.
Cutting: The fabric is carefully cut to match the template.
Edge Reinforcement
The edge of the fan surface is reinforced by attaching a thin layer of paper.
Delivered from the Hometown of Sakichi Toyoda
Sakichi Toyoda was born in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
It is said that he once flew kites into this sky (near the Ichinomiya bus stop).
About the Patterns
In traditional Japanese designs, each pattern carries its own meaning.
We created three different fabrics with heartfelt intention.
We hope this fan becomes a gentle breeze that supports your first step.
Hikari-Tsugijima (Bands of Continuing Light)
The flowing blue gradation running horizontally
represents the continuing passage of time.
The small white splash patterns (kasuri) shimmering along the warp yarns
seem the traces of predecessors shining through the history.
We give this pattern the light of effort and ingenuity
passed down across generations.
Layers of Time
Human thoughts and aspirations are not only in the past;
they continue to overlap within the present.
Time is not a simple straight line—
past, present, and future quietly overlap with one another.
The thoughts of predecessors,
our own thoughts today,
and the thoughts of those who will receive them in the future.
The rows of shining patterns (kasuri) express this gentle layering of time.
Yabane of Determination
The yabane (arrow-feather) pattern symbolizes progress toward a goal.
Once released, an arrow never returns.
It represents the strength to move forward with purpose— to challenge oneself
and continue advancing step by step.
The wish for the power to carry one’s aspirations straight ahead lies on this pattern.
— Quoted from |