Frequently asked questions

1.   Who uses Japanese fans?

      Everyone in Japan has use for the Japanese fan at one time or another, be they adults or children, priests or warriors, men or women.

2.   Is there any symbolism connected to the Japanese fan?

     The top of the handle of the Japanese fan is said to symbolize the beginning of life while the ribs represent the paths of life towards all directions to good fortune.

3.   Is the Japanese fan considered a part of the Japanese costume?

      Yes, a person cannot be considered properly dressed in Japanese unless carrying a sensu or folding fan.

4.   Which is better between the flat fan and the folding fan?

      The folding fan is more practical than the flat fan as it can be folded and worn thrust through the waist band or kept in a small box.  Any of the two can serve the primary purpose of the fan which is to give relief from heat.

5.   What are the usual designs printed on a Japanese fan?

      Some of the popular designs are Japanese apricot tree, iris, thistle, pine, red and white camelia, bush clover, japanese maple, cherry tree, four seasons, sweet fish, plum, bamboo, cranes, nandino, tessen, mandarin ducks, fall grass, handwritten poems, different printed patterns, landscapes and portraits.

6.   Has the production of Japanese fans contributed in any way to Japanese economy?

     Japanese fans are important export products.  They are much in demand not only in the United States but also throughout Europe.