Usage of Japanese Fans

The use of a fan is primarily to give relief from heat and humidity especially in summer.  The Japanese fan proves that this seemingly very simple object can be very versatile.  Some of the practical, as well as the uncommon uses of a fan in Japanese life are the following:

   -   to keep one cool

   -   given as a personal gift or present

   -   serve as trays for holding gifts

   -   used in religious ceremonies

   -   to fan a fire

   -   to carry love letters

   -   to shade the eyes

   -   to pass a signal to an army

   -   used in festivals

   -   frequently given as advertising gifts by companies

   -   devoted Buddhists used it to inscribe Sutras

   -   an accessory to complete Japanese clothes

   -   used in Japanese dances

   -   carried by singers of classical Japanese songs

   -   used in radugo ( comic story telling ) to represent objects

   -   umbrellas

   -   musical instruments

   -   weapons

   -   means to serve sake

   -   games

   -   used to record

   -   tool of fashion

   -   to cover the face from public view

   -   used in formal tea ceremonies

   -   to show the outcome of a bout in sumo wrestling events

   -   used like a pompom in cheerleading