Discover a living piece of Japanese craftsmanship in the coastal region of Minamiboso, where traditional bamboo fans are still made entirely by hand using methods passed down through generations.

Nestled in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture, Uchiwa no Ota-ya stands as one of the last bastions of Boshu Uchiwa, a traditional fan-making craft officially designated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. At the helm is Mitsue Ota, a fourth-generation artisan who in 2008 became the first officially recognized traditional craftsman of Boshu Uchiwa, a testament to her dedication to this centuries-old art form.

Today, with modern cooling technology having replaced the practical use of fans, only five makers continue the tradition, producing around 30,000 fans annually, of which Ms. Mitsue Ota crafts approximately 12,000. Yet Mitsue Ota keeps the craft alive, handcrafting each fan from locally sourced bamboo and combining traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities. Her workshop creates both classic designs and innovative fabric fans made from yukata and chirimen textiles, as well as custom commissions for prestigious clients like high-end Ginza-based establishments.