Kazo City in Saitama Prefecture — widely known as the "town of koinobori (carp streamers)" — is selling a special line of original tenugui (hand towels) featuring designs drawn by the late Takashi Hashimoto, the third-generation craftsman of Hashimoto Yakichi Shoten, the only remaining handmade koinobori manufacturer in the prefecture.
The designs capture both the majesty of giant carp streamers soaring through the sky and the warmth of hand-painted craftsmanship, all in a compact, hand-towel format. The tenugui make a thoughtful Children's Day gift to wish for a child's healthy growth, and also serve as an everyday piece of traditional craft.
4 Designs Available
The collection comes in four designs:
①Blue Carp (Magoi), ②Red Carp (Higoi), ③Small Carp (Kogoi), ④Jumbo Koinobori
Price: ¥500 per piece (tax included)
How to Purchase
The tenugui are available both in person and online.
In-store locations in Kazo City:
- Kazo City Hall, City Promotion Division
- Each General Branch Office, Regional Promotion Division (Kisai, Kitakawabe, Otone)
- Public facilities: Pastoral Kazo, Castle Kisai, Minori, Asta Hall, Shimin Plaza Kazo, Kazo Mirai-kan
- Michi no Eki (Roadside Station) Doyo no Furusato Otone
- Kazo City Products and Tourism Association (Kazo Chamber of Commerce Building)
- Musashino Mura
Online: Available for purchase nationwide. Note that shipping is limited to addresses within Japan, and orders are dispatched on weekdays during business hours only.
Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation): The tenugui are also available as a return gift for Furusato Nozei donations to Kazo City. A special set featuring all four designs is available for supporters.
