In the Netflix series The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, the lead character, Kiyo, often ties a tenugui around her head before starting to cook. This simple gesture, part of her daily routine, isn’t just for practicality—it’s also a charming part of the show’s focus on everyday life.
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In Japan, tying a tenugui around the head is a traditional way to keep hair in place, especially in the kitchen, to maintain hygiene. It’s a practical solution that’s also quite endearing, showing how something so simple can become part of the character’s charm. The tenugui is lightweight, versatile, and easy to use—whether as a headband, a kitchen towel, or even as a scarf on cooler days.
The show highlights how this humble piece of cloth can be part of daily life, not for style, but for the sake of simplicity and function. It’s a reminder of how tradition can be woven into the smallest actions and that even the simplest things can have a special place in our lives.
Practical and Versatile – The KENKAWAI Tenugui
At KENKAWAI, our cotton tenugui towels are designed for everyday use and carry the same simplicity and practicality you see in The Makanai. These lightweight towels are incredibly versatile—perfect for a quick hand wash in the kitchen, wiping sweat on a hot day, or even wrapping up your hair like Kiyo. They’re also great for use at the gym, as a picnic blanket, or as a stylish way to carry items. The soft cotton fabric makes them gentle on the skin, and their compact size makes them easy to fold and carry wherever you go.
Our tenugui towels come in traditional patterns that add a touch of Japanese heritage to your daily routine, while still being useful for all kinds of tasks. Whether you’re using them in the kitchen, as a headband, or for other practical needs, these simple towels bring a bit of Japanese tradition into your life in a way that’s both functional and meaningful. ☺️🌸
