In the mountainous countryside of Miyazaki Prefecture, rice is still grown on steep terraced fields. Here, among cedar forests and misty ridgelines, traditional straw craft—warazaiku—continues to be practiced by hand, much as it has for centuries.
Made from locally cultivated rice straw, these forms are more than ornaments. Rooted in Shinto tradition, warazaiku carries with it the quiet weight of ritual. You’ll find these shapes at shrines, temples, and sacred trees across Japan—markers of purity, protection, and reverence.
At KENKAWAI, we are pleased to offer a selection of handwoven warazaiku pieces from Miyazaki: forms that hold meaning, and bring a sense of grounding into modern life.
Iwai Musubi – Knot of Celebration
The iwai musubi, or celebration knot, is traditionally tied in a form that cannot be undone. It expresses the wish that joy will repeat and good fortune will continue. With its clean, unbroken lines, it makes an understated gift for joyful beginnings, new homes and family safety.
Iwai Tsuru – Lifelong partnership
The Iwai Tsuru—the straw crane—is a powerful symbol of longevity, fidelity, and harmony. Often associated with couples, the crane represents "getting along" and lifelong partnership. The Iwai Tsuru brings a sense of peace and enduring connection, in relationships.
Iwai Tori – Messenger from the Gods
The Iwai Tori is a traditional straw rooster ornament, long cherished as a "messenger of the gods" in Japanese culture. Symbolizing good fortune and protection, it is especially associated with prosperous business, believed to "bring in the rooster" and invite success. Handwoven from carefully selected straw in Miyazaki, this piece carries centuries of spiritual significance and offers a meaningful charm for your home or workspace.
Iwai Kame – Straw Turtle of Celebration and Longevity
The straw turtle is a gentle talisman of protection and slow, steady well-being. In Japanese tradition, the turtle is a guardian of the earth and sea, often appearing in folklore as a creature of deep wisdom and calm presence. It carries wishes for a life lived fully, with patience and care.
En Knot – Ties of Connection & Marriage
The word en (縁) refers to the invisible threads that connect people—bonds of fate, affection, and chance. The en knot expresses these connections with quiet intention. It is often given to celebrate new friendships, marriages, or to honor long-standing relationships. A small gesture with deep resonance.
Heiwa Knot – Symbol of Peace
The Heiwa Knot features three interconnected rings symbolizing the sun, the earth, and the moon, expressing the harmonious connection between these natural elements. Traditionally used as a prayer ornament, it conveys a heartfelt wish for peace and calm - especially meaningful in times of natural disasters. It is both a blessing and a wish - for stillness, for understanding, for peace within and around us.
Sanbonfusa Shimenawa - Sacred Rope with Three Tassels
Literally “three tassels,” the sanbonfusa is a traditional straw amulet often hung in entryways. Its three hanging forms represent protection, prosperity, and purification. A familiar sight in rural homes, it is a quietly meaningful object for doorways, altars, or spaces of reflection.
Takachiho Gods Lucky Charm
handcrafted straw wall hanging captures the spirit of Takachiho, a region steeped in Japanese mythology. This piece honors Tadikarao-no-mikoto and Ama-no-Uzume-no-mikoto, revered gods known for strength and joy. The design also includes a congratulatory turtle and a vibrant five-colored staff—symbols of longevity and good fortune. Measuring 65x75 cm, its vivid red and white masks create a captivating focal point, making this one-of-a-kind charm a meaningful addition to any space. Rooted in ancient tradition, it invites protection and happiness into your home.
Each of these forms has been passed down through generations—not only in technique but in the way they are given, kept, and displayed. Their presence reminds us of the value of small rituals, quiet beauty, and the interwoven nature of all things.
Handwoven in Miyazaki from local straw, these pieces carry the spirit of the land, the rhythm of seasonal work, and a reverence for simplicity. In a modern setting, they offer not nostalgia, but grounding.