Conveying the charm and traditions of temari uniquely patterned balls

Temari balls are a Japanese cra with beautiful motifs such as owers and geometric patterns, created by threads in various colors that are meticulously embroidered, stitched or wrapped by hand around their entire surface.

Temari made in di erent prefectures have unique motifs that contribute to their beauty. In recent years, very small ones have been used as earrings and other fashion accessories.

To make temari, a ball-shaped base is covered with silk or cotton threads. When designing the patterns, careful color planning is essential. e attention to detail while working by hand is what gives the cra its appealing appearance and striking motifs.

Traditionally, temari were made to pray for children’s good health and were given as gi s on seasonal festivals and life milestones, such as weddings.

A variety of them are on display at Haretemari Kobo, a temari museum and atelier in Adachi Ward, Tokyo. “Each temari is made with special care and kindness. I can feel the a ection of

the person who made it stitch by stitch, thinking about the person who would receive it,” said Yuka Sato, 27, director of the museum. “ey have warmth. Just looking at them makes me happy.”

Born in 1994, Sato is a native of Yurihonjo, Akita Prefecture, which is known for its history of making temari. She was captivated by their charm when she had a local cra sperson make a kanzashi hairpin with small temari to wear at her university’s graduation ceremony. A er working for an information technology company, she studied temari culture

and how to make them on her own at rst and then in earnest from an artist in Yurihonjo.

Temari is said to have originated from kemari, a type of football game that became popular during the Heian period (794-late 12th century). Temari were widely used as a toy among commoners during the Edo period (1603-1867).

e tradition of temari as gi s and decorations has been passed down from generation to generation. However, production has gradually decreased due to a shortage of people willing to join the business. In fact, it is said that only a dozen kinds of the cra currently exist in Japan.

e temari museum displays these di erent types with its roughly 50 temari balls, showcasing their diversity. Honjo Gotenmari, produced in Akita Prefecture, has tassels attached to its bottom and two sides. Echigawa Binzaiku Temari, a product of Shiga Prefecture, is contained in a ball-shaped glass container, with an eye-catching geometric pattern. Matsue Washi Temari, from Shimane Prefecture, features stitches on Japanese washi paper pieces pasted onto the temari that exudes a gentle, heartwarming aura.

In recent years, accessories and phone straps with small temari have become popular as novelty items among young people.

At Sato’s museum and atelier, she creates goods such as earrings, hair bands and bag charms. Patterns depicting owers including cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums use light blue, pale pink, lemon yellow and other pastel colors.

Sato opened Haretemari Kobo in 2019 as a human resources company’s regional revitalization project. e museum and atelier also work on installations using temari for commercial facilities.

“I would like to convey the appeal of temari through accessories and other products, and to expand the circle of temari fans,” Sato said.

Yomiuri Shimbun photos Echigawa Binzaiku Temari from Shiga Prefecture, back left, contained in a glass bottle, and Ryukyu Temari, center far-right, which features vivid vermilion and blue threads

A hair accessory, a charm and earrings using temari motif

Yuka Sato