Warazaiku – Sustainable Craftsmanship

Made from either straw or dried rice straws Wara-zaiku (藁細工) is a traditional Japanese craft, often made into decorative and practical items such as baskets, rugs, ornaments and religious symbols. The craft has its roots in Japan's agricultural societies, where rice was a central part of life – not only as food but also as a material.

After the harvest, the rice straws were collected and skillfully braided into everyday or ceremonial objects, such as shimenawa , braided ropes used in Shinto rituals to mark off sacred sites and protect against evil spirits. For a long time, wara-zaiku was a necessity in Japanese peasant society, but today the tradition lives on as an expression of culture, sustainability and craftsmanship.

Modern artists and craftsmen have revived interest in wara-zaiku, and it is now seen both in art installations and as part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage.