These toys are made on Taketomi Island from a plant called Māni.
From the top left: frog, horse,
and on the lower row from the left: finger snake, grasshopper, and dragonfly.

Māni is the local name for a palm plant known as Kurotsugu (Arenga engleri), a species of palm that grows naturally in the southern islands.

The word tsugu in kurotsugu means shuro (windmill palm), a material often used for brooms and scrub brushes.
The plant’s trunk is covered with dark fibers, which are called fugara locally.
These fibers were used to make small brooms, or twisted into cords for daily use.

A local craftsman once said, “There is nothing to waste in Māni.”
Indeed, this plant was an essential material deeply rooted in the daily life of Taketomi Island.

In this way, the craftspeople collect and prepare the Māni,
then weave it into simple figures of animals and insects.

In the past, when adults went out to work in the fields,
they would quickly make such toys from nearby natural materials so their children could play nearby.
It was much like today’s dolls, plush animals, or favorite toys.
Imagining such a scene offers a glimpse into how people once lived closely with nature.

Even simply displayed as interior decor, they have a quiet charm.
Please note that as these are handmade grass toys,
the details, shapes, and colors may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Each batch may also differ slightly in finish, depending on the time of production.
We appreciate your understanding.

These grass toys capture creatures closely connected to Okinawa and Taketomi Island—
please enjoy discovering them for yourself and choosing your favorite.

＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊

Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands
that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.

The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands—
with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea,
carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan.
Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life,
supporting the lives of the people.

Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa
grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.