Shimekazari “Lucky Twist” / Rice Straw / Nagano-JPN 721030-1
Shimekazari “Lucky Twist” / Rice Straw / Nagano-JPN 721030-1
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- Size / Weight
- Does not include straw ends.
Approx. W 7.87″-9.45″ × D 2.76″ × H 5.91″ / 7.77 oz












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Note
The sizes shown above are the middle of the total quantity of items we receive, and are only a rough estimate.
Also, external dimensions are provided.
Some of them may be 2-3 cm (1inch) larger or smaller than the sizes indicated because they are handmade using natural materials.
If you have a specific place in mind where you would like to store the item, please order it with enough space to spare.
Also, the shape, texture, and color of each item will vary.
Please be aware of this before ordering. -
Caution
Please be careful not to damage your body or clothing with sprinters.
For all materials, please store in a well-ventilated place and avoid storing in cupboards, etc. as much as possible.
When storing, it is best to avoid direct sunlight and to place them in an elevated place where moisture does not accumulate.
If the product gets wet from rain or water, wipe it off with a dry cloth and dry it well in the shade or indoors in a well-ventilated location.
Regular brushing with a scrubber or brush is recommended to prevent dust accumulation.
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Shipping
We deliver products worldwide. Shipping costs are automatically calculated according to your location and what you order.
We will ship with care and attention.You can see shipping policy here
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How to care
These products are made from all-natural materials and if taken good care of they will last for dozens of years. Products made of natural materials also change beautifully over time.
Check "How to care" page here
***Please read the following notes (1–6) before placing your order***
1. Reservation Period
From Monday, October 6, 2025, 12:00 noon (Japan Standard Time)
until Monday, October 27, 2025, 12:00 noon (JST).
2. This page is for pre-orders
Please select the Shimekazari items you wish to pre-order and click the “Add to Cart” button to proceed to checkout.
During the above pre-order period,
all Shimekazari items will be offered at 10% off the listed price as a special benefit.
(Wholesale orders are excluded.)
When you add Shimekazari items to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout,
the 10% discount will be automatically applied and displayed on the payment page.
3. Payment is required at the time of pre-orders
Payment must be completed when placing your order (not at the time of delivery).
Various payment methods are available,
except for Cash on Delivery (payment to the courier upon delivery in Japan).
4. Cancellations cannot be accepted after payment
Please kindly understand that cancellations after payment cannot be accommodated.
5. Pre-Order and Regular Items Can Be Ordered Together
If you place and complete payment for both Shimekazari pre-order items and regular items in the same order,
the regular items will be shipped within 3–7 business days,
and the Shimekazari will be delivered from mid-November onward.
Because the shipping schedules differ, two separate shipping fees would normally apply.
However, as a special offer for placing both types of items in a single order,
we are pleased to offer free shipping for the regular items.
Please take advantage of this offer.
※ Shipping fee will be charged only once—for the Shimekazari pre-order items.
※ This offer is available within Japan only.
For international orders, two shipping fees will be charged.
※ Wholesale orders are excluded and will incur two separate shipping fees.
6. Shipping Schedule
The items listed here will be shipped in order from mid-November.
Within Japan, only delivery time slots can be specified. Specific delivery dates cannot be specified.

This Shimekazari is called “Lucky Twist.”
It is made from a single strand of hand-twisted straw rope, thickened at the center using a method traditionally used for strong bindings, and shaped to resemble a sea bream — a cherished symbol of joy and good fortune in Japan.

Since ancient times, the sea bream (tai) has been an essential fish for celebrations and offerings to the gods.
A whole sea bream, complete with head and tail, has long been regarded as one of the finest sacred offerings.
In regions connected with fishing or maritime trade, the sea bream is also cherished as a symbol of bountiful catches and prosperity.
This Shimekazari carries a wish for continued blessings from the sea and an abundant table throughout the year.
Its pale red hue is believed to embody the positive energy of the sun and fire,
serving as a charm to ward off misfortune and evil spirits.

A Shimekazari is a traditional New Year’s ornament made of rice straw, displayed indoors or outdoors to welcome the Toshigami deity at the start of the year.

The Shimekazari introduced here is made locally in southern Nagano, using rice straw harvested in the area.

The makers are involved in every step, from cultivating and harvesting the rice straw to crafting each Shimekazari by hand.



The rice straw is harvested early, before the grains ripen, during the hot summer months of July and August.


This Shimekazari is made with the same high-quality rice straw used for constructing sumo wrestling rings.
The fresh green straw is carefully twisted and braided by hand.


This curved section is called the “wave.” Straw ropes are twisted in two directions — right-twist and left-twist.
Sacred ropes used in rituals are generally twisted to the left, and this one follows that tradition. However, depending on the region or the maker, some ceremonial ropes may also be right-twisted.





It can be displayed as a hanging ornament on either side of the entrance door.
The sea bream, admired for its beautiful pale-red hue and auspicious meaning,
has long been valued in celebrations and ceremonies in Japan.
Shaped after this symbolic fish, the Shimekazari carries a strong and vibrant energy.


You may simply enjoy it in its natural form,
or embellish it with traditional New Year’s decorations such as shide (paper streamers),
yuzuriha leaves, urajiro ferns, or a small daidai orange if you wish.
Please note that decorative items, including paper streamers, are not provided by our shop.
It is also lovely to keep on display throughout the year, long after the New Year season has passed.

To keep your Shimekazari in good condition,
please open the package promptly upon arrival and do not leave it stored inside the cardboard box.
If you are not going to display it right away, store it indoors in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
After use, it may be taken to a Shinto shrine for disposal, or treated as burnable household waste.
If disposing as waste, please be sure to follow your local municipality’s guidelines.

The lively form of the sea bream is believed to draw in many blessings,
its strong presence symbolizing abundance and vitality.
Like the rising morning sun, it brightens the heart and brings a sense of joy and renewal.
May it mark the beginning of a bright and happiness-filled year ahead.

**Please read the following carefully and place your reservation only after understanding and agreeing**
Shimekazari reserved through this page will be shipped in order from mid-November.
Please note that, except in the case of defective items,
Shimekazari cannot be returned or exchanged for any reason.
A “defective item” refers to one that is clearly damaged at the time of delivery.
We take the utmost care in inspection before shipping,
but should you receive a defective item, please contact us within 3 days of delivery.
We will replace defective items whenever possible,
but depending on materials and the makers’ circumstances, a replacement may not be available.
Also, please understand that we cannot accept requests for return or exchange
if contacted 4 days or more after delivery.