[Sales for 2025 have ended]

This item was available only for pre-orders accepted in October 2025,
and sales have now been completed.
There are no plans for restocking or regular sales,
either in our physical store or through our online shop.

We look forward to your orders again next year (2026).

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.

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.