[Pre-order]Shimekazari "Guardian Snake" / Rice straw / Nagano-JPN 721045-1
[Pre-order]Shimekazari "Guardian Snake" / Rice straw / Nagano-JPN 721045-1
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- Size / Weight
- Approx. Ø 3.94″ × H 1.97″–2.76″ / 1.06 oz
![[Pre-order]Shimekazari "Guardian Snake" / Rice straw / Nagano-JPN 721045-1](http://1basketry.jp/cdn/shop/files/ime25_721045__16.jpg?v=1758692690&width=1445)
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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 1–6 before ordering***
1. Reservation Period
From 12:00 noon Japan time on Thursday, October 1, 2026
to 12:00 noon Japan time on Wednesday, October 28, 2026
2. This is a “Pre-order” page.
Please select the product you would like to reserve, click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed to the payment page.
If you order Shimekazari during the reservation period above, you will receive a 5% discount on all Shimekazari items as a special pre-order benefit.
Add the Shimekazari items to your shopping cart and proceed to the payment page. The 5% discounted price will be displayed there.
3. Payment is required in advance.
Please pay for the product when you make your reservation, not when the product is delivered.
You can use various payment methods, except Cash on Delivery.
If you select Cash on Delivery, we will change the payment method to a bank transfer to Japan Post Bank and contact you again with the payment details.
4. We cannot accept cancellations after payment has been made.
Please do not cancel your reservation after payment has been made.
5. You can also order regular items together with Shimekazari pre-order items.
If you order and pay for Shimekazari pre-order items and regular items at the same time, regular items will be shipped within 3–7 business days, and Shimekazari will be delivered from late November onward.
As the items will be shipped at different times, shipping fees would normally be charged twice. However, as a special benefit for ordering pre-order items and regular items together, the shipping fee for the regular items will be free of charge.
Please feel free to take advantage of this offer.
※You will only be charged one shipping fee for the Shimekazari pre-order items.
※This benefit is available for domestic shipping within Japan only.
For overseas deliveries, we will charge shipping fees for two shipments.
6. The products listed here will be shipped in order from late November.
<Delivery in Japan only>
We only accept time-specific requests.
We do not accept date-specific requests.

This Shimekazari is called “Guardian Snake,” shaped to resemble a serpent resting in a coil.
Please note: The photo shows three “Guardian Snake” ornaments, but each is sold individually.
The snake, which grows by repeatedly shedding its skin, has long been regarded as a symbol of renewal and vitality.
It is also considered a messenger of the water deity and is worshipped in rituals for good harvests and rainfall.

This photo shows the base rope used for Shimekazari, known as shimenawa.
It is said that the shape of the shimenawa itself represents a serpent.
While real snakes may evoke fear or unease because of their unique form and presence,
ancient people viewed that very power with awe and reverence—
honoring the snake as a sacred being worthy of worship.

This Shimekazari depicts a coiled snake—believed to ward off evil with its powerful, protective energy.
Its upturned tail gives it a poised and dignified appearance, yet there’s a certain charm and warmth to its form.
It is said that snakes coil themselves to rest, but also to prepare for their next movement.
In Japanese, the phrase “to coil” can also mean settling down in one place, symbolizing stability and groundedness.

Looking at this snake, one can almost sense it saying,
“I stay calm and steady wherever I am, yet I am always ready to drive away misfortune.”
Its presence carries a quiet confidence and strength.
Though small in size, this Shimekazari has a commanding presence—
perfect for purifying and protecting the space it inhabits.

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’s perfect for displaying anywhere you like—by the entrance, in the kitchen, washroom, living room, or dining area.
Its compact size makes it easy to place wherever you wish, adding a subtle yet meaningful touch to any space.

You can also display several together for an even more delightful arrangement.
Please note: The photo shows three “Guardian Snake” ornaments, but each is sold individually.
When placed side by side, the three snakes almost look as if they’re chatting among themselves—
perhaps discussing the best way to ward off evil, or exchanging ideas about how to bring good fortune.
It’s a charming, lighthearted scene that’s sure to bring a smile.
This Shimekazari is also lovely to keep on display throughout the year, long after the New Year season has passed.

The color of the rice straw may vary slightly among individual pieces—some may appear more golden than green.
This is simply due to natural differences in drying and does not affect the quality of the straw itself.
We appreciate your understanding.

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.


There are many legends and beliefs surrounding snakes,
and we hope each person will display this piece with their own wishes in mind.
Having it nearby may remind you to slip gracefully past difficulties, just as a snake does.
It also feels as though its presence helps to ward off misfortune and bring quiet strength and protection.
May the coming year be one of calm, resilience, and gentle grace.

**Please read the following information carefully before making your reservation.**
Shimekazari reserved through this page will be shipped in order from late November.
Shimekazari cannot be returned or exchanged for any reason, except in the case of defective items.
“Defective items” refers to items that are clearly damaged when they arrive.
We take great care when inspecting each item before shipping, but in the unlikely event that you receive a defective item, please contact us within 3 days of delivery.
We will replace defective items whenever possible. However, depending on the availability of materials or the circumstances of the maker, we may not be able to provide a replacement.
We are also unable to accept returns or exchanges if you contact us 4 days or more after delivery.
Please be aware of this in advance.
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.