In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
Among them, this is the Koshigo, a type of carrying basket that can be considered original to Hiruzen’s cattail craft.
When you try carrying it on your back, the first thing that surprises you is how light it is. Then, thanks to the softness unique to cattail, it fits gently and comfortably against your back.
Because the Koshigo naturally conforms to the shape of your body, the weight does not concentrate on one area, such as the shoulders, making it easy to carry. If people more than 600 years ago used it to carry heavy supplies like rice, it must have been the ideal material and shape—this basket makes perfect sense.
The side weave is made using a tool similar to those used for weaving bamboo blinds, creating a structure that feels simple and unpretentious.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.These vertical cattail strips are bound together by horizontal strands of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage has little to no noticeable smell.After weaving the sides, the bottom panel is attached, resulting in a finely woven, reinforced edge at the base.The craftspeople carefully handle every stage themselves—from cultivation to drying and preparation. The cattail’s natural oils give it a soft sheen and subtle luster that is captivating to the eye.The rim is skillfully finished, smooth and seamless, with no unevenness at all.Even when viewed from above, the precision and care of the workmanship are evident.The shoulder straps are made by braiding cattail into tight three-strand plaits.This part serves as a guide to keep the straps securely in place. A small ring is formed at the rim, through which the straps are threaded to prevent shifting.Because tension is placed on this guide ring, it is reinforced not only at the rim but also sewn into the middle section of the weave.Looking down to the base, you can see the shoulder straps run all the way to the bottom. There are also guide rings at the base to prevent the cords from shifting. The ropes running through this section are twisted together from Himegama and linden fibers.The shoulder straps are tied with simple knots and bows, allowing the length to be adjusted by untying them.The two upper straps form loops, while the two lower cords are hooked through and then tied together.The bottom is tightly woven and double-layered, both inside and out, making it strong enough to hold heavy items without the base giving way.The shoulder straps slide smoothly onto the arms, and the fit on the shoulders is soft and comfortable.The basket rests gently against the back, and when carrying a light load, it feels almost weightless.
The material is soft, which makes it gentle on clothing and less likely to cause damage.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The natural oils of the cattail give off a subtle luster—a soft, milky sheen that feels both fresh and elegant. Because the basket itself is light, it remains easy to carry even when filled with various items.
Its simple design, unchanged from the past, offers a balance of practicality and refinement, quietly evoking a timeless sense of charm.
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.
In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
Among them, this is the Koshigo, a type of carrying basket that can be considered original to Hiruzen’s cattail craft.
When you try carrying it on your back, the first thing that surprises you is how light it is. Then, thanks to the softness unique to cattail, it fits gently and comfortably against your back.
Because the Koshigo naturally conforms to the shape of your body, the weight does not concentrate on one area, such as the shoulders, making it easy to carry. If people more than 600 years ago used it to carry heavy supplies like rice, it must have been the ideal material and shape—this basket makes perfect sense.
The side weave is made using a tool similar to those used for weaving bamboo blinds, creating a structure that feels simple and unpretentious.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.These vertical cattail strips are bound together by horizontal strands of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage has little to no noticeable smell.After weaving the sides, the bottom panel is attached, resulting in a finely woven, reinforced edge at the base.The craftspeople carefully handle every stage themselves—from cultivation to drying and preparation. The cattail’s natural oils give it a soft sheen and subtle luster that is captivating to the eye.The rim is skillfully finished, smooth and seamless, with no unevenness at all.Even when viewed from above, the precision and care of the workmanship are evident.The shoulder straps are made by braiding cattail into tight three-strand plaits.This part serves as a guide to keep the straps securely in place. A small ring is formed at the rim, through which the straps are threaded to prevent shifting.Because tension is placed on this guide ring, it is reinforced not only at the rim but also sewn into the middle section of the weave.Looking down to the base, you can see the shoulder straps run all the way to the bottom. There are also guide rings at the base to prevent the cords from shifting. The ropes running through this section are twisted together from Himegama and linden fibers.The shoulder straps are tied with simple knots and bows, allowing the length to be adjusted by untying them.The two upper straps form loops, while the two lower cords are hooked through and then tied together.The bottom is tightly woven and double-layered, both inside and out, making it strong enough to hold heavy items without the base giving way.The shoulder straps slide smoothly onto the arms, and the fit on the shoulders is soft and comfortable.The basket rests gently against the back, and when carrying a light load, it feels almost weightless.
The material is soft, which makes it gentle on clothing and less likely to cause damage.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The natural oils of the cattail give off a subtle luster—a soft, milky sheen that feels both fresh and elegant. Because the basket itself is light, it remains easy to carry even when filled with various items.
Its simple design, unchanged from the past, offers a balance of practicality and refinement, quietly evoking a timeless sense of charm.
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.
In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
Among them, this is the Koshigo, a type of carrying basket that can be considered original to Hiruzen’s cattail craft.
When you try carrying it on your back, the first thing that surprises you is how light it is. Then, thanks to the softness unique to cattail, it fits gently and comfortably against your back.
Because the Koshigo naturally conforms to the shape of your body, the weight does not concentrate on one area, such as the shoulders, making it easy to carry. If people more than 600 years ago used it to carry heavy supplies like rice, it must have been the ideal material and shape—this basket makes perfect sense.
The side weave is made using a tool similar to those used for weaving bamboo blinds, creating a structure that feels simple and unpretentious.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.These vertical cattail strips are bound together by horizontal strands of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage has little to no noticeable smell.After weaving the sides, the bottom panel is attached, resulting in a finely woven, reinforced edge at the base.The craftspeople carefully handle every stage themselves—from cultivation to drying and preparation. The cattail’s natural oils give it a soft sheen and subtle luster that is captivating to the eye.The rim is skillfully finished, smooth and seamless, with no unevenness at all.Even when viewed from above, the precision and care of the workmanship are evident.The shoulder straps are made by braiding cattail into tight three-strand plaits.This part serves as a guide to keep the straps securely in place. A small ring is formed at the rim, through which the straps are threaded to prevent shifting.Because tension is placed on this guide ring, it is reinforced not only at the rim but also sewn into the middle section of the weave.Looking down to the base, you can see the shoulder straps run all the way to the bottom. There are also guide rings at the base to prevent the cords from shifting. The ropes running through this section are twisted together from Himegama and linden fibers.The shoulder straps are tied with simple knots and bows, allowing the length to be adjusted by untying them.The two upper straps form loops, while the two lower cords are hooked through and then tied together.The bottom is tightly woven and double-layered, both inside and out, making it strong enough to hold heavy items without the base giving way.The shoulder straps slide smoothly onto the arms, and the fit on the shoulders is soft and comfortable.The basket rests gently against the back, and when carrying a light load, it feels almost weightless.
The material is soft, which makes it gentle on clothing and less likely to cause damage.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The natural oils of the cattail give off a subtle luster—a soft, milky sheen that feels both fresh and elegant. Because the basket itself is light, it remains easy to carry even when filled with various items.
Its simple design, unchanged from the past, offers a balance of practicality and refinement, quietly evoking a timeless sense of charm.
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.
