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.
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.
Here, we’d like to introduce some of the handcrafted handled baskets made from cattail.
These baskets are available in four sizes: mini, small, medium, and large.Gama craft originally began with practical items like carrying baskets and snow shoes, but over time, it has evolved to include handled baskets that suit modern lifestyles.The sides of the basket are woven using a tool similar to those used for making 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.The artisans themselves carefully handle every step of the process— from cultivating and harvesting the cattail to drying the materials— carrying out each stage with patience and care.The rim of the basket is especially smooth and seamless, woven with remarkable precision and care.Cattail naturally contains oils, which give the finished basket a gentle sheen and subtle luster— another part of its quiet charm.The handles are made by twisting together Himegama and Yamakage (inner bark of the Shinanoki tree).This is the joint between the basket and the handle. The cord used here combines the soft sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, Yamakage no longer has any noticeable odor.Here is the inside view. The handle is secured to the rim of the basket with a cord, which runs through the weave and is fastened at the bottom.At the bottom of the basket, the ends of the handle cord are securely fastened. This not only adds a subtle design accent, but also reinforces the structure, supporting the entire basket.Special attention is given to the base structure, which is carefully reinforced to ensure durability.The inner base is woven in the same pattern as the sides,but when you turn the basket over, you’ll notice a checkerboard pattern on the underside— a different weave from the one used on the inside.In other words, the basket has a double-layered base, with different weaves on the inside and outside. This construction makes it especially sturdy and reliable.You may notice some brown or dark spots on the inside of the basket. These are natural marks from the cattail itself—similar to stains on the plant’s surface— and we hope you’ll see them as part of its organic character.Regardless of size, some baskets may have a slightly yellowish tint on the surface of the cattail, as seen here. This natural coloration occurs due to weather conditions and does not affect the basket’s strength. We hope you’ll enjoy it as part of the material’s unique character.Available in four sizes to match your personal style and intended use.
Gama bags have a smooth, natural texture and a fresh, creamy color that gives them a clean and simple look. They pair well with a variety of styles, and you can also enjoy customizing the look by adding a bandana or scarf to suit your taste.
This is the mini size.This is the smallest size among the gama handled baskets.It’s just the right size for carrying your wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.This is the small size.Not too small, not too big—just the right size to carry around with ease.It’s just the right size to hold your wallet, keys, phone, a small pouch, a paperback book, and even a compact water bottle.Here is the medium size.In addition to your daily essentials, there’s room for a light cardigan or other layering pieces.It’s an easy-to-carry size, with enough room to hold small items you might pick up while out and about.And this is the large size.This is the largest size in the handled basket series.It’s perfect for days when you have a bit more to carry.Even so, it’s not too large—just the right size to carry comfortably on trains or while walking around town.
This handled basket series is based on the traditional koshigo—a type of backpack basket— made from the same cattail material.
Although these baskets are smaller than the traditional koshigo, they inherit its structural design—especially in the way the base is constructed. This makes them sturdy and reliable enough for everyday use as handled baskets.
All sizes are built to be strong enough for everyday use and can carry their intended load with confidence.
Each of the four sizes can be identified by the number of rows in the basket’s weave: three rows for mini, four for small, five for medium, and six for large.
One more nice feature of cattail is its soft texture, which is gentle on clothing and unlikely to cause snags or scratches.
“Strong yet lightweight”—this is a fundamental quality of any good basket. In gama craft, this balance is faithfully achieved by making full use of the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
With its soft sheen and clean cream color, the basket has a fresh, refined look. And because it’s so lightweight, you can carry it with ease—even when it’s filled with your daily essentials.
This handled basket can be used throughout the year, pairing well with both Western and Japanese styles in any season. Please check the dimensions and choose the size that best suits your needs.
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.
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.
Here, we’d like to introduce some of the handcrafted handled baskets made from cattail.
These baskets are available in four sizes: mini, small, medium, and large.Gama craft originally began with practical items like carrying baskets and snow shoes, but over time, it has evolved to include handled baskets that suit modern lifestyles.The sides of the basket are woven using a tool similar to those used for making 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.The artisans themselves carefully handle every step of the process— from cultivating and harvesting the cattail to drying the materials— carrying out each stage with patience and care.The rim of the basket is especially smooth and seamless, woven with remarkable precision and care.Cattail naturally contains oils, which give the finished basket a gentle sheen and subtle luster— another part of its quiet charm.The handles are made by twisting together Himegama and Yamakage (inner bark of the Shinanoki tree).This is the joint between the basket and the handle. The cord used here combines the soft sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, Yamakage no longer has any noticeable odor.Here is the inside view. The handle is secured to the rim of the basket with a cord, which runs through the weave and is fastened at the bottom.At the bottom of the basket, the ends of the handle cord are securely fastened. This not only adds a subtle design accent, but also reinforces the structure, supporting the entire basket.Special attention is given to the base structure, which is carefully reinforced to ensure durability.The inner base is woven in the same pattern as the sides,but when you turn the basket over, you’ll notice a checkerboard pattern on the underside— a different weave from the one used on the inside.In other words, the basket has a double-layered base, with different weaves on the inside and outside. This construction makes it especially sturdy and reliable.You may notice some brown or dark spots on the inside of the basket. These are natural marks from the cattail itself—similar to stains on the plant’s surface— and we hope you’ll see them as part of its organic character.Regardless of size, some baskets may have a slightly yellowish tint on the surface of the cattail, as seen here. This natural coloration occurs due to weather conditions and does not affect the basket’s strength. We hope you’ll enjoy it as part of the material’s unique character.Available in four sizes to match your personal style and intended use.
Gama bags have a smooth, natural texture and a fresh, creamy color that gives them a clean and simple look. They pair well with a variety of styles, and you can also enjoy customizing the look by adding a bandana or scarf to suit your taste.
This is the mini size.This is the smallest size among the gama handled baskets.It’s just the right size for carrying your wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.This is the small size.Not too small, not too big—just the right size to carry around with ease.It’s just the right size to hold your wallet, keys, phone, a small pouch, a paperback book, and even a compact water bottle.Here is the medium size.In addition to your daily essentials, there’s room for a light cardigan or other layering pieces.It’s an easy-to-carry size, with enough room to hold small items you might pick up while out and about.And this is the large size.This is the largest size in the handled basket series.It’s perfect for days when you have a bit more to carry.Even so, it’s not too large—just the right size to carry comfortably on trains or while walking around town.
This handled basket series is based on the traditional koshigo—a type of backpack basket— made from the same cattail material.
Although these baskets are smaller than the traditional koshigo, they inherit its structural design—especially in the way the base is constructed. This makes them sturdy and reliable enough for everyday use as handled baskets.
All sizes are built to be strong enough for everyday use and can carry their intended load with confidence.
Each of the four sizes can be identified by the number of rows in the basket’s weave: three rows for mini, four for small, five for medium, and six for large.
One more nice feature of cattail is its soft texture, which is gentle on clothing and unlikely to cause snags or scratches.
“Strong yet lightweight”—this is a fundamental quality of any good basket. In gama craft, this balance is faithfully achieved by making full use of the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
With its soft sheen and clean cream color, the basket has a fresh, refined look. And because it’s so lightweight, you can carry it with ease—even when it’s filled with your daily essentials.
This handled basket can be used throughout the year, pairing well with both Western and Japanese styles in any season. Please check the dimensions and choose the size that best suits your needs.
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.
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.
Here, we’d like to introduce some of the handcrafted handled baskets made from cattail.
These baskets are available in four sizes: mini, small, medium, and large.Gama craft originally began with practical items like carrying baskets and snow shoes, but over time, it has evolved to include handled baskets that suit modern lifestyles.The sides of the basket are woven using a tool similar to those used for making 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.The artisans themselves carefully handle every step of the process— from cultivating and harvesting the cattail to drying the materials— carrying out each stage with patience and care.The rim of the basket is especially smooth and seamless, woven with remarkable precision and care.Cattail naturally contains oils, which give the finished basket a gentle sheen and subtle luster— another part of its quiet charm.The handles are made by twisting together Himegama and Yamakage (inner bark of the Shinanoki tree).This is the joint between the basket and the handle. The cord used here combines the soft sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, Yamakage no longer has any noticeable odor.Here is the inside view. The handle is secured to the rim of the basket with a cord, which runs through the weave and is fastened at the bottom.At the bottom of the basket, the ends of the handle cord are securely fastened. This not only adds a subtle design accent, but also reinforces the structure, supporting the entire basket.Special attention is given to the base structure, which is carefully reinforced to ensure durability.The inner base is woven in the same pattern as the sides,but when you turn the basket over, you’ll notice a checkerboard pattern on the underside— a different weave from the one used on the inside.In other words, the basket has a double-layered base, with different weaves on the inside and outside. This construction makes it especially sturdy and reliable.You may notice some brown or dark spots on the inside of the basket. These are natural marks from the cattail itself—similar to stains on the plant’s surface— and we hope you’ll see them as part of its organic character.Regardless of size, some baskets may have a slightly yellowish tint on the surface of the cattail, as seen here. This natural coloration occurs due to weather conditions and does not affect the basket’s strength. We hope you’ll enjoy it as part of the material’s unique character.Available in four sizes to match your personal style and intended use.
Gama bags have a smooth, natural texture and a fresh, creamy color that gives them a clean and simple look. They pair well with a variety of styles, and you can also enjoy customizing the look by adding a bandana or scarf to suit your taste.
This is the mini size.This is the smallest size among the gama handled baskets.It’s just the right size for carrying your wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.This is the small size.Not too small, not too big—just the right size to carry around with ease.It’s just the right size to hold your wallet, keys, phone, a small pouch, a paperback book, and even a compact water bottle.Here is the medium size.In addition to your daily essentials, there’s room for a light cardigan or other layering pieces.It’s an easy-to-carry size, with enough room to hold small items you might pick up while out and about.And this is the large size.This is the largest size in the handled basket series.It’s perfect for days when you have a bit more to carry.Even so, it’s not too large—just the right size to carry comfortably on trains or while walking around town.
This handled basket series is based on the traditional koshigo—a type of backpack basket— made from the same cattail material.
Although these baskets are smaller than the traditional koshigo, they inherit its structural design—especially in the way the base is constructed. This makes them sturdy and reliable enough for everyday use as handled baskets.
All sizes are built to be strong enough for everyday use and can carry their intended load with confidence.
Each of the four sizes can be identified by the number of rows in the basket’s weave: three rows for mini, four for small, five for medium, and six for large.
One more nice feature of cattail is its soft texture, which is gentle on clothing and unlikely to cause snags or scratches.
“Strong yet lightweight”—this is a fundamental quality of any good basket. In gama craft, this balance is faithfully achieved by making full use of the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
With its soft sheen and clean cream color, the basket has a fresh, refined look. And because it’s so lightweight, you can carry it with ease—even when it’s filled with your daily essentials.
This handled basket can be used throughout the year, pairing well with both Western and Japanese styles in any season. Please check the dimensions and choose the size that best suits your needs.
