Furoshiki of Mayotae

The earliest examples of hemp use in Japan date back to the early Jomon Period (12,000 years ago) with ropes made of hemp excavated at the Torihama shell mound site (Mikata-machi, Fukui Prefecture).

Traditional Japanese paper is also made from hemp, and traditional lamps and cooking oil are also made from hemp seeds.

Many clothes in the past were also made from hemp. It is believed that hemp was initially used as a textile material. As a sacred plant that purifies people from sins and impurities, hemp has been used in connection with Shinto rituals in all kinds of ways, including as a talisman, a sacred staff, a bell rope for shrines, a shimenawa, a hair cord for shrine maidens, a hunting robe, and a welcome fire during the Bon festival.

It is the plant from which the sacred amulets of the Ise Shrine are called Jingu-taima, and it has a deep historical relationship with Shintoism.

In Japan, it is a Japanese custom to sew red red cloth into a furoshiki (wrapping cloth) to ward off evil spirits.

In the old days, hemp was used as a symbol to ward off evil and were used in family crests.

Hemp cloth has natural antibacterial properties (mental and physical protection against evil).

The small size can be used as a pocket chief. The medium size can be used as a handkerchief or as a furoshiki. The large size can be used as a "wrapping" furoshiki.