Yuino Center Tsuchida
[Sanuki Mizuhiki Pine-Bamboo-Plum Ornament]
Mizuhiki is a decorative cord made by twisting washi (traditional Japanese paper) into string. Its origin is said to date back to the Asuka period, approximately 1,400 years ago. Mizuhiki embodies the symbolic act of “tying” happiness, connection, and bonds, and it has long been cherished in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Each element in the pine-bamboo-plum (shōchikubai) motif carries its own auspicious meaning. The pine symbolizes vitality and long life, as it remains evergreen year-round and represents prosperity in both the home and business. Bamboo, with its straight growth and fast development, symbolizes growth and prosperity for future generations. The plum blossom, which blooms even in the cold of winter, represents resilience and good fortune achieved through perseverance.
This handcrafted single-cord mizuhiki ornament is imbued with wishes for happiness, growth, prosperity, and good fortune. Each piece is lovingly crafted by skilled artisans.
[Sanuki Mizuhiki Crane and Tortoise Ornament]
Mizuhiki, made from twisted washi paper, carries the symbolic meanings of happiness, connection, and lasting bonds. Its history traces back to the Asuka period, about 1,400 years ago.
The crane, with its elegant form in flight, symbolizes growth and development. Because cranes are known to mate for life, they are also seen as symbols of marital harmony. The tortoise, with its calm and steady presence, signifies stability and longevity. As the Japanese saying goes, “The crane lives a thousand years, the tortoise ten thousand,” making both animals revered icons of long life.
This mizuhiki crane and tortoise ornament is a traditional talisman representing longevity and harmonious partnership, often used in weddings, long-life celebrations, and other joyful occasions. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by artisans.
Since our founding in 1975, we have supported the beautiful and time-honored Japanese custom of “yui-no,” the formal engagement ceremony, through the production of traditional gift arrangements. At one time, we worked with 15 in-house artisans and over 100 local craftspeople, supplying retailers across Japan and developing industry-first collaborations with designers like Yumi Katsura and Kansai Yamamoto for special engagement ornaments and decorative hagoita paddles.
As customs have evolved with modern lifestyles, we have felt a growing sense of urgency that fewer people are familiar with mizuhiki itself. This inspired our second-generation leadership to begin creating mizuhiki accessories that feel more familiar and accessible. Leveraging decades of experience in mizuhiki craftsmanship, we create products that not only preserve tradition but also reinterpret it for today’s world—combining expert techniques, flexible thinking, and market insight.
We do not intend to simply sell products one-way. Instead, we hope to engage with our customers openly and honestly, co-creating meaningful items that resonate with the present era. Please enjoy the refined art of Sanuki Mizuhiki, lovingly passed down and polished through generations.
Our Local Roots: Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture
Our company is based in Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture, near the border of Ehime. The neighboring city of Shikokuchūō in Ehime is one of Japan’s two major mizuhiki production regions, and the surrounding area has long thrived in mizuhiki-related industries. With abundant water from the Shikoku mountain range, plentiful local plants such as kōzo (paper mulberry) and mitsumata (oriental paper bush), and a dry climate ideal for paper-making, the area has a long history of producing motoyui (paper cords once used to tie hair).
From the Meiji era onward, production gradually shifted from motoyui to mizuhiki. Since then, we and our network of artisans and craftspeople have continued to deliver mizuhiki wedding ornaments and celebratory gift envelopes across Japan.
• 1975 Established Yuinō Center Tsuchida
• 1993 Certified production studio for Yumi Katsura and Kansai Yamamoto engagement collections
• 1996 Created ornaments for Yumi Katsura’s Paris Collection and other fashion shows
• 1998 Participated in development of decorative hagoita paddles
• 2002 Designed ornaments for Yumi Katsura Paris showroom
• 2006 Developed hair accessory line “Yume Yui” (design rights acquired)
• 2007 Launched “Hana Yui,” a collaboration between preserved flowers and mizuhiki
• 2008–2018 Participated in international events annually
• 2011 Launched “MIZUHIKI Bridal Collection – Yume, Yui, Bi”
Exhibited at Bridal Industry Fair and Bridal Festa in Tokyo
• 2013 Co-founded “Megurite” with five cross-industry artisans; operated two Tokyo stores
• 2015 Exhibited at Japan Expo in Paris
• 2017–2018 Exhibited at Tokyo International Gift Show
• 2018 Permanent installations at Isetan in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand
• 2019 Launched mizuhiki & leather collaboration series
• 2020 Developed Sanuki Mizuhiki bonsai and mizuhiki mask charms
• 2023 Created mizuhiki Buddhist memorial flower arrangements