• A traditional Japanese hagoita paddle featuring a male kabuki actor in a gold and navy brocade kimono, gripping a short sword.
  • The back of the hagoita paddle, decorated with a painted bamboo motif and an orange sun-like shape.
  • A close-up of the kabuki actor's face and upper body, highlighting the textured fabrics and expressive facial details.
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Hayashiya

Kabuki Juhachiban Hagoita Kenuki (Size 7)

Kabuki Juhachiban Hagoita Kenuki (Size 7)

$129.00 USD
$129.00 USD
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Only 2 left in stock

The Kabuki Juhachiban Hagoita Kenuki captures a powerful scene from the dynamic third act of Raijin Fudō Kitayama Zakura, where the character Kumetera Danjō unravels a hidden plot and reveals the cause of a mysterious affliction. Poised with authority and intensity, this hagoita evokes both the grandeur of the Kabuki stage and the precision of traditional Japanese craft.

Handmade using the intricate oshie method, each fabric-padded element is layered with great care to build a lifelike expression and movement—all within the elegant fan-shaped confines of the paddle. The figure’s dramatic posture and elevated energy are masterfully portrayed without exceeding the edges, showcasing the artisan’s control and restraint.

Every angle reveals subtle dimensionality: from the careful shaping of the body line to the natural flow of costume and gesture. This piece isn’t just a decorative paddle—it’s a sculptural moment of theater, frozen in time. A refined homage to Kabuki’s storytelling tradition and a collector’s piece of exceptional presence.

Detail

Size: W 3.5in x L 8.3in x H 1.8in / W 9cm x L 21cm x H 4.5cm

This hagoita comes with a display stand.

Care ＆ Use

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth only.
  • Handle delicate parts with care.
  • For display only – not a toy.
  • Store in a dry place when not in use.
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Hagoita paddles: From New Year games to cultural icons

Hagoita paddles were originally used in hanetsuki, a traditional New Year’s game similar to badminton. Played mostly by girls during the Muromachi period, it was believed the act of striking the shuttlecock helped drive away evil spirits and illness. But over time, the hagoita became far more than a toy. By the Edo period, artisans began decorating the paddles with raised cloth collages—called the oshie technique—depicting kabuki actors, iconic women, or lucky motifs.

Today, hagoita are primarily decorative objects, often gifted during the New Year season to wish good fortune and protection. The bold colors, elaborate textures, and symbolic figures on each paddle reflect both the whimsy and depth of Japanese seasonal tradition. For collectors and admirers of Japanese craft, hagoita offer a striking combination of playfulness and refinement, rooted in centuries of cultural symbolism.

Brand History

Established in 1923 in Tokyo’s Taitō City, Hayashiya has been a distinguished purveyor of traditional Japanese dolls and seasonal ornaments for over a century. Specializing in handcrafted Hina dolls, Gogatsu dolls, and decorative hagoita paddles, Hayashiya carries forward the delicate artistry and symbolism embedded in these timeless objects.

Each item is meticulously created by artisans who value both technique and meaning—how every figure, textile, and motif conveys a seasonal wish or story. Hayashiya’s work reflects a deep respect for tradition while remaining accessible and relevant to modern homes.

By preserving this expressive cultural heritage, Hayashiya continues to shape moments of celebration with pieces that are as meaningful as they are visually captivating.