Whether as a headband at summer festivals, a sweat catcher in kendo, or a transformable prop in rakugo theater – the tenugui is a living symbol. It connects generations, tells stories of solidarity, creativity, and identity, and demonstrates how everyday life and ritual intertwine in Japan.

A tenugui is created slowly and deliberately: Cotton bales from Wakayama are washed, sun-bleached, cut by hand, and artfully dyed in chūsen or wet-dyed workshops. Every step reflects dedication, every irregularity makes the cloth unique—a piece of living craftsmanship.

From the ritual cleansing cloth in the Heian Shrine to the bathhouses and kabuki stages of the Edo period to today's street style: The journey of the tenugui tells the story of Japan's transformation like no other object. Discover how a narrow strip of cotton became a mirror of fashion, craftsmanship, and pop culture.

A tenugui (手拭い) is a traditional Japanese cotton cloth with a wide range of uses – from practical everyday use to artistic decoration. In this article, you'll learn all about its origin, meaning, and modern uses.

I discovered my first tenugui in 2024 in a small shop in Kyoto – and was immediately fascinated. Since then, this piece of Japanese culture has never left my mind. Here, I'll tell you why I founded Japan Essence.

What exactly is a tenugui? In this post, I'll show you the special features, shapes, and uses of this unique Japanese cloth—and why it's much more than just a towel.