Fan Etiquette and Movements
Folding fans (sensu) have developed alongside Japanese history and culture—not only as practical tools but also as instruments of refined movement.
Here, we introduce traditional gestures and graceful ways to handle a fan. While these are not strictly defined rules, we hope they serve as a helpful guide for using fans with elegance.
How to Use a Fan
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For Men:
Hold the pivot point (kaname) of the fan, with your thumb pointing outward toward the other person. This grip allows for a firm, cooling breeze.
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For Women:
Face the back of your hand outward, holding the ribs between your thumb and fingers. Gently fan yourself with soft, graceful movements to enhance the sense of elegance.
Cultural Uses
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Offering Gifts or Gratitude
When presenting a gift or expressing thanks, place the item on a closed fan. To show courtesy, turn the fan so that the writing faces the recipient upright, rotating it from the center to your right.
This practice, often taught in tea ceremony etiquette, is also used in formal events such as weddings. -
Bowing with a Fan
In formal greetings, place a closed fan in front of your knees while seated in seiza (kneeling position), then bow.
The fan acts as a symbolic boundary, showing deference to the person in front of you.
This is one of the first practices learned in traditional arts like Japanese dance or Noh, and is also appropriate in any refined setting.
Handling a Folding Fan
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Opening a Fan
Place your right hand on the main outer rib (parent rib), and support the opposite side with your left hand.
Then use your right thumb to gently slide and spread the ribs open from the pivot. -
Closing a Fan
Place both hands near the middle of the outer ribs on either side.
Then, using your right hand, slide the ribs closed smoothly along the arc of the fan.