Shime-nawa making, a handicraft during the off-season for farmers, is at its peak (Sanwa Ward, Joetsu City)

2023.12.5

There is less than one month left in this year. At “Mai Village Sanwa,” which sells rice in Sanwa-ku, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, the making of shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) for the New Year is underway.

In addition to rice cultivation, the Mai Village Sanwa has been making shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) during the off-season in winter for more than 10 years. This year, the work will begin on Monday, April 4, and approximately 200 shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) will be handmade from dried straw.

Mr. Igarashi, Mai Village Sanwa
The shape is the most important thing. I make them so that they look as good as possible, including the tightness. （It’s hard work, but I enjoy it when I think of everyone involved.

This is a shimenawa called daikokujime. It is about 1.5 times thicker than ordinary ones.

After dividing the straw into three strands, the core is inserted and twisted by hand to weave it tightly so that there are no gaps. The straw is grown in the company’s rice fields for use in shimenawa (sacred straw rope). The straw is harvested when the rice plants are green before the ears come out, dried immediately, and stored out of the sun to prevent the color from fading.

Mr. Igarashi, Mai Village Sanwa
They are thick and difficult to intertwine. As we head toward the end of the year, I hope people will decorate the shimenawa and make it a good year.

Shime-nawa are available for individual orders and are also sold at the Myoko Sanroku Direct Sales Center Tomato in Sakaguchi Shinden, Myoko City.

Mai Village Sanwa is also currently distributing straw scraps used for daijin and other purposes free of charge. Those who wish to receive them are asked to contact Mr. Igarashi.

米ヴィレッジさんわ
Mr. Igarashi.℡090-7289-3801