Twisting 綯う －Nau－
The story of Nau
Nau means to twist straws together in the hands to make rope.
Rice straw rope twisting is a technique that developed in tandem with the advent of rice cultivation in Japan. The leftover straw was used to make sacred ropes after the rice had been harvested. This was a way of expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest and to pray for a bountiful harvest the following year.
However, the word nau itself is rarely used today, and the art of rice straw twisting is disappearing.
We offer both in-person and online video instructions to spread the joy of rice straw twisting. Below, you can see what is currently being offered.
We hope that, in twisting rice straw into rope, you will be transported to a Japanese landscape where you can experience the depth, difficulty and pleasure of nau.
Workshop on the SEVEN STARS Cruise Train
“TOUCH JAPAN JOURNEY by LEXUS
SEVEN STARS in KYUSHU“
We offered a straw crafting experience on JR Kyushu’s “Cruise Train,” SEVEN STARS.
Workshop at Kai Yufuin
Kai Yufuin Onsen, by Hoshino Resorts, in Oita Prefecture, offers a straw twisting workshop amongst the surrounding landscape of terraced rice fields. We are involved in supervising the techniques and providing the straw.
Rice Straw Twisting Workshop
We are currently accepting applications for a “Weaving Workshop” from January through July, to be held at Takubo. We offer a variety of courses, from beginners’ courses to advanced, for those who would like to try their hand at straw weaving.
Experience Straw Twisting at Home
〈Coming soon〉
Through our online store, we offer short video instructions that allow you to practice rope twisting from the comfort of your own home.
Each step of the process is explained in detail, so you can experience it at your own pace.