When summer comes, the streets of Japan are bustling with the soft colors of thin towels called “tenugui”. In Southeast Asia, tenugui may be unfamiliar, but in Japan, it is a familiar part of daily life. Tenugui towel is a small item but imbued with the spirit of Japanese culture. Not only an item for cleaning or wrapping the head, tenugui is also a symbol of strong identity – closely associated with the history, festivals, fashion and personal memories of the Japanese.
Simple in form – just a long piece of cotton fabric without a border, but tenugui possesses the ability to "transform" flexibly. From the ancient Edo period to modern life, this towel has been silently present, as a discreet but indispensable companion.
History of Tenugui
Tenugui originated in the Edo period (1603–1868), and was associated with the lives of samurai, kabuki artists, and working people. Initially, it was used to wipe hands, protect against the sun, or wrap the head. Thanks to its light cotton material, easy to wash, and quick to dry, tenugui quickly became a popular item among all classes.
During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japan began to open up to the West. This was also the period when tenugui transformed from a purely utilitarian object to an aesthetic product. The patterns printed on the towels gradually became more diverse, inspired by ukiyo-e woodcuts, the four seasons of nature, Seigaiha sea waves, chrysanthemums, carp, etc. Each line was not only beautiful but also conveyed traditional cultural ideas such as luck, longevity, and purity.
Since then, tenugui has been constantly reinvented. Although it has changed over the years, its artisanal spirit and symbolism have been treasured and preserved.
Multi-purpose uses of Tenugui
One of the things that makes tenugui so special is its incredible versatility. The Japanese have a saying, “one towel, ten roles” – and indeed, tenugui can accompany you in every moment of your day.
1. A Towel – But More Than a Towel
Tenugui can be a perfect substitute for handkerchiefs, face towels or kitchen towels. Because it is not as thick as a regular bath towel, it is light, absorbent and dries quickly – suitable for hot and humid climates. You can carry a tenugui with you, use it to wipe your hands after washing, wipe sweat on hot summer days, or place it next to the stove as a clean towel.
Not only that, many Japanese chefs also prefer to use tenugui when cooking because it is soft, does not leave any fibers, and is easy to wash off grease after each use.
2. Protective and fashion accessories
Another special use is as a headband or head wrap when working outdoors. At summer festivals such as matsuri, you can easily see participants wearing tenugui instead of hats – both to absorb sweat and to create a traditional highlight.
Today, tenugui is also transformed into a fashion accessory. A traditional patterned scarf can become a personal highlight, combined with a modern shirt or kimono. For young Japanese, tenugui is also transformed into a fabric belt, hair tie, or used to wrap gifts in the furoshiki style - delicate and full of meaning.
3. Packages and gifts
Thanks to the versatility of the fabric and its convenient size, tenugui is used as a wrapping bag – it can be used to wrap books, lunch boxes, sake bottles or small gifts. This is a traditional way of wrapping gifts that shows the thoughtfulness and aesthetics of the giver. After opening the gift, the recipient can still keep the towel as a beautiful and useful souvenir.
Some people also use tenugui as mini tablecloths or tea tray placemats, creating a sophisticated and Japanese-style space.
4. Decoration and collection
Many tenugui designs are designed as art, and can be hung on the wall like a canvas. Some people collect tenugui by season – spring, summer, fall, winter – and change them according to the seasons of the year, such as Japanese New Year (Oshōgatsu), Obon, or cherry blossom festivals.
The lightness, familiarity, yet neatness of tenugui makes it an easy-to-use, easy-to-feel, and long-lasting item.
Modern applications of Tenugui towels
In modern society, tenugui lives not only in tradition but also in the creative life of today. Many Japanese brands have redefined tenugui as a living cultural product – combining craftsmanship and contemporary style.
You can find tenugui in traditional-themed fashion collections, used as scarves, recycled cloth bags, or even as pet accessories. Some Japanese-style cafes and restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto also use tenugui as a decorative accent – both unique and bringing a sense of “omotenashi” (hospitality).
In the West, tenugui is slowly becoming known as an inspiring craft. Many international art exhibitions have displayed collections of ancient tenugui, as a way to look back at the history of Japanese culture through each small piece of fabric.
The reason why Japanese people always have at least 1 Tenugui towel
For the Japanese, owning a tenugui is more than just a matter of convenience – it is part of their cultural identity. The towel represents elegance, neatness and thoughtfulness – core values of the Japanese way of life.
Each tenugui has a story. Some people keep the towel from their childhood, using it to wipe sweat from martial arts practice; others give it as a gift on the Coming of Age Ceremony (Seijin no Hi) as a celebration of a turning point in their lives. Many Japanese artists even consider the design of their tenugui as a way to express their personal worldview – simple, concise, yet profound.
It is no exaggeration to say that: “In Japan, everyone has owned a tenugui – even if it was just once, even if it was old and tattered, it was always filled with memories.”
From a simple towel, tenugui has become a living symbol of Japanese culture – where each thread carries sophistication, practicality and depth of soul. Whether you are a lover of Japanese culture or simply looking for a useful and unique item, tenugui is a choice that is both practical and inspiring.
Try bringing a tenugui home – not just to wipe your hands, but to keep a piece of the Japanese spirit in your everyday life.