Uma, the Horse of the Japanese Zodiac: Ikedaya’s Exclusive Lucky Horse Koshu Inden Design
In Japan, the junishi, or Japanese zodiac, has long been used as a traditional calendar system to represent years, directions, and even times of day.
Each of the twelve zodiac signs is associated with an animal.
In this month’s zodiac series, we introduce Uma, the horse.
In the Japanese zodiac, Uma is written with the character 午, and it represents the horse (馬).
Horses have long been closely connected to people’s lives in Japan.
They were important companions for transportation, carrying goods, farming, and battles during the age of the samurai.
With their powerful and beautiful appearance, horses have been loved as animals that suggest forward movement and momentum.
The Deep Connection Between Shrines and Horses
In Japan, horses have also been regarded as sacred animals.
Some shrines have shinme (神馬), sacred horses dedicated to the kami, or Shinto deities.
The ema (絵馬), wooden plaques often seen at shrines today for writing wishes, are also said to have originated from the custom of offering real horses to the kami.
In Shizuoka City, where Ikedaya’s main store is located, there is also a place connected to horses.
At Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, a wooden sacred horse called Kanae Uma (叶え馬) is enshrined.
Kanae Uma is said to grant wishes when people visit and pray with a wish in mind, and it has long been cherished by local people.
In recent years, restoration work has also been carried out at Shizuoka Sengen Shrine.
The beautifully restored shrine buildings, newly finished with lacquer, are one of the places we recommend visiting when you are in Shizuoka.
Ikedaya’s Exclusive Uma Koshu Inden Design
Ikedaya offers exclusive Koshu Inden designs inspired by the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac.
Koshu Inden is a traditional Japanese craft made by applying lacquer patterns to deerskin.
Koshu Inden is known for the soft feel of deerskin and the raised texture of lacquer patterns.
It is a traditional craft that can be enjoyed in everyday items such as wallets and small accessories.
Ikedaya’s exclusive Uma design features a horse motif and the mirrored character 馬, the Japanese character for “horse.”
Since left-facing horses have long been considered symbols of good luck, this meaning has been incorporated into the design.
In addition to the strength of the horse itself, the design carries positive meanings such as moving forward and things going well.
Uma Koshu Inden Items Available on the Ikedaya Global Site
On the Ikedaya Global site, the following Japanese zodiac Koshu Inden items are available.
1002 Change Purse, Japanese Zodiac Inden
2504 Card Case, Japanese Zodiac Inden
9854 L-Shaped Zipper Long Wallet, Japanese Zodiac Inden
The change purse, card case, and long wallet are easy to use in daily life and also make thoughtful gifts.
They are recommended not only for those who want to choose a design connected to their own zodiac sign, but also as gifts for people who love horses.
Available at Ikedaya Stores in Japan
At Ikedaya stores in Japan, you can also find many Japanese zodiac Koshu Inden items that are not listed on the Global site.
Koshu Inden items are available at the Tokyo Shinjuku Store, Shizuoka Store, and Hamamatsu Store.
The Shizuoka Store, in particular, offers a wide selection of Inden items.
About IKEDAYA
Founded in 1950, Ikedaya is a Japanese brand best known for its signature Ikedaya Randoseru. We create high-quality, Japan-made bags beyond randoseru, including exclusive Ikedaya designs.
