At Ikedaya’s stores, it’s common to see foreign visitors captivated by small leather accessories with metal frame closures that open and close with a simple clasp. Compact and featuring distinctly Japanese designs and textures, these items are popular souvenirs. In Japanese, these clasp-style accessories are called “Gamaguchi”, a name rich with cultural meaning and metaphor.

The Origin of the Name Gamaguchi

The term Gamaguchi literally means “frog's mouth” in Japanese.

The clasp resembles a frog’s wide-open mouth, which inspired the name. In Japanese, the word for toad is gama, and the snapping open of the clasp mimics a toad opening its mouth.

Additionally, the Japanese word kaeru can mean both “frog” and “to return,” giving rise to the belief that a Gamaguchi wallet brings money back to its owner, symbolizing good fortune.

What Is a “Rakkyo Tama”?

The clasp often features a rounded knob, called a tsumami in Japanese. This knob is also affectionately known as a “Rakkyo Tama” because it resembles rakkyo, a small pickled onion-like vegetable commonly served with Japanese curry.
When dining at a Japanese curry restaurant, you might find rakkyo served as a whole garnish or chopped as a topping. 

Personally, I’m not a fan of rakkyo and can’t eat it, but those who enjoy it often pile it high on their plates. If you get the chance, I encourage you to try it as a unique part of Japanese food culture.

Practicality and Popularity of "Gamaguchi"

The biggest advantage of a Gamaguchi is its wide-opening metal frame, which makes its contents easy to see and access. These accessories aren’t just used as coin purses or card holders—they can also serve as cosmetic pouches, eyeglass cases, or smartphone holders. Their compact size helps keep small items organized within a larger bag.

Their retro, charming appearance also makes them popular souvenirs, as travelers are drawn to their distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Kōshū Inden Gamaguchi Accessories

Among Ikedaya’s most popular items are Gamaguchi accessories crafted using Kōshū Inden, a traditional technique that paints auspicious patterns in lacquer on deerskin. Coin purses and wallets crafted in this style are frequently purchased by foreign tourists as authentic Japanese souvenirs.

Although labeled as “coin purses,” these items are versatile enough for storing small essentials such as lip balm, medicine, or jewelry.

Some of these products are also available for purchase online:

• No.1103：https://ikedaya-global.com/products/1103-change-purse
• No.1104：https://ikedaya-global.com/products/1104-change-purse
• No.1114：https://ikedaya-global.com/products/1114-change-purse
• No.1501：https://ikedaya-global.com/products/1501-change-purse
• No.9874：

  https://ikedaya-global.com/products/kodomo-omoi-no-mori-the-nurturing-forest?variant=43730388090927