What is 紙扇子（猫と桜）?
Meet the product that stopped a shopper mid-scroll: Daiso's 紙扇子（猫と桜） — a folding paper fan featuring cats and cherry blossoms, priced at just ¥110 (about $0.75). That's less than a vending machine coffee for a piece of wearable Japanese craft.
The design is the first thing that grabs you. Black background. Delicate sakura blooms. Cats. It's the kind of combination that, as one social media user perfectly put it, "I have a weakness for." The fan face (ōgi-men) is paper, while the ribs (hone) are crafted from Mōsō bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) — a premium-grade bamboo known for its strength and flexibility. The pivot (kaname) is ABS resin, which adds durability to the hinge point. Opened up, the fan spans a generous 21 cm, and folds down to a slim 37.5 × 2 × 21 cm package that slips easily into a bag or yukata sleeve.
Because this uses natural bamboo, expect minor character marks — slight color variation, small knots, or micro-splinters are normal and actually signal authentic material, not a quality defect. Care instructions are straightforward: keep it dry, avoid friction (colors may bleed), and open it the correct way — support from below with your left hand, use your right thumb to sweep the top rib outward in a smooth arc. It's a proper sensu, not a toy prop. Daiso explicitly advises keeping it away from children and heat sources, which tells you this is a real functional item with real material considerations.
Source: daisonet.com
How to Use It — Hack Ideas
Primary Use: Beat the heat in style. Summer festivals, outdoor concerts, commutes without AC — this fan does exactly what a ¥110 item should: creates a personal breeze with a side of aesthetic flex. Pair it with a yukata or even a linen summer dress for an effortlessly Japanese summer look.
Hack #1 — Wall Art on a Budget. Fully open the fan and mount it on a wall using a simple adhesive strip or a small display stand. The black-ground cat-and-sakura artwork reads like a mini art print. Group two or three Daiso fans of different patterns for an instant Japanese gallery wall — total cost: under ¥400.
Hack #2 — Photo Prop & Flat Lay Accessory. Content creators, this one's for you. The bold graphic design photographs beautifully against neutral backgrounds. Use it as a prop in food photography, book flat lays, or beauty shots for an instant washoku (Japanese aesthetic) vibe. The 21 cm size is large enough to anchor a composition without overpowering it.
Pro tip: Always close the fan along its existing fold lines using a gentle "gathering" motion with your fingers — forcing it shut is the number-one way to damage the paper face or split the bamboo ribs.
Source: daisonet.com
Reviews & Verdict
This fan is newly listed with no formal written reviews on Daiso's official store yet — but social buzz tells a clear story. On social media, at least one user candidly admitted they only noticed the paper material after purchasing, and while mildly disappointed (fabric fans tend to be more durable), they were immediately won over by the cat-and-sakura design. That reaction is telling: the aesthetic punches above its price class.
The consensus from early adopters positions this as a seasonal must-grab — perfect for summer festival season, a thoughtful small gift, or a desk accessory. The bamboo ribs give it a more premium feel than fully plastic alternatives, though paper-face fans naturally require more care than silk or polyester versions. Don't expect this to be a years-long daily carry item; think of it as a beautiful, affordable seasonal companion.
The main caveat: if you're looking for a fan that survives sweaty hands, beach bags, and daily abuse, upgrade to a fabric option. But if you want something gorgeous, lightweight, and almost insultingly affordable for its looks? This is your pick. Stock tends to move fast in summer — it's the kind of item you'll regret not grabbing when you had the chance.
Source: daisonet.com
Value Score: 81/100
Strong marks for price-to-quality (genuine bamboo ribs, striking artwork at ¥110) and exceptional hack potential as a décor and photo prop — held back slightly by the inherent fragility of a paper fan face and the need for careful handling. Great value, worth every yen.
