From Folk Craft to “Kawaii” Star: Four Centuries of the Akabeko

The head bobs back and forth and from side to side using a pendulum. (© Nippon.com)

At Kiyohime Park in Yanaizu, visitors can pose with Fukutarō, a giant akabeko. Legend has it that red cows carried timber from the Tadami River, seen at left, up the cliff to the temple hall above. (© Nippon.com)

A photo spot in front of Tsuruga Castle. (© Nippon.com)

Akabeko Park on the outskirts of Aizuwakamatsu features akabeko-themed playground equipment, including a drinking fountain and slide. (© Nippon.com)

The colorful akabeko piggy banks (left) and 3D resin stickers that became bestsellers. (Courtesy Meisei Kikaku)

Akabeko Land Iimoriyama offers a wide variety of akabeko-themed items. (© Nippon.com)

Akabeko painting workshops at the Iimoriyama and Nanokamachi locations (upper right). The white version, which visitors can decorate in any colors they like, is more popular than the traditional red. (© Nippon.com)

Visitors can also pick up eto-beko, modeled after the animals of the Chinese zodiac (top), as well as Shinkansen-themed akabeko created in collaboration with JR East (lower left). The shops attract many international visitors, particularly from Taiwan, who frequently select the traditional red-and-gold design for its auspicious colors. (© Nippon.com)

A Naruto collaboration akabeko handcrafted by artisans in Aizu. (Courtesy Dai Nippon Printing)