A set of traditional Japanese naruko clappers (鳴子). Naruko are wooden percussion instruments originally used in rice farming communities in Japan, especially in Kōchi Prefecture, to scare birds away from crops. Over time, they became an important cultural item, most famously used in the Yosakoi dance festival.
Naruko clappers: Painted in bright orange with black and yellow wooden slats that create a sharp clapping sound when shaken. They are designed with a simple handle for easy grip during dancing.
Presentation box: A red case with a white label bearing Japanese calligraphy that reads “土佐鳴子” (Tosa Naruko), indicating their origin in Tosa (the old name for Kōchi Prefecture), the birthplace of Yosakoi dance.
These naruko are both functional instruments and cultural souvenirs, representing the spirit of Yosakoi and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
