"The sea is vast, so big..." The skills and wisdom (= folk tools) nurtured through the long relationship between the sea and people, for obtaining its bounty, and the hopes (= toys) that people have held for a bountiful catch towards the sea.Musashino Art University Museum & Library, Folklore Materials RoomExcavated from the approximately 90,000 folk artifacts held by the institution. Separate exhibition rooms are provided for folk tools and toys, and a series of articles, with commentary by Professor Koji Kato of the university, explores the deep connection between people and the sea that has continued from ancient times to the present.Click here for project details.). For the sixth installment, we will introduce sea-themed toys with the theme of "sea bream toys."

Wordplay and lucky charms

When we think of fishermen praying for a bountiful catch, the first thing that comes to mind is the sea bream (tai). Because the word for sea bream (tai) sounds similar to the word for "auspicious" (medetai), it became a popular good luck charm among ordinary people for New Year's celebrations, life milestones, and business prosperity. The wordplay itself has a festive atmosphere, and the "spirit of words" that brings good fortune just by speaking the word has been further transformed into sculptures, decorations, and gifts to share the good luck. Sea bream is a luxury fish, not something ordinary people can easily eat, and this image of it being an "unattainable flower" is also an essential element for it to become a good luck charm.

Red color of sea bream

The bright red color of the sea bream is considered auspicious, but originally this red color appeared black underwater and evolved as camouflage to hide from predators. An invisible creature underwater suddenly appears red the moment it emerges from the surface, and this itself strongly evokes the image of Ebisu, the god of fortune, or a blessing brought from paradise beyond the sea. On the other hand, red toys areSmallpoxbroadcastIt is also a color with spiritual power that has been used to ward off illness. People have been captivated by the feeling of happiness emanating from the sea bream, where the color of the sea bream itself and the color of warding off evil happen to coincide in red.

A striking facial image

The sea bream is a fish whose face is naturally disproportionately large to its body, but in the form of local folk toys, this is exaggerated even further, with the face itself dominating the entire form. Its round, expressionless eyes, whether viewed from the front or the side, appear powerful, yet somehow they also seem to be smiling. For creatures from the natural world to play an important role for humans, it is essential to personify the subject, and the sea bream is not merely a specimen of a living creature, but has been made into a character. The strong image of the sea bream's face broadens the range of design possibilities for toys.

Excessive deformation

The design of the local sea bream toy captures its characteristics by almost completely abandoning realism. It is not only anatomically inaccurate, but also inaccurate from the standpoint of a sculptural reproduction that accurately reflects reality. Furthermore, details such as fins and scales are extremely...AbstractionShashoFurthermore, the colors are exaggerated, such as being crimson and glossy. This simplification visually creates a sense of abundance and reassurance, representing a transcendent being, distinct from an actual fish, whose body is filled with "good fortune."

A heartfelt wish

With its playful puns, exaggerated form, and festive imagery, the sea bream design evokes a sense of ease and relaxation, yet the wishes embedded within it are deeply poignant. Fishing is an uncertain occupation, dependent on the migration patterns of marine life, as well as climate and weather. While technical skill and ingenuity can increase catches, the final outcome is ultimately left to chance. We must reflect on the earnest faith behind the comical and relaxed form of the sea bream. At the same time, this strength to trust in our instincts rather than logic, and to rely on them for survival, is an important point to consider when thinking about maritime culture.

Folk Art Gallery

Sea bream car

One example of a local toy that uses the sea bream itself is the Tai-guruma (sea bream cart). Literally, it is a giant sea bream mounted on a platform that can be moved like a festival float. The sea bream is originally like a goby.belly crawlingHarabaIt is not possible to stand there. Also, fresh sea breamcaudal finfinAlthough it may move vigorously and erratically, it is not actually capable of arching its back. Its low center of gravity and sturdy form give it a sense of stability and presence, which amplifies the image of "good fortune."

Hooked sea bream / Married couple sea bream

Although sea bream do not act in pairs, two sea bream藁strawで括KukuAnd, place this at the entrance or at a celebratory occasion.懸かThere is a lucky charm called a "Kake-dai" (hanging sea bream). The two sea bream are arranged symmetrically, adding to its decorative appeal. Hanging sea bream and married sea bream are widely accepted as symbols of matchmaking, marital harmony, successful love, and family harmony.

sea breamTaichin

The term "Chin" refers to small domestic dogs in general, and they have been affectionately known as "Chinkoro" among ordinary people. In Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, papier-mâché Tai Chin dolls have been revered as wedding dolls. While the belief that prolific dogs are a symbol of safe childbirth exists throughout Japan, in addition to this, the dog is associated with "inu" (to leave) and "tai" (sea bream), a play on words meaning "they will not leave, and it will be auspicious." The eyes of the sea bream and the round eyes of the dog make this a memorable local toy.

Cat riding a sea bream

Sea bream and cat鼠mouseAt first glance, it's a strange combination. Cats have long been cherished in the Tohoku region as a deterrent against mice that eat rice and also against mice that eat silkworms. On the other hand, mice are also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. And here they are, leisurely riding on a sea bream and crossing the sea. At first glance, it looks like the cat is catching the mouse, but at the same time, it looks like it's saving the mouse from falling into the sea. It's a sea bream-riding cat that is full of auspicious elegance and humor.

Ebisu holding a sea bream

The auspicious image of Ebisu carrying a sea bream has been depicted in various folk toys throughout Japan, appearing as motifs such as Ebisu holding a sea bream, Ebisu riding a sea bream, and Ebisu carrying a sea bream. The image of Ebisu lifting the enormous sea bream with all his might, or the affectionate embrace between him and the sea bream, is truly filled with happiness. Rather than appearing to have been captured as prey, the sea bream seems to be posing with Ebisu of its own free will, conveying a sense of strength as a fish imbued with spirituality.

Planning, supervision, and writing

Koji Kato
Professor at Musashino Art University, specializing in folklore (research on folk implements). Holds a PhD in Literature. Previously served as a curator at the Wakayama Prefectural Kii Fudoki-no-Oka Museum and a professor at Tohoku Gakuin University (concurrently serving as a curator at the university museum), before assuming his current position in 2019. His major publications include "Folklore: Facing and Expressing the Past" (Musashino Art Publishing Bureau/2022) and "Folklore: Public Studies: Learning and Practicing for Oneself" (Musashino Art Publishing Bureau/2025).