Otafuku Brings Hapiness

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Do you know about “Otafuku”? Otafuku is the Japanese traditional mask and warmly watching everyone. We can see her on the walls of houses, restaurants, and stores in Japan. Actually Grandma put it on the wall in my house. Otafuku has chubby cheeks, tiny red mouth, and smile. We call mumps “Otafuku disease” because cheeks swell. Otafuku’s face is funny and behind the times rather than beautiful, but we feel happy when we see her. I didn’t know she has meanings although I came from Japan. According to a book about Otafuku, in the very beginning, the dance and laughter of a goddess who was called “Ame no Uzume no Mikoto” solved the problem of masculine force to restore order to the world. The earliest myth about the founding of Japan shows us the power of a woman’s dance and humor. Ame no Uzume no Mikoto means Otafuku. Otafuku, who has mystery and brightness, is the symbol which stands for all women. Today Otafuku is used for festivals and celebrations. I think lots of Japanese people love Otafuku and we willcherish her forever.

Research NotesAMY KATO, Otafuku –Joy of Japan, Tuttle Pub, 2005