Japanese Palm Brooms − Kane'ichi

For more than 70 years, Yoji Fukami has been crafting beautiful, functional Shuro, or hemp palm, brushes and brooms in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. He first developed hemp-palm rope from natural hemp-palm bark fibers at his home in the 1950s, and has since dedicated himself to the continued production of these time-honored domestic tools, both personally and through a craftsman training program aimed at “preserving the art of broom making … to ensure the continuity of this traditional craftsmanship.”

Legend says that the first palm seeds were brought to Japan by a monk who traveled to China 1,200 years ago and planted them in a temple in Wakayama. With warm and temperate weather, the region is the ideal climate for hemp palm to flourish. The bark fibers are naturally flexible, soft, strong, and water-resistant, boasting a unique ability to pick up dust, hair, and other small debris. The fibers also contain natural oils that leave a distinctive glow in the wake of their use on floors and surfaces.

With an unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest materials and employing skilled artisans, Fukami creates a range of products that are both beautiful to look at and a joy to use. For each creation, fibers are carefully hand-bundled into rolls and then wrapped tightly with copper wire in a process that takes years to perfect. Functional and environmentally sustainable, these quality handcrafted hand brushes, kitchen scrubbers, and household brooms can beautify your home, both in look and function, for years to come.

Care:

• Before each use, gently shake the broom or rinse with water to rid the bristles of debris.
• Always hang the broom by the rope attached to the end of the handle when not in use. Avoid placing it on the floor, as the bristles will crease and make it difficult to sweep.

How to wash the broom:

• Place the broom in running water and gently comb the bristles of the broom with your fingers or a scrubbing brush.
• Hang the broom to dry in an area with plentiful airflow. Avoid placing it in the sun.

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