[Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture] Make a wish on the local toy "Akabeko" and learn about its meaning as a lucky charm and the decorations

Akabeko is one of the representative local toys of Fukushima Prefecture. Akabeko has been loved for many years as a traditional lucky charm and a character representing Fukushima Prefecture. In recent years, various goods with Akabeko as a motif have also been sold.

In this article, we will explain the origin of Akabeko and its meaning as a lucky charm. I would be happy if I could tell you about the nostalgic yet new charm of Akabeko.

What is Fukushima Prefecture's local toy "Akabeko"?

Akabeko is a local toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. Beko means cow in the Tohoku region. In other words, Akabeko, as its name suggests, is shaped like a red cow.

Akabeko has long been considered a talisman to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, but now it is also famous as a souvenir symbolizing Fukushima Prefecture.

Akabeko is characterized by its red-based pattern, rounded form, and swaying neck. When you poke his neck with your finger, he nods lazily and continues to move his head up and down.

What is the origin of Akabeko?

There are various theories about the origin of Akabeko, one of which is the Akabeko legend that is passed down in Yanaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture.

In 1611, a large earthquake struck the Aizu region, and a temple called Kokuzodo in Yanaizu Town was also severely damaged. A large number of cows were gathered to rebuild the damaged main hall, but the work was difficult on the steep cliffs.

Then, a herd of strong red-haired cows appears out of nowhere and helps the cows who are having a hard time. It seems that the main hall was successfully rebuilt.

Because of its appearance, the red cow was considered a symbol of good health and good fortune, and it is said that it was affectionately known as Akabeko.

What is the wish contained in Akabeko?

Akabeko's characteristic body pattern has the meaning of warding off evil spirits and pestilence.

Akabeko's red has been considered to ward off illness since ancient times. The black and white patterns drawn on its body represent the scars left by the healing of smallpox, an epidemic.

In the past, smallpox was a deadly disease that caused many deaths around the world. The Aizu region is no exception. In order to protect children from this smallpox, it is said that each household displayed an akabeko, which would take the disease as a scapegoat and cure the disease.

In other words, akabeko contains the wish for the family to stay healthy.

Where can I buy Akabeko?

Akabeko can be purchased at craft stores and roadside stations in Fukushima Prefecture. In particular, Nishiaizu Town is famous as a major production area, as Nozawa Folk Crafts Nozawa Mingeiten produces a variety of papier-mâché toys in addition to the regular Akabeko. There are brightly colored beko and animal-shaped awari-kohoshi. We also have an online shop, so why not take a look?

There are also facilities mainly in the Aizu region where you can try painting Akabeko. When visiting Fukushima Prefecture, making an original Akabeko as a souvenir of your trip will be a great memory.

Various Akabeko goods are on sale

In recent years, Akabeko has been treated as a symbol of Fukushima Prefecture, and various goods are sold there. There are many items such as T-shirts and hats that have cutely deformed Akabeko drawn on them.

What has become a hot topic in recent years the divine beast Beko . You can get palm-sized figures from Gachapon for 300 yen each. The figure is a mix of Akabeko and various divine beasts from all over the world, such as Cerberus and Yamata no Orochi, and is full of cuteness and humor. They are so popular among Fukushima residents that you can't help but want to have them. Gacha machines are installed at roadside stations in Fukushima Prefecture, so if you see one, be sure to pick one up.

summary

This time we introduced Akabeko in Fukushima Prefecture. Akabeko has been loved since ancient times as a lucky charm to ward off epidemics. That spirit continues to live on even today, and they are displayed in homes with the hope that families will live in good health. And from now on, Akabeko will continue to play an active role as a character representing Fukushima Prefecture. When you visit Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to check out Akabeko goods.