Why not Get The Iconic Wooden Fish Drum (Mokugyo) at the Temple? Great Items for Japanese Temple Lovers!

There are a lot of people who fall in love with the charm of Japanese temples after visiting them. This article, I’ll introduce suitable items for them from “Oterabu™”, which is a club by the mail-order company “Felissimo”, which specializes in unique products for temple enthusiasts.

Soft and Comfortable! Mokugyo-Shaped Cushion

This cushion is inspired by the large object called “mokugyo (wooden fish drum)” which is often seen in temples. Filled generously with stuffing, it boasts a plump and charming silhouette. The ultra-soft and squishy texture was so soft we wanted to touch it for a long time.

price：¥4,620（Approx. $31）

It has a zippered pocket, so it’s useful for storing small items. The stylish woody color is perfect for your interior décor!

It truly looks just like a “mokugyo” (wooden fish drum)! The fluffy and squishy texture is so addictive. It’s good for relaxing both your body and mind, and it melts away fatigue.

★ Detail more here!

What is a “Mokugyo”?

The mokugyo (wooden fish drum) is a Buddhist ritual implement that traces its origins to the Muromachi period, when “wooden noisemakers” were used in temples as a signal to gather people. That one is also said to have been inspired by the “gyoban”, a similar instrument introduced to Japan in the early Edo period by the Chinese Zen master Ingen.

Striking the mokugyo during sutra chanting helps maintain rhythm and also serves to keep practitioners awake. The fish-like design of the one is thought to symbolize the belief that “fish never sleep”, as they are said to keep their eyes open even while resting.

The intricate “ryuto gyoshin” is designed by two dragons facing each other on a fish’s body, and is linked to the Chinese legend of the “Dragon Gate”, where fish transform into dragons. The jewel held in the dragon’s mouth represents human desires and attachments, which are metaphorically released when the mokugyo is struck.

Temple and Buddhism-Inspired Patterns! Decorative Design PaperI also recommend

“Design Paper” in the “Oterabu™” collection. These A4-sized sheets feature motifs inspired by Buddhist and temple-related designs, such as Housouge (treasure floral arabesque), Hōju (sacred jewel), and Shippō (seven treasures). It’s good for adding a touch of elegance with a traditional flair!

Price: ¥1,320 per set per month (Approx. $9)

The A4 size can be arranged and easy to use. For example, you can transform it into a book cover or gift wrap as is, or cut it into smaller pieces to create “pochibukuro (small gift envelopes)” or triangular packaging.

Designs

– Yoraku (Buddhist ceremonial ornaments), Shippō (Seven treasures pattern), Bushukan (Buddha’s hand citrus), Mokugyo (Wooden fish drum), Jaki (Demonic creatures in Buddhist art)

– Hasu, Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva), Hōju (Sacred Jewel), Buddha Statues, Sayagata (Traditional interlocking key pattern)

– Karesansui (Japanese rock garden), Tatewaku (Rising steam pattern), Hōrin (Dharma Wheel), Hōsōge (Treasure floral arabesque), Animals

They are very Japanese and beautifully designed papers. It’s also a nice idea to frame them as a room interior good.

★ Detail more here!

* All prices include tax.