Japanese hand fans are a traditional accessory that has been used in Japan for over a thousand years. They are typically made of a bamboo frame with a paper or silk covering that is decorated with various designs such as landscapes, flowers, or calligraphy.

There are many different types of fans, including folding fans, which are compact and can easily fit into a purse or pocket, and larger non-folding fans, which are often used in performances. Some fans have a unique shape or design, such as the "uchiwa" fan, which has a round shape and is often used for advertising or political campaigns.