Fabric banners play an important part in the life of Japan. They are used as signs for stores,
they welcome people, they celebrate the "coming of age" of boys and girls. They brighten festivals,
decorate the entrances of stores and restaurants, they beacon you to buy or sell. They have a warm and
dramaticaffect, and with their "kanji", or Japanese characters, they lend an exotic flavor and become a
work of art untoitself. They are colorful, often whimsical, and always beautiful. They are one of the best
and most economical forms ofJapanese Art that you can buy. You can hang it on your wall, cover a doorway,
make it into a bedspread or something to wear. Most of the banners featured are in either cotton or silk.
