Letters to the Editor
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Another tidbit from Japan
I was happy to see all of the comments regarding the handkerchief in Japan.
I'm a long term resident of Japan, and it took me a while to get into the habit of carrying a hanky. I sometimes still forget.
I prefer to carry a "tenugui." The tenugui is a Japanese towel which, folded properly, can be used as a hanky, but is much much more.
For example, it can be opened up further for use as a small towel at the hotsprings, for drying dishes, as a bandana for headcover during work in the field, wall decoration, wrapping for gifts, etc. They are also machine washable.
The tenugui's versatility and reusability define its utility, but the marvelous patterns and designs define its charm!
Designs include motivational slogans (so students can wear them as headbands during long study sessions or sporting events), nature-based patterns (including the "asa no ha," or "hemp leaf"), and poems in calligraphy. I just saw one recently that depicted all of the traditional uses of the tenugui (it seems where and how they were tied used to convey social status, among other things)!
In summary, an attractive versatile piece of cloth that has its own story is not only fun to carry, but also can help decrease usage of our limited natural resources.