Japanese Culture

Summers in Japan are famously hot and humid, and for centuries, the Japanese have found creative ways to make the season feel a little cooler. One such tradition is the furin, or Japanese wind chime.

A furin is a small ornament that produces sound when it catches the wind. Often hung from the eaves of a house, it has a strip of paper called a tanzaku that sways in the breeze. As it moves, the clapper attached to the string strikes the body—made of glass, metal, or ceramic—creating a clear, soothing tone.

This refreshing sound not only brings a sense of coolness on a hot summer day, but in the past, it was also believed to ward off evil spirits. People thought that those who lived within earshot of a wind chime’s sound would be protected from misfortune. Today, some even say that the sound can stimulate alpha brain waves, promoting relaxation.

Furin come in many materials and designs, each offering its own unique tone. At summer festivals and sightseeing spots, you can often see rows of colorful wind chimes swaying in the breeze, filling the air with their delicate music.

During Japan’s humid summer, take a moment to enjoy the coolness you can hear—the sound of the furin.