The traditional Japanese kanzashi hairpin is usually an elaborate affair meant to be worn in the hair when donning a kimono or yukata. Intricately detailed and beautiful, they’re like Japan’s answer to the corsage. But these particular kanzashi may just be too beautiful to ever wear at all on account of directing all the attention away from your kimono.
Sakae, a kanzashi specialty manufacturer, makes each kanzashi by hand from colored glass that’s been melted down and coated in resin to prevent breakage – and lord knows you wouldn’t want one of these shattering into a thousand pieces in your hair.
If you’re interested in purchasing your very own kanzashi from Sakae, then I’m afraid we have some bad news for you. Like so many other cool things from Japan, they’re not available for shipment outside of the country. But if you happen to live here, or are visiting on a whirlwind otaku tour like this guy, you can put an order in at Sakae’s official website.
Source: Otonarisoku
Photos: Sakae Blog
Upgrade your hairpin arsenal with Japanese kanzashi shaped like samurai swords and rifles
Style that slays – Japanese fashion brand Mayla creates gorgeous Demon Slayer hair accessory line
New hair pins let you look like you’ve been stabbed in the head with a classic Japanese icon
Beautiful, spongy soft modern Japanese sandals give you geta style without the traditional pain
Beautiful line of Kimono Pouches let you add traditional Japanese style to any outfit
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
9+3=12? Nope, that’s wrong, says Japanese kid’s elementary school, thanks to “cherry calculation”
Don Quijote now sells a bento of American corn dog ends
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Sayonara Heisei Brows: Japanese makeup video takes us through an era of eyebrow beauty trends