Kanazawa is home to many traditional crafts that have been passed down since the time of the Kaga Domain. While gold leaf and Kutani ware are well-known, "Kaga Kebari," artificial lures used for ayu (sweetfish) fishing, is also one of Kanazawa's representative traditional crafts.

Meboso Hachirobei Shoten is a long-established shop that has been making needles for over 450 years, since its founding in 1575, before the Kaga Maeda clan established their castle town. They sell traditional "Kaga Kebari" (traditional Japanese fly fishing needles) and "Meboso Needles," sewing needles designed for ease of use, as well as accessories that complement modern life, and they also offer hands-on experiences that showcase the charm of this tradition.

The history of needle making rooted in Kanazawa

"Mehoshi Hachirobei Shoten" is a long-established store specializing in needles, a rarity in Japan.

The shop's signature product, the "Meboso Needle," is characterized by its ease of use—it's easy to thread and glides smoothly through fabric. Its user-friendliness has made it a favorite among many for years, and it's cherished as a familiar craft item that allows you to experience Kanazawa's traditions in your daily life.

Particular attention was paid to the design of the needle's eye, and it is said that its high quality was so highly regarded that the lord of the Kaga domain bestowed upon it the name "Meboso" (meaning "fine-eyed").

It is said that in the past, people visiting Higashi Betsuin Temple used the shop as a landmark, and the street where the shop is located is still called "Meboso Street." The fact that the name remains in the town's name even after many years speaks to the depth of the shop's history, which has walked hand in hand with the community. Currently, the 20th generation owner, Yuji Meboso, is upholding the shop's legacy.

The craftsmanship embodied in a single fishing fly.

The shop also displays beautifully colored "Kaga flies."

"Kebari" are a type of artificial lure used in fishing, made by wrapping bird feathers or other materials around a hook to imitate insects. Among them, "Kaga Kebari," used for ayu (sweetfish) fishing, are characterized by their delicate colors and designs, possessing the beauty of a work of art while being a practical tool.

The reason why "Mehoshi Hachirobei Shoten" started making "Kaga Kebari" (Kaga fishing flies) was because they began manufacturing fishing hooks, utilizing their needle-making techniques.

Kaga fishing flies flourished during the Edo period. Kanazawa, ruled by the Maeda family of Kaga Province (which controlled a million koku of rice production), was strictly monitored by the shogunate, and actively practicing martial arts could lead to suspicion of rebellion. As a result, river fishing became a popular pastime for samurai, and along with it, the techniques for making fishing flies were refined.

Furthermore, during the Meiji era, fishing became popular among ordinary people, and many craftsmen competed to showcase their skills.

In recent years, the number of people who enjoy ayu fishing has decreased, and opportunities to encounter "Kaga Kebari" (traditional Japanese fishing flies) have also decreased. Therefore, as a new initiative to pass on traditional crafts to the future, Mehoshi Hachirobei Shoten has started producing feather accessories inspired by "Kaga Kebari".

The feather accessories were born from a customer's comment: "These are so pretty, could you make them into accessories?"

"This is a fantastic idea," says Shinichi Meboso, the 19th generation of the family. He began working on creating brooches that showcase the beauty of Kaga fishing flies, and from there, new products such as necklaces and earrings were born.

A brooch-making experience to remember your trip

At "Mehoshi Hachirobei Shoten," you can experience making brooches using the techniques of "Kaga Kebari" (Kaga fishing flies).

The materials used are natural dyes made from feathers that have fallen naturally from birds such as guinea fowl. You choose about seven feathers of different colors and sizes, and then decide on the design while considering the combination and arrangement.

One of the charms of this experience is the time spent choosing and combining your favorite feathers while imagining the finished product. Many people take their time to carefully consider the combinations, paying attention to the colors and balance.

Once the design is decided, the feathers are attached to the fly rod body and secured with adhesive at the base. The process is simple, and the final finishing touches are done by the staff, so even beginners can participate with confidence.

You can take your finished brooch home with you. This one-of-a-kind piece is perfect as a souvenir of your visit to Kanazawa, or as a gift for someone special.

A long-established company's challenge to connect tradition to the future

Shinichi Mehoshi, the 19th generation owner, says, "Tradition cannot be sustained simply by being preserved. I believe it is important to pass it on in a new form that is in line with the times."

We are also focusing on new initiatives that are relevant to modern life, such as developing accessories using "Kaga Kebari" (traditional Japanese fly fishing techniques) and conducting experiential programs.

We conduct outreach classes at nearby elementary schools, providing children with an opportunity to feel closer to traditional crafts by making corsages to wear at their graduation ceremonies. These activities embody our desire to pass on skills and culture to the next generation.

Under the leadership of the 20th generation owner, Yuji Mehoshi, the family business is carrying on tradition while also focusing on developing new products. The shop is filled with items that you'll want to pick up, such as pincushions shaped like hedgehogs and playful pins featuring motifs of Kanazawa's oden and Japanese sweets.

The needle-making techniques that have been nurtured in Kanazawa for over 450 years will continue to thrive in people's lives in new forms, while preserving tradition.

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目細八郎兵衛商店 
電話：076-231-6371 
住所：石川県金沢市安江町11-35 
アクセス：JR金沢駅から武蔵ヶ辻方面へ徒歩約10分　車・タクシーで5分 
HP：https://meboso.shop-pro.jp/ 
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