The Red Cow of Resilience

Jan 31, 2025

「EP.07」赤べこ

AKABEKO
Fukushima Prefecture

「transcript」

Akabeko is one of Japan’s most cherished traditional crafts, easily recognized for its bright red body and bobbing head. But it’s more than just a cute souvenir. Akabeko has a story of resilience and protection that goes back over 1,200 years!

Here’s the legend: back in the 9th century, during the construction of Enzō-ji Temple in Aizu, a red cow appeared out of nowhere and carried heavy materials to the site. While other cows couldn’t handle the job, this red cow kept going until the work was done. Its determination made it a symbol of strength, health, and good fortune. Fast forward a few centuries, and artisans began crafting Akabeko using Hariko—a papier-mâché technique brought from Kyoto—to honor this incredible story.

Crafting an Akabeko starts with wooden molds to shape the body. Strips of wet washi paper are carefully layered on, with glue applied to form a lightweight yet sturdy structure. After drying, the molds are removed, and the figure gets a fresh coat of vibrant red paint with bold black patterns. Finally, The head is attached separately to give it that iconic bobbing motion. Each Akabeko is unique, with different artisans putting their own spin on it. No two are exactly the same!

These Akabeko will be passed along through generations as a talisman in households, believed to fight off illnesses. There’s even a legend that homes with Akabeko were spared during smallpox outbreaks, which were fatal to children.

For centuries, Akabeko has been a household talisman, believed to protect against illnesses. There’s even a legend that children of homes with Akabeko were spared during smallpox outbreaks. Pretty awesome, right?

Fast forward to today, and Akabeko is still going strong! During the pandemic, sales skyrocketed—five times higher than before COVID—as people turned to this trusty red cow to protect their homes. Whether you pick one up as a souvenir or keep it in your home for good luck, Akabeko is proof that some stories—and traditions—never go out of style.

*The assets featured here are the work of their rightful creators, credited below