The history of Edo Tsumami Kanzashi (ornamental hairpins) in Japan dates back approximately 3000 years, and these beautiful ornaments continue to be made in Tokyo and the Chiba region today. To make Edo Tsumami-Kanzashi, small squares of dyed silk are cut, pinched, and folded using traditional tsumami (pinching) techniques, then attached to a pasteboard coated with rice starch to create petals, flowers, cranes, or other shapes. The finished ornaments are then attached to hairpins using very fine silk twine.

Originally, Tsumami Kanzashi were worn as a charm against evil spirits, based on an ancient belief that hairpins held magical powers. Today, they are worn with kimono on special occasions such as New Year celebrations, Shichigosan (seven-five-three festival), ceremonial dances, and weddings.