In Aizu, the westernmost region of Fukushima Prefecture, handcrafted charms like the Kazaguruma, or windmill, have been displayed on household altars since ancient times to pray for safety, health, and prosperity in the new year. This tradition is said to have begun about 400 years ago when Kamo Ujisato, the lord of Aizu at the time, had his idle samurai make them during the New Year period. Inscribed with the wish "May you always work energetically," the windmill spins around and is considered a lucky charm that represents prosperity in business. In the past, local merchants would compete by putting up large windmills to celebrate the New Year.