Cranes feel at home with us when passing through. In autumn, large flocks of these wonderful birds can be seen on the harvested fields, especially in the north of the country. Their impressive silhouette is often blurred in the autumn fog, but their piercing screams leave no doubt as to their presence.

When my forefathers or fathers established the crane as a heraldic animal in 1888, it was the symbol of vigilant care and civic responsibility:

“At night time the cranes post guards holding up a small stone with one foot. If they let it fall when they are sleepy, their carelessness will be revealed. The other cranes sleep, shifting from one foot to the other, their heads tucked under a wing.”

Long before this time, the crane was considered a messenger of good luck and a good omen in many cultures: In Bhutan they are called "birds of heaven" and carry the souls of the deceased to heaven. In Japan, anyone who folds 1000 origami cranes gets a wish from the gods, which is why paper cranes are still given out there for birthdays and weddings. And the unique dance of the cranes is emulated by priestesses in Korea and Hokkaido as a life-giving ritual. Vigilance is particularly important when populists from all corners of society are trying to bring their divisive thoughts to the people and thus increase their influence.

So for us there is quite a bit of symbolism and desire in the little embroidery that many of our pieces have.

We wish you happiness and a long life from the bottom of our hearts, and take good care of yourself and everything that is important to you.