Fans Fans Fans!

A variety of manual and battery operated fans available at one of my neighborhood 100 yen stores.

    In preparation for my family's upcoming summer road trip, I have spent the last few weeks checking out the selection of personal fanning devices available at the 100 yen stores in my area. For just 100 yen, there is a surprisingly large variety of options though they generally fall into three categories: 

1) Folding Hand Fan

    The traditional folding fan, sometimes called sensu or ougi, is easy to use, as well as stylish and fun in its own way and works really well if you're planning on wearing a yukata or kimono. While I have bought many of these over the years, I find them more useful as souvenirs for people who live far away than as an actual cooling device. In addition to the exhaustion that fanning with this type inflicts upon my wrist (which may be the same or worse for sufferers of carpal tunnel), part of my reluctance is owing to having a small child in my home who has personally and completely accidentally destroyed no fewer than five of these fans in her short years. Quality is frequently an issue with the 100 yen store products of most kinds, so she is not completely at fault, but it still makes this not my first choice for fanning. What's the point in picking one you like if you'll just have to throw it away the day after your kid finds it?

Plus: Portable and pretty

Minus: Easy to break, exhausts wrist

2) Manual Hand Fan

    A step up from the previous, these plastic creations employ a trigger mechanism or small crank to turn a small fan blade in or on the fan. It's useful enough and doesn't exhaust the wrist the same way the folding fans do, but the shape can be cumbersome and frequent use can cause blisters, callouses, and hand cramps. Since these are frequently adorable, they can be a good choice for rambunctious children who can tire their hands instead of complaining about the heat.

Plus: Cute, easy to use

Minus: Blisters/cramps, hard plastic bulk

3) Battery Operated

    Smaller than the manual version but heavier than the folding fans, these products are easy enough to use and portable enough to enjoy with no threats to hand or wrist. As most modern models have floppier plastic/rubber blades, these aren't even too uncomfortable to keep in a pocket, provided the on button can remain un-pushed. The big downside here is the battery usage. If replacing the battery and disposing of the old one bothers you, this is the wrong product on this list for you. If used with rechargeable batteries, this fan wouldn't have too much of a negative environmental impact. Still, if you're planning on using the fan frequently over a long trip, packing spare batteries may be imperative. Otherwise, either of the other fans is a better bet.

Plus: No hand/wrist damage, small

Minus: Battery usage


    However you choose to keep yourself cool this summer, stay safe and out of the sun when possible.

    What is your favorite fanning device?