Isuke Nakano is a purveyor of traditional Buddhist prayer beads that has been in business for 240 years in Kyoto, where 90% of these beads are produced nationwide.
Founded in 1764, the company is the oldest of its kind in Kyoto.
Today, Keisuke Nakano, the 10th generation heir to the business, is pursuing a range of new challenges for the company.
This shop first opened for business in Kyoto in 1764.
It is the oldest bead shop of its kind in Kyoto.
After Buddhism reached Japan, the use of rosary beads as a ritual implement was kept as a sacred rite of temples and passed down internally. Therefore, shops plying their trade in production of these beads only first emerged in the 18th century.
These beads are sacred implements the materials, shape, and production methods of which are set down in detail in the sacred Buddhist texts.
The oldest extant set of beads today is housed at the Shosoin Repository at Todai-ji Temple, and the form used in beads today remains unchanged from that time, produced entirely by hand even in today's age of machinery.
Each of the beads represents human worldly desires, and the string of beads is said to protect the wearer.
We encourage you to treat these beads, which we have produced carefully by hand, with the utmost care.
Isuke Nakano's vision as a nenju brand
In some sense, the traditional crafts and religious implements we carry are beginning to go by the wayside under the crush of the wave of modernity.
At the same time, however, we are seeing a trend toward young people taking an interest in older things and wanting to safeguard their roots.
Prayer beads emerged approximately 2,500 years ago and were introduced by Shakyamuni as a way of bringing salvation to the dark times people faced under famine, war, and other adversity. Today, that role remains fundamentally unchanged.
Holding beads in one's hand was said to calm the mind and help avoid conflict, fostering peace and in turn leading to a good harvest.
In this way, prayer beads became a sort of protective charm.
In today's modern age of social unrest and anxiety, it is our hope that Kyoto nenju may serve as an aid to ease people's hearts and minds.
Initiatives being taken by Kyoto's Isuke Nakano
We reuse wood sourced from the mountains behind temples to produce some of our beads.
Line up
juzu beads
The shop carries a wide variety of juzu beads.Naturally, customization is also available for various needs, so please do not hesitate to inquire.
Bracelets
Today, Buddhist beads have transformed from a ritual implement to a part of modern fashion. Worn on the arm or neck, they serve as a protective amulet or charm.
Cat collars
Today, Buddhist beads have transformed from a ritual implement to a part of modern fashion. Worn on the arm or neck, they serve as a protective amulet or charm.
