Marutora "Tiger" bamboo is a rare type of bamboo found only in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Marutora bamboo is like other bamboo on the inside - strong, flexible and versatile - but, on the outside, it is dappled yellow and green, giving the impression of a wild jungle cat!

Marutora "Tiger" bamboo is highly prized here in Kochi Prefecture for its unique and interesting appearance. Japanese houses almost always have a "traditional room" decorated with old-fashioned Japanese fine art, folk crafts and religious iconography. Tiger bamboo helps set this perfect, peaceful mood in any home.

More than that, bamboo is well-known as a versatile and strong product. For centuries it has been used as a building material, for weaving, for making toys, and even as a makeshift weapon in times of conflict. Bamboo is perhaps the most important plant in all of Asia!

Marutora Bamboo crafts cover a wide range of items such as:

Bamboo Sandals Bamboo Chopsticks

Traditional basketsTraditional mats for sittingMats for floors Bamboo Kitchen UtensilsModern desk and office suppliesChopsticks and chopstick holdersNapkin ringsTraditional fansSandalsTraditional Japanese toysCrafts, trinkets and folk artLacquered Bamboo craftsRaw bamboo crafts

Traditional Japanese Baskets Lacquered baskets and desk supplies

Traditional Japanese Fans