Have you ever seen a teru teru bōzu in Japan or in an anime? This little doll is a seasonal tradition that has been around for decades. People hang teru teru bōzu to wish for sunny weather, especially during the rainy season. Let’s explore this charming custom and its story.
Table of Contents
For more information on other Japanese seasonal customs, please refer to the article below.
Chapter 1: What Is Teru Teru Bozu?
From early June to mid-July, Japan enters its rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨). During this time, it’s common to see small handmade dolls called teru teru bōzu (てるてる坊主) hanging outside windows. The word “teru” means “to shine,” and “bōzu” refers to a monk—together, the name means “shine shine monk.” These little weather charms are made to wish for clear skies and to keep the rain away. Children often make them out of tissues or cloth and hang them up the day before school trips, sports days, or other special events. It’s a simple, heartfelt tradition that captures the hope for sunshine during Japan’s wettest season.
Chapter 2: The Origin and Folklore Behind Teru Teru Bozu.
In Japan, many children first encounter teru teru bōzu in preschool, making the little dolls as part of seasonal crafts. It’s a tradition that feels familiar from a young age. The custom dates back more than a century—one early example appears in an 1852 ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, which shows a woman offering sake to a teru teru bōzu, almost like making a wish. While widely seen as a Japanese tradition, its origins may actually lie in ancient China. One theory connects it to a folk tale about Saoqingniang (掃晴娘), a girl who gave her life to stop the rain and save her village from flooding. People began making paper dolls in her image to pray for clear skies. Over time, this practice likely made its way to Japan, where it took on new meaning and became the teru teru bōzu—small, handmade charms filled with hope for sunshine.
Chapter 3: Lyrics and Meaning of the Teru Teru Bozu Song
One of the most nostalgic parts of the teru teru bōzu tradition is the song that goes along with it. Often sung by children the night before a school event or outing, the “Teru Teru Bōzu” song is a gentle tune that asks the little doll to bring clear skies the next day. The lyrics begin with a hopeful wish for sunshine, but by the final verse, the tone shifts slightly, reflecting the bittersweet charm often found in traditional Japanese children’s songs.
Source: Uta-Net
Japanese
Teru teru bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Itsuka no yume no sora no yō ni
Haretara kin no suzu ageyō
Teru teru bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Watashi no negai o kiita nara
Amai osake wo tanto nomimashō
Teru teru bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Sore de mo kumotte naitetara
Sonata no kubi o chon to kiru zo
English
Teru teru bozu, teru bozu
Please make tomorrow a sunny day
Like the sky in a dream I once had
If it’s sunny, I’ll give you a golden bell
Teru teru bozu, teru bozu
Please make tomorrow a sunny day
If you grant my wish
We’ll drink lots of sweet sake together
Teru teru bozu, teru bozu
Please make tomorrow a sunny day
But if it’s cloudy and you cry
I’ll snip off your head, just like that
Chapter 4: How to Make a Teru Teru Bōzu
Step 1: Prepare the materials
You’ll need:
2 tissues (or a piece of white cloth and some cotton)
String, rubber band, or thread
A black marker
Optional: scissors and thread for hanging
Step 2: Make the head
Crumple one tissue into a small ball (or use a cotton ball). This will be the doll’s head.
Step 3: Wrap the head
Place the ball in the center of the second tissue or white cloth. Gently wrap it around the ball to form a head and let the bottom hang loosely like a robe.
Step 4: Tie the neck
Secure the neck of the doll by tying a string or rubber band just under the head. Now you have the basic shape of the teru teru bōzu.
Step 5: Draw the face
Use a marker to draw a cute face on the head. Traditionally, some people wait to draw the face after the weather wish comes true!
Step 6: Hang it up
Tie a piece of thread to the top of the head and hang the doll outside your window, on your balcony, or near the entrance—facing the sky.
Chapter 5: Teru Teru Bōzu in Modern Japanese Culture
In Japan, the image of a teru teru bōzu is practically synonymous with rainy days. During the rainy season (tsuyu), it’s not uncommon to see themed products and events inspired by this little weather doll popping up around the country.
At Takano Fruit Parlour, a popular fruit shop and cafe in Shinjuku Takashimaya, a cute teru teru bōzu parfait is sold in June. This colorful fruit dessert is made to cheer people up on rainy days and adds a fun touch to the season.
Source: TAKANO CO.,LTD
Outdoor brand LOGOS also puts a fun spin on the tradition. Their teru teru bōzu-inspired lantern is made for rainy-day camping trips. It lights up in 16 different colors and comes with a fabric cover that kids can decorate themselves—making it a perfect family-friendly activity when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Even hot spring resorts join in. At Jozankei HanaMomiji, a scenic onsen in Hokkaido’s Jozankei National Park, a teru teru bōzu event is held from May 12 to June 30. Guests can make their own colorful dolls and hang them with wishes for clear skies, turning a simple childhood craft into a meaningful seasonal experience.
From desserts to decor and family outings, teru teru bōzu remains a beloved symbol in Japan—bringing a bit of sunshine to even the rainiest of days.
Source: Jozankei HanaMomiji
