Akabeko - the Legendary Red Cow

Today’s Japanese culture video is about Akabeko.
Akabeko is a traditional toy from the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture.
AKA means red. And BEKO means cow in the Tohoku dialect of northeastern Japan.
The toys are made from paper-mache or wood and consist of two pieces: the head and the body. Children can enjoy painting the pieces however they like.
The head is attached to the body with a string, allowing it to bob up and down and swing side to side.
According to legend, Akabeko are based on a real cow that assisted in the construction of the Enzo-ji temple in the Yanaizu region of Fukushima Prefecture.
What do you think about Akabeko? Would you like to try making your own?
Be sure to follow the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville on Facebook and Instagram for more features on Japanese culture.

[@JakeSmith-mq5dc]

Thank you for making this. It was informative.

[@darcktatu2]

Wonderful! Haha. Congratulations! =)

[@samirSch]

I came here because of Ushi lol, although I've seem these toys here in Brazil (which has the 2nd larguest japanese community outside Japan), though none of it was red.