The first fans came from China; the earliest known Chinese fans are a pair of woven bamboo side-mounted fans which was dated back to the 2nd century BC. The flat fans were used in China as a means of creating breeze, especially during the hot summer months.
The folding fans, on the other hand, were invented in Japan. Japanese folding fans or “sensu” is an important part of the Japanese culture. It has been used in Japan since the 7th century, and is still a unique handicraft in Japan until today. In the 13th century, these folding fans were exported to China. Finally, the fans reached Europe and became prized possessions of European royals. Today, folding fans of various shapes, sizes, and designs are used all over the world for different purposes.  You can even buy a custom made sensu that you can be proud of.

The folding fans originated and developed specifically in the city of Kyoto in Japan. It became popular at the court and was called “Akomeogi. No one would ever have guessed that the ones precious and expensive fans that were only owned by Japanese politicians and nobles are now slowly degrading as they have been replaced by technological advancements such as the electric fans and air-conditioning systems. Geishas value their fans which are sometimes given to them as gifts, and use them during their performances. Even until today, fan dances remain popular in Asian culture.
Among the many uses of the Japanese “sensu”, its use as a weapon is probably the most interesting. In feudal Japan, war fans were used by the legendary Samurai warriors. In China and Korea, fans are also used in martial arts either for offense or defense.
There are three types of war fans: gunsen, tessen, and gunbai or gunpai. Gunsen were typical folding fans used by warriors for the simple purpose of cooling themselves. Tessen, on the other hand, were folding fans that may look like any other fan from the outside but are actually designed with outer spokes made of heavy iron plates. These weapons were carried by the warriors to b used when needed in places where swords or other weapons were not allowed. Finally, gunbai were large open fans made of iron, metal with wooden core, or solid wood. These were carried only by high-ranking officials and used to defend themselves against flying arrows or to signal their troops.
Today, Japanese folding fans are no longer used in warfare or in courts. However, they still remain as mediums where artisans can show off their unique designs. These fans are still important in modern Japanese culture and are sometimes given as gifts during special occasions.