Eye-Catching and Instagrammable! DIY Fan Ideas for Sports Day

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

Uchiwa fans have become a staple item at events like sports days, athletic festivals, and cultural festivals in recent years.

They originally took off as cheering and fan goods for idols, and these days you can get almost all the materials at 100-yen shops, making them easy to DIY!

In this article, we’re sharing handmade uchiwa ideas that are perfect for sports day cheering.

From standard designs to more elaborate ones, we’ve got lots of examples—so chat with your friends or classmates and create standout, photo-worthy cute uchiwa!

[Eye-Catching and Instagrammable!] Handmade Uchiwa Fan Ideas for Sports Day (21–30)

Puffy Letter Uchiwa

@mii86851
Puffy Name Uchiwa Full-Size Data ¥400 ♡ ̖́- This is our image data product [Puffy Name Uchiwa Full Size]!! It’s designed with a puffy-looking effect, but the actual item is printed on paper, so it isn’t physically puffy. Our shop sells data only, so the product is provided as image data. After purchase, you can print it at home or at a convenience store and cut off the margins to use it. Since it’s data, you can download it right after purchase, making it great for those short on time ૮ ̳ᴗ ̫ ᴗ ̳ა‪‪❤︎‬ All printed examples in the video are Lawson Network Print, Enlarged Print A3 size. For details, purchasing existing products, or placing orders, please contact us on Instagram @mii_dateshop or via our official LINE ♡ ̖́- You can also find our online shop link on Instagram and official LINE. We have more existing products beyond what’s shown in the video, and we plan to add many more ᕱ⑅ᕱ♡ Please take a look σ̴̶̷̤ . σ̴̶̷̤ ♡Name uchiwa #fan service uchiwa Johnny's I want to connect with Johnny’s fans #IWantToConnectWithNaniFamu #NaniwaDanshi #IWantToConnectWithSnowManFans #SnowMan
♪ Isn't it enough to be just cute? – First Chorus – CUTIE STREET

Why not try making a fan using cute, puffy 3D-style lettering? It’s not actually three-dimensional; it just looks 3D thanks to the design, so you won’t have trouble carrying the fan around.

You’ll need a design app to create it, but the process itself isn’t very difficult.

If you can’t get the app, you could also find a service to make it for you.

This idea is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out cutely more than anyone else.

Give it a try if you’d like!

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Feathered fan

If you want a uchiwa fan that’s a little different from the rest, how about adding wings to it? This idea features three-dimensional angel wings attached to the fan.

In fact, balloons like that are actually sold.

When you attach them to a fan, it feels like you’ve transformed into a magical girl! It’s an idea that will really appeal to anyone who loves cute things.

You’re free to make the wings however you like, so you could DIY them with wire and faux fur.

If you stick them on your back, you might look like an angel yourself!

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uChiwa (fan) with ID printed

For those who want to capture their sports day memories on social media, a fan featuring your ID is a great idea.

Write your ID in large letters and finish it off by adding a selfie or a two-shot with a friend to create a design that balances personality and presence.

Place your favorite photo as the background or use neon-style pens to make the text pop, and it becomes a fun, fashion-like cheering item.

It also makes it easier for viewers to find you on social media, helping spark post-event memory sharing.

Adding your fave’s name or a favorite phrase is recommended, too.

If you make them together with friends, it will widen your circle of connections and become a memorable keepsake.

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Colorful design uchiwa (hand fan)

Just looking at it will make you smile! Here are some ideas for colorful fan designs.

Let’s try arranging Takashi Murakami’s flower illustrations on a fan.

The vibrant colors and the cheerful expressions of the flowers are sure to give you energy and power.

Even when you’re tired at a sports day or athletic festival, seeing the fan’s illustration might bring a smile to your face.

Plus, by decorating the fan’s edges with party garlands, you can create a flashy look! Be sure to take this opportunity to incorporate a colorful fan design.

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Team color uchiwa (hand fan)

A great way to showcase your team’s unity is with handmade fans that highlight your team colors.

Decorate the fans in your team colors and add members’ names or caricatures to give your support a personal touch.

The caricatures can be hand-drawn or made with dedicated apps or free illustration sites—either is fine.

Not only will it be clear at a glance who you’re cheering for, but the fans will also look great in photos and make a nice keepsake.

Using large lettering and glossy paper helps them stand out from a distance and conveys your enthusiasm even more.

Holding them up during team sports or relay events boosts the sense of togetherness and is sure to make them a powerful symbol of support for your team.

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fan with a ribbon

If you want to balance cuteness and individuality, a fan with ribbons is perfect.

Wrap a ribbon around the fan’s handle or line the edge with ribbons to create a dazzling design that instantly catches the eye.

Add your own photos or decorative pieces to make it the center of attention.

If you match a ribbon in your hair to the fan’s color scheme, it brings the whole look together and elevates your coordination.

Not only will your cheering photos stand out, but choosing matching designs with friends will make for lasting memories.

It’s a cheer item unique to sports days—fun to make and adorable to carry.

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dreamy-cute uchiwa (fan)

For those who want to make a cute uchiwa fan with a fancy vibe, “Yumekawa & Ribbon” is recommended.

The soft pastel-colored decorations are striking.

Lace-like materials that resemble flower petals and sparkling beads create a “yume-kawaii” world.

Add a ribbon between the handle and the fan face to complete a girly look.

It’s a fairy-tale-like fan that gently wraps the excitement of a sports festival—an event worthy of being called a celebration of sports.

Try making this cute fan that will lift your spirits just by holding it.

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