“Iwato-Ya” is and old and famous souvenir shop and restaurant in Ise, Mie prefecture. A large “otafuku” face decorated the store front. The distinctive face of Otafuku has been a popular folk mask in Japan for centuries. Her face is unique and amusing and is often paired with the male folk mask of Hyottoko in comic dances during local harvest festivals. In ancient mythology, Otafuku's dance brought the sun out of hiding and brightened the skies from darkness.

Otafuku remind us of the health of life: her constantly smiling eyes remind us of joy and pleasure; her short nose suggests humility; her small, reserved mouth signifies the utterance of voice of simplicity; her round cheeks symbolize health; and her high forehead reflects her intelligence.