A hand-held fan is an implement used to induce an airflow for the purpose of cooling or refreshing oneself. Any broad, flat surface waved back-and-forth will create a small airflow and therefore can be considered a rudimentary fan. But generally, purpose-made hand-held fans are shaped like a circle segment made of a thin material (such as paper or feathers) mounted to slats which revolve around a pivot so that it can be closed when not in use.

The movement of a hand-held fan provides cooling by increasing the airflow over the skin which in turn increases the evaporation rate of sweat droplets on the skin. This evaporation has a cooling effect due to the latent heat of evaporation of water.

Japanese fans played a great role in Japanese history. The fans are made of paper on a bamboo frame, usually with a design painted on them. It is used for fanning oneself in hot weather. At the same time, it symbolizes friendship, respect and good wishes. It is given to people during special occasions and is also an important stage prop for the Japanese dance performances. It was also used in the military as a way of sending signals on the field of battle, but the fans were mainly used for social and court activities. They were used differently for different people. They were used by warriors as a form of weapon, actors and dancers for performances, and children as a toy. Fans are easy to carry around because they can be folded to make it more compact to carry. The fan stands for many things, the Japanese believe that the top of the fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the ribs are for the roads of life going out in all directions.