耳掻 Mimikaki / Ear Pick

What is Mimikaki in Japanese Katana terminology?

This refers to the part of the Kogai (a type of Japanese hairpin) that is used as an ear pick. The Kogai is a traditional Japanese accessory that was often used for grooming purposes, such as arranging hair or cleaning ears. The ear pick part is typically pointed and is designed to safely remove earwax. It is a testament to the practicality of traditional Japanese accessories, which often served multiple functions.