Japan History and Culture

Kokeshi dolls

Kokeshi is manufactured and sold in most tourist area in Japan. They have come to symbolize Japan to people around the world. Kokeshi doll was first made in the Tohoku region of northern provinces of Japan about 150 years ago and Traditional Kokeshi dolls are now made only in the Tohoku area. There are many places in the Tohoku area where Kokeshi dolls are made as a special product of the region, and Tsuchiyu is one of such place. it was orginally made as a toy for children of country farmers.

Kokeshi dolls are simply shaped, wooden dolls from Northern Honshu. Kokeshi dolls have neither arms nor legs, but a large sphere head and a cylindrical body. Kokeshi dolls are usually painted in bright floral kimono designs, or in other simple traditional patterns. From a simple toy for children, Kokeshi doll is now recognized as one of the tradtional folk arts in Japan. Our Kokeshi dolls are handmade entirely by modern skilled artists in Japan.