The Doll to Play, Care, and Love

Jul 28, 2025

「EP.58」宮城伝統こけし

MIYAGI DENTO KOKESHI
Miyagi Prefecture

「transcript」

Over 1,300 years ago, kijishi (木地師), woodworkers in Miyagi (宮城), mastered the lathe, a spinning tool for carving wood, and began crafting vessels and toys. This led to the culture of kokeshi (こけし) doll-making as souvenirs in hot spring towns.

Miyagi prefecture is now home to five of Japan’s eleven major kokeshi styles: Naruko (鳴子), Tōgatta (遠刈田), Yajirō (弥治郎), Sakunami (作並), and Hijiori (肘折). Each region has its own shapes, colors, and techniques, from the elegant neck of a Naruko kokeshi to Yajiro's playful patterns.

Unlike mass-produced figurines, each Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi is carved, painted, and polished by a single artisan. Using woods like mizuki (ミズキ) or itaya maple (イタヤカエデ), they dry the timber for up to a year, shape it into cylinders, and join the head and body.

The most iconic stage is drawing the face. With brushes and dyes, artisans bring each doll to life with hairlines, delicate eyes, and motifs like kiku (菊) and ayame (あやめ). Every doll reflects the maker’s mood and hand, giving a unique soul to each doll.

Despite challenges, artisans and unions keep these traditions alive through apprenticeships, exhibitions, and workshops.

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