When I was a child, I was often fascinated by my aunt’s collection of Kokeshi dolls. They ranged in size from one as big as a human baby to the tiniest one, no bigger than a finger. Each doll had its own story—where it was bought, who gifted it, and the memories attached. Their simple yet intricate designs—lines, flowers, and kimono patterns—made them feel both familiar and mysterious. But I have to admit, standing in a room full of them, with their straight gazes and quiet, knowing half-smiles, gave me a slight chill. It was as if I were being watched by an army of serene little spirits.
A Brief History of Kokeshi Dolls
Kokeshi dolls are one of Japan’s most beloved icons of folk art, yet their origins are relatively recent. They arguably first appeared in the early 19th century and have been crafted almost exclusively in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan, despite their nationwide popularity today.
In the 19th century, farmers in Tohoku would take breaks from their hard labor and travel to local hot springs to rest and rejuvenate. They brought along their cooking pots and duvets, staying for weeks to soak in the healing waters. As a way to capture the experience, they bought souvenirs. These simple wooden figures, Kokeshi dolls, became popular keepsakes, symbolizing good health, fertility, and fortune, especially as protectors of children.
Kokeshi dolls reflect socio-economic, folk-cultural, religious, and even cosmological ideas. Local statues of the Buddhist Jizo deity and Oshira-sama folk figures strongly resemble Kokeshi dolls, with their almost stick-like straight wooden bodies and simple heads. Many other influences—from prehistoric rituals to seasonal agricultural practices and local forestry traditions—shaped the Kokeshi we see today.
How Kokeshi Are Made
The art of making Kokeshi dolls evolved alongside Japan’s woodworking traditions, as early doll makers were craftsmen specializing in tableware. Local hardwood varieties, such as Dogwood, Painted Maple, Macropoda Holly, Japanese Pagoda Tree are used after a drying process.
A spread of new craft techniques stimulated doll-making: pole-lathing was introduced to the Tohoku area at the perfect time. Originally, craftsmen used a hand-powered, two-person pole lathe—one person shaped the wood while the other controlled the spinning motion with a rope. These were often operated by a married couple. Later, foot-powered lathes made the process easier and allowed a single artisan to work independently.
Today, lathing is fully automatic. In this short movie by Sakurai Kokeshiten(Naruko), You can see the process of Kokeshi making by Sakurai Akihiro.
With a pole-lathe, the pole spins back and forth along with the movement of the feet. In this short movie, Hayasaka Toshinari is shaping Kokeshi doll with a wooden pole-lathe.
Most Kokeshi dolls are painted red, a color believed to ward off diseases like smallpox. The designs vary based on the producing area and are painted either freehand or with horizontal line-drawing on a lathe.
Kokeshi Dolls As Folk Icon
As Japan modernized, hot spring vacations became increasingly popular among urban residents. As more people visited Tohoku, Kokeshi dolls found their way into households across the country, as souvenir, talisman, or decorative object. If you grew up in Japan, chances are you’ve seen one sitting on a shelf in your own home.
Initially, Kokeshi dolls were given to children as toys. A major turning point came in 1928 when folklorist and children's literature editor Amae Tomiya published the first-ever book about them. This book shed light on the folkloric and artistic value of Kokeshi, introducing them to a wider audience. Over time, collectors grew with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and the nostalgic sentiment that they saw in the dolls. In the middle of them was Amae Tomiya, along with his friends, organising the Kokeshi collector's club, defining major doll producing areas, recording the history, filing the best dolls and craftsmen old and new.
Many Styles of Kokeshi Dolls
Traditional Kokeshi dolls come in more than 10 styles, each tied to a specific region of Tohoku. To keep things simple, I have not listed the 'modern' dolls, known as Sosaku Kokeshi. Here’s a quick guide to the main types:
Sakunami (作並) – Originally designed for children’s small hands, these dolls have a narrow body and later evolved to have a flared base for stability. They often feature ‘crab-chrysanthemum’ patterns.
Naruko (鳴子) – Famous for their signature squeaky, turning heads, these Kokeshi have square shoulders and a slightly narrow midsection.
Tsugaru (津軽) – Made from a single piece of wood, these dolls stand out with Ainu patterns, Daruma motifs, and Nebuta festival designs.
Kijiyama (木地山) – Thick-bodied with elongated heads, often dressed in kimonos with aprons. Some feature bob hairstyles.
Nanbu (南部) – The most minimalist type, originally created as toys with no painting or facial features. Later versions include modest decorations.
Tohgatta (遠刈田) – Considered the oldest Kokeshi style. These dolls have narrow bodies, large heads, triangular eyes, and red radiating patterns on their heads.
Yajiro (弥治郎) – Recognizable by their conical lines and what resembles a beret on the head, with bold kimono drape lines and a straight (or slightly narrowed) waist.
Hijiori (肘折) – Square-shouldered with a straight or slightly tapered body. Some have a bright yellow body that makes them stand out.
Yamagata (山形) – Narrow-bodied with small heads, often linked to the Sakunami style.
Zao-Takayu (蔵王高湯) – Thick and sturdy with square shoulders. Their heads often feature radiating flower patterns, similar to Tohgatta dolls.
Tsuchiyu (土湯) – Slim-bodied with small heads. The fine lines on their bodies are drawn using a reverse-turning lathe technique.
The Enduring Charm
Whether you see them as simple souvenirs or intricate works of art, Kokeshi dolls hold a timeless charm. Each one carries a piece of history, craftsmanship, and a unique story. For me, they started as an eerie yet fascinating presence in my aunt’s home, but over time, I’ve come to love and appreciate their quiet beauty.
You, too, may come to appreciate Kokeshi dolls—and perhaps even create your own if you are a hands-on person.
Special thanks to Nakamura Hitomi, Sauser Miho, and Kokeshi wiki.
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