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Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts that represent the Tohoku region .
It is a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style existing in every prefecture in the Tohoku region
we will take a closer look at "Togatta Kokeshi," which developed mainly around Togatta Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture
What is a Kokeshi doll?
Kokeshi dolls are wooden who mainly lived in mountain villages and made a living by using a potter's wheel to make bowls, trays, and other objects, to use as toys for their children or to sell as souvenirs to visitors to nearby hot spring resorts.
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum | Kokeshi exhibits by genre
It is said to have originated around the end of the Edo period, and is generally divided into the following 12 types based on its place of origin and characteristics
Tsugaru-style (Around Hirosaki and Kuroishi cities in Aomori Prefecture)
Southern group (Around Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Kijiyama mountain range (around Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture)
Naruko-style (Naruko Onsen area, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Sakunami-style (Sakunami Onsen area, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Togatta type (Around Togatta Onsen, Zao Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture)
Yajiro lineage (Kamasaki Onsen area, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Hijiori group (around Hijiori Onsen, Okura Village, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture)
Yamagata-style (around Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Zao Takayu system (Zao Onsen area, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Tsuchiyu area (Tsuchyu Onsen area, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Kokeshi dolls have many different names, such as kideko , dekoroko , kogesu , kiboko , hakogehoko , kinakinabokko, and odekosama.
There are various theories about where the name "kokeshi" originally came from
The evolution of the plague-repelling toy, the Yokeshi
Changes in Koge (piece of wood) and Hohoko (doll)
The meaning of "burnt wood"
A dialectal name for Okeshi, a small doll that was popular during the Edo period
There are several theories, such as the above. Each theory has a certain degree of persuasiveness, and it is thought that the other names mentioned above are names based on their origins, which have been changed by mixing in local accents
As you can see, kokeshi dolls were called by completely different names in different regions, but in 1940 (Showa 15), the "1st Local Gathering/Naruko Convention" , many people including kokeshi craftsmen and enthusiasts gathered and decided to unify the name into three hiragana characters, "kokeshi," and from then on, kokeshi came to be called "kokeshi" in all regions.
Togatta-style kokeshi dolls developed in Togatta Onsen
the Togatta lineage of kokeshi, which developed around Togatta Onsen in Zao Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture, is thought to be the oldest in origin, and it is said that kokeshi themselves originated in Togatta
Togatta style kokeshi dolls
The head is large and tegara that is painted from the top of the head and forehead to the ears. The body is decorated with overlapping chrysanthemums, plum blossoms that have evolved from chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, diamond patterns, and wood grain, and the back may be decorated with peonies, butterflies, pine needles, irises, and other motifs.
Kokeshi spot in Togatta Onsen, the home of Togatta Kokeshi dolls
There are several kokeshi-related spots Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum which boasts such a large collection that it could be called a kokeshi Village, said to be the birthplace of Togatta kokeshi
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
The Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum opened in 1984 and displays around 5,500 traditional kokeshi dolls and wooden toys from around the country, including traditional Togatta kokeshi dolls, categorized by genre.
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
In addition to the many exhibits, you can also watch a kokeshi craftsman demonstrate how to turn a kokeshi doll on a potter's wheel, and try your hand at painting a kokeshi doll
Kokeshi dolls at Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
The museum's shop sells traditional Togatta kokeshi dolls made by artisans, kokeshi-related products, and Zao-sama goods, and the facility also hosts irregular kokeshi-related events
Giant kokeshi doll at the entrance to the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
It is located on a side road off National Route 457, but you will easily find it as there is a giant kokeshi doll at the entrance, a staple of Kokeshi no Sato
Behind the facility is a walking path called "Kokeshi Road," you will arrive at Shinchi Village, the birthplace of Togatta Kokeshi dolls,
Shinchi village has only residential roads and no parking lots. If you want to explore Shinchi village, we recommend using the parking lot at Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum and walking along this promenade
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum <Information>
Name: Zao Town Traditional Industry Hall (Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Hall)
Shinchi Village, the birthplace of Togatta Kokeshi dolls
If you head south from Togatta Onsen on National Route 457 towards Shiroishi City, you will come to Shinchi village, .
A sign in Shinchi village in Togatta Onsen, the birthplace of Togatta-style kokeshi dolls
Prince Koretaka who is said to be the ancestor of woodworkers , and the houses of kokeshi craftsmen are scattered on both sides of the single road, forming a settlement.
Shinchi village in Togatta Onsen, the birthplace of Togatta-style kokeshi dolls
It is possible to purchase kokeshi dolls made by each craftsman directly, and although inquiries are required, you can also watch kokeshi dolls being turned on the potter's wheel and try painting them at some of the craftsmen's homes
Koretaka Shrine, dedicated to Prince Koretaka, who is said to be the ancestor of woodworkers
Koretaka Shrine is a shrine located in Shinchi village, which is said to be the birthplace of Togatta Kokeshi dolls, and is also known as Kokeshi Shrine
The entrance to Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
The enshrined deity, Prince Koretaka, was the first son of Emperor Montoku, the 55th Emperor, but he became embroiled in political strife and left the capital Kyoto without ascending to the throne.
He is said to have taught woodworking techniques to local residents while residing in the mountains, and is also said to have invented the potter's wheel, making him the ancestor of woodworkers
As for the origin of the name "kijishi," in addition to the fact that it refers to artisans who process wood, there is also a theory that it comes from the name of the Ki clan, which was Prince Koretaka's maternal lineage
Torii gate of Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
In addition to Koretaka Shrine, Yamagami Shrine, Furumine Shrine, and Inari Shrine are also enshrined here
The main hall of Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
There are four shrines enshrined here, including the shrine that is enshrined here. Every year at the beginning of the new year, a ritual is held to cut the first kokeshi doll, and the completed kokeshi doll is dedicated to Koretaka Shrine
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
