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Tsuchiyu Kokeshi – Traditional kokeshi dolls originating from Tsuchiyu Onsen, one of the three major birthplaces of kokeshi in the Tohoku region [Fukushima Prefecture]
Tsuchiyu Kokeshi – Traditional kokeshi dolls originating from Tsuchiyu Onsen, one of the three major birthplaces of kokeshi in the Tohoku region [Fukushima Prefecture]
are one of the representative traditional crafts of the Tohoku regionKokeshi dolls.
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
that developed primarily around Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture"Tsuchiyu Kokeshi," a type of kokeshi dollwe've taken a closer look at
What is a Kokeshi doll?
primarily by woodworkers called "kijishi," who lived in mountain villages andbowls, trays, and other items using a potter'sKokeshi dolls are woodento make a living. They were made to be toys for their own children or to sell as souvenirs to visitors of nearby hot spring resorts.
A giant kokeshi doll at Tsuchiyu Onsen, measuring approximately 3 meters in height and weighing 500 kg
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 City and Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture)
Southern type(around Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Kijiyama Mountain Range(around Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture)
Naruko style(around Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Sakunami style(around Sakunami Onsen, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Kokeshi dollsきでこ,kideko,dekoroko,kogesuand evenkogehouko,kiboko,odekosamahave many other names, such as
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
Although kokeshi dolls were called by completely different names in various regions, in 1940 (Showa 15), the Tokyo Kokeshi Association held its"1st Local Gathering - Naruko Convention," where many people involved, including kokeshi craftsmen and enthusiasts, gathered and decided to standardize the name to the three hiragana characters "kokeshi." Since then, they have been called "kokeshi" in all regions.
Tsuchiyu-style Kokeshi dolls developed in Tsuchiyu Onsen
are one of 12 styles, and they developed around Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima City, Fukushima PrefectureTsuchiyu-style kokeshi dolls.
Tsuchiyu Onsen is said to be one of the three major birthplaces of Kokeshi dolls, along with Togatta and Naruko in Miyagi Prefecture, and there are three theories about its origins
One theory is that when Gamo Ujisato was transferred to Aizu in 1591, he brought five woodworkers from Omi with him
One theory is that Masayuki Hoshina, who was transferred from Takato, Shinshu to Aizu in 1634, brought woodworkers with him
One theory is that it was brought to Takamori village by a woodcarver in Aizu before that
There are several theories, but no one knows for sure
Tsuchiyu style kokeshi dolls
Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi dollsa "snake's eye"a black ring called"kase". The body is decorated with beautiful lathe-turned lines in red, yellow, and green.
Another feature is that the head is fitted into the body, so when you turn the neck, it makes a squeaking sound, just like a Naruko-style kokeshi
Tsuchiyu Onsenkyo, the birthplace of Tsuchiyu Kokeshi dolls
Tsuchiyu Onsenkyois located in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, along National Route 115, which connects Fukushima City and Inawashiro Town. This old highway, formerly known as the Aizu Highway (Tsuchiyu Highway), has a history of over 1400 years as a hot spring resort that also served as a post town.
Tsuchiyu Onsen
The name "Tsuchyu" comes from the legend of the hot springs that were discovered here. Long ago, when Oanamuchi-no-Mikoto poked the bank of the Arakawa River with his spear, hot water gushed forth, giving the hot spring the name "Tsukiyu," and it is said that this "Tsukiyu" (thrust bath) evolved into "Tsuchiyu."
Tsuchiyu Onsen foot bath and mascot character Kibokko-chan
Tsuchiyu Onsen is famous as one of Fukushima Prefecture's leading hot spring resorts, but the number of tourists has decreased since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. At this time, the hot spring resort's mascot character, "Kibokko-chan," modeled after the Tsuchiyu Kokeshi doll, was born
Kibokko-chan, who is set to be a girl born on December 7th, has since been in charge of public relations activities for Tsuchiyu Onsen as a promotional beauty
Tsuchiyu Onsenkyo <Information>
Name: Tsuchiyu Onsenkyo
Address: 1 Kaminomachi, Tsuchiyu Onsen-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-2157
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
![The facial expressions of Togatta Kokeshi dolls](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1784-150x150.jpg.webp "Togatta Kokeshi - Traditional Kokeshi Dolls Developed in Miyagi Zao's "Togatta Onsen" [Miyagi Prefecture]")
![Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu [Part 2]](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/aiki_tkd03-300x300.jpg.webp)
