Life-sized papier-mâché kokeshi dolls parade! The annual "National Kokeshi Festival" [Miyagi Prefecture]

The "National Kokeshi Festival" is held every year in early September at Naruko Onsen in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture .

Traditional kokeshi dolls from all over Tohoku will be gathered in one place, and there will be demonstrations of their production by kokeshi artisans, exhibitions and sales, competitions, painting workshops, and more...it's trulykokeshi dolls.

Among the many attractions, the festival parade featuring giant, almost human-sizedpapier-mâché kokeshi dollsparading through the hot spring town is particularly striking. This procession of adorable yet slightly frightening giant kokeshi dolls is one of the quintessential autumn sights of Naruko Onsen.

This time, we'll introduce the history and highlights of the Naruko Onsen "National Kokeshi Festival," where kokeshi doll fans from all over Japan gather, while also sharing scenes from the "71st National Kokeshi Festival" held on September 5th and 6th, 2026 !

Naruko Onsen, the production area of ​​Naruko-style kokeshi dolls

Naruko Onsen , the setting for the festival , is a historic hot spring resort located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is considered one of the " Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu ."

Located in the heart of the Naruko Onsenkyo hot spring area, which comprises Naruko Onsen, Higashi Naruko Onsen, Kawawatari Onsen , Nakayamadaira Onsen, and Onikobe Onsen, the historical record "Shoku Nihon Koki," compiled during the Heian period, states that "volcanic activity occurred in the 4th year of Jōwa (837), and hot spring water flowed out like a river from the Onsen Ishigami at Tamatsukuri Fortress." This is believed to mark the birth of Naruko Onsen.

It is said that the hot spring inn was established around the mid-Edo period, and since then it has been a popular hot spring resort representing the Tohoku region

Because seven of the ten types of hot spring water found in Japan gush forth throughout the entire hot spring area, a major characteristic is that even within the same hot spring resort, the color, scent, and feel of the water vary from one accommodation to another and from one bathhouse to another

producing Naruko-style kokeshi dolls, you can find kokeshi dolls in all sorts of places as you walk around town, not only in kokeshi workshops and souvenir shops, but also in kokeshi-shaped objects, mailboxes, and more.

The fact that part of the hot spring town's streets are called "Kokeshi Street" further highlights the deep connection between Naruko Onsen and kokeshi doll culture

Naruko-style kokeshi dollsare explained in the following article.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Naruko Kokeshi - Traditional Kokeshi dolls developed in Naruko Onsen, one of the three famous hot springs in Oshu, Miyagi Prefecture

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/35201

Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts representative of the Tohoku region. They are a craft that has spread widely, with at least one unique style found in every prefecture in the region. This time, we'll take a closer look at Naruko Kokeshi, a style of kokeshi that developed mainly around Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture. What is kokeshi? Kokeshi are wooden toys made by woodturners, who primarily lived in mountain villages and made a living by using a potter's wheel to create bowls, trays, and other items. They were used as toys for their children and sold as souvenirs to visitors to nearby hot spring resorts. The Japan Kokeshi Museum's exhibition of various styles from the Edo period...

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What is the National Kokeshi Doll Festival?

The "National Kokeshi Festival"is a major event celebrating traditional kokeshi dolls, held once a year in Naruko Onsen, and its origins are said to date back to 1948 (Showa 23), shortly after the end of World War II.

It originally began as the "Naruko Kokeshi Festival," and in 1953 (Showa 28), it was renamed to its current name, the "National Kokeshi Festival."

Traditional kokeshi dolls from all over Tohoku, including not only the Naruko style but also the Tsugaru, Nanbu, Kijiyama, Zao-Takayu, Yamagata, Hijiori, Togatta, Yajiro, Sakunami, Tsuchiyu, and Nakanosawa styles, will be gathered here

Held annually on a weekend in early September, the festival begins with a "Kokeshi Memorial Service" at Naruko Onsen Shrine the night before. From the following day onwards, various events take place, including a kokeshi doll dedication ceremony, production demonstrations, exhibitions and sales, a kokeshi doll competition, and a kokeshi painting experience

The "Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition" will also be held concurrently, making it possible to enjoy two traditional crafts that Naruko Onsen is proud of all at once

A "Kokeshi Memorial Service" to send off cherished kokeshi dolls

The "Kokeshi Memorial Service" held at Naruko Onsen Shrine is an event that serves as a prelude to the National Kokeshi Festival .

The memorial service is held to honor the kokeshi dolls that have been collected from all over the country due to being broken or damaged. At the same time, it is an important ceremony to pray for the continuation of kokeshi culture and the development of the industry

The "ceremony in which many kokeshi dolls are burned," which you often see on social media, is a scene from this "Kokeshi Memorial Service."

Demonstrations, exhibitions, and sales of kokeshi dolls by artisans from various regions

One of the biggest attractions of the National Kokeshi Festival isthe "demonstrations, exhibitions, and sales of kokeshi dolls by artisans from all over the country.

Even within the category of "traditional kokeshi dolls," the shape of the head and body, facial expressions, the way the hair is painted, and the patterns applied to the body vary greatly depending on the lineage. Even kokeshi dolls belonging to the same lineage are unique to each craftsman, as their brushwork and facial expressions reflect individual style

Various booths representing different types of figures were set up inside the venue, and many people were carefully examining each figure to find their favorite

As mentioned earlier, there are differences depending on the lineage and the individuality of the craftsman, but when you look at the expressions and patterns of the kokeshi dolls in person, you'll see that even works by the same craftsman have different expressions due to differences in brushwork, and no two are exactly alike, which made me appreciate the profound depth of kokeshi dolls

The fact that no two items are exactly alike means that even if you hesitate to buy something, look around at other booths, and then come back, the same item might no longer be available... making it a rather demanding sales event where you're forced to make decisions each time

The "National Kokeshi Festival" is a valuable opportunity for kokeshi doll enthusiasts because it allows them to witness firsthand the artisans' delicate techniques, which cannot be fully appreciated by simply viewing the finished product. Furthermore, visitors can purchase their favorite kokeshi dolls directly from the artisans themselves. The festival is so popular that enthusiasts line up at the venue, and as a first-time visitor, I was quite surprised by the sheer number of people

The image above shows original kokeshi dolls created by elementary school students from all over Japan during a painting experience. Works by students from various elementary schools were also on display at the venue

A Kokeshi Doll Competition where tradition and individuality compete

Furthermore, entries from the "Kokeshi Doll Contest," featuring kokeshi dolls made by artisans from various regions, are also on display. The judging process seems to evaluate the artisans' skills and expressive abilities, while also considering the forms and painting styles inherited from each lineage.

The works were displayed and sold during the festival, and several kokeshi dolls with "Sold" signs were seen throughout the venue. It seemed to be a first-come, first-served basis, so those planning to purchase one next time might want to visit quite early…

The main attraction is the festival parade of "papier-mâché kokeshi dolls."

It's no exaggeration to say that the biggest highlight of the National Kokeshi Doll Festival is the "Festival Parade" held in the hot spring town on the first night of the festival !

The main street of the hot spring town is filled with a lively and bustling atmosphere, with many shops staying open late, and numerous stalls also set up in the "Naruko Onsen Yumeguri Plaza" in front of the station

It was the perfect day for the scenario of "staying at a hot spring resort and strolling around the town in a yukata (traditional Japanese robe)." In fact, I saw quite a few people who seemed to be enjoying themselves in that way

While enjoying the festive atmosphere, we soon heard the announcement that the parade was about to begin..

After the leading group of "Naruko Odori" dancers, clad in yukata kimonos adorned with kokeshi doll patterns, passes by, giant versions of traditional kokeshi dolls, known as"haribote kokeshi,"and parade down the main street of the hot spring town.

The sight of the giant kokeshi doll swaying from side to side as it makes its way down the street gives off a strange, intimidating aura, despite it being supposed to be a "cute kokeshi doll."

Perhaps it's because of their size, or perhaps because they're in a group... but while you feel a kind of fear as something otherworldly approaches, you're captivated by their overwhelming impact

The parade featured not only full-body kokeshi dolls but"face-shaped kokeshi" dolls. The sight of "a giant kokeshi doll with the body of a normal person from the head down" was so surreal that it hardly seemed like a festival of traditional crafts.

The "people inside" the papier-mâché kokeshi dolls and the kokeshi dolls with faces are selected from the general public, so if you have the opportunity, it might be a valuable experience to become a kokeshi doll yourself

The festival parade will feature a procession of giant kokeshi dolls, as well as the "Naruko Dance" performed by people wearing yukata with kokeshi patterns , and the "Mantou Mikoshi" (a portable shrine adorned with many lanterns ) .

I'm not sure if this is an annual occurrence, but this year they also performed the Sendai Sparrow Dance, a traditional folk art from Sendai

summary

Although the festival was interrupted by a fairly heavy rain shower, the enthusiasm of the people did not wane, and the parade was successfully completed

I'm sure it was tough for all the participants, but the procession of the portable shrine in the rain was a truly picturesque and wonderful sight

A memorial service to express gratitude to kokeshi dolls that have served their purpose, a dedication ceremony by artisans, a live demonstration of traditional techniques, a competition showcasing works from various styles, and a parade of giant papier-mâché kokeshi dolls through the hot spring town…

Naruko Onsen, which is usually filled with kokeshi dolls, becomes even more of a kokeshi-lover's paradise for a few days once a year. Even if you're not particularly interested in kokeshi dolls, you're sure to enjoy yourself if you plan your stay to coincide with this time when the entire hot spring town is bustling with activity

Aoiwa

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