The Tohoku region boasts a wide variety of unique local toys and lucky charms, each specific to its area. These are not merely souvenirs, but deeply intertwined with the history, beliefs, and lifestyle of the land
This page categorizes representative folk toys and lucky charms from various regions of Tohoku, introducing them along with their characteristics and history
Matsukawa Daruma, a lucky charm from Sendai
The Matsukawa Daruma doll from Sendai is a vibrant ultramarine blue, and both eyes are painted on from the start . Why is it blue, and what is the meaning behind those wide-open eyes?
This article introduces the characteristics of lucky charms that have been popular in Sendai, and the legends surrounding their origins
Akabeko, a specialty of Aizu, originated in Yanagizu
The "Akabeko," with its swaying head, is a representative folk toy of Aizu. We will trace the legend of the cow passed down in Yanaiizu and the wishes embodied in it as a lucky charm to ward off evil.
In addition to highlighting the painting process, we'll also introduce a report on assembling "Bekopla," a plastic model kit of the Akabeko (red cow)
The "Three Great Komatsu of Japan" are scattered throughout the Tohoku region
The "Hachiman Horse" from Hachinohe City , Aomori Prefecture; the "Kinoshita Horse" from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture ; and the "Miharu Horse" made at Takashiba Deco Yashiki in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture .
The three wooden horses known as the "Three Great Wooden Horses of Japan" each have different backgrounds, including the history of horse-breeding regions, decorations on horses presented as tribute, and legends of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. We will examine these wooden horses, which have been passed down through generations in various regions, paying attention to the differences in their appearance and painting
Takashiba Deco-yashiki, a village of local folk toys, is also the birthplace of the "Miharu-goma" horse
Takashiba Deco Yashiki in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture , is a village of local toys that was once part of the Miharu Domain.
In this village where the Miharu-goma horse originated, four workshops still carry on the tradition of making papier-mâché zodiac animals, dolls, masks, and other handcrafted items. We'll introduce the differences in style between the workshops and the sights you can encounter as you walk through the village, such as the shrine where Miharu-goma horses greet you instead of guardian lions
Bullfinch at Takabatake Tenmangu Shrine in Iizaka Onsen
At the Tenmangu shrine located within Nishine Shrine in Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, you can receive a wooden carving ofa bullfinch (usodori)." It is an amulet that is believed to turn misfortune into "lies" and bring good fortune.
This article describes the origins of the festival and the scene on the day when worshippers line up in search of bullfinches
"Otaka Poppo," a representative work of "Sasano Ittobori," a traditional craft of Yonezawa
The "Otaka Poppo," with its eye-catching curled-up wings , is a wooden folk toy from Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
This is a representative work of Sasano Ittobori, carved from a log of the Japanese angelica tree using a cutting tool called a "sarukiri." Various animals and lucky charms have also been created using the same technique. Starting with the sculpture of the hawk, we will also touch upon the reproduced "ancient poppo."
"Kasha Cat" Kokeshi Dolls from Mishima Town, Oku-Aizu
The exposed fangs and whiskers ofthis "Kasha cat kokeshi".
The origin of its appearance lies in the legend of a shapeshifting cat that is said to have become the guardian deity of Shizukura Mountain. We will introduce the unique form carved from the Japanese angelica tree and the local custom of creating it as a charm to ward off evil spirits from children
Each prefecture in Tohoku has at least one traditional kokeshi doll lineage
"Kokeshi" dolls , born from the hands of woodworkers, have been cherished as children's toys and souvenirs for visitors to hot springs .
From "Nanbu Kokeshi," which makes the most of the natural wood color, to "Naruko Kokeshi," which makes a sound when its head is turned, there are differences in facial features, body shape, painting, and how the head is attached depending on the region of origin. We will introduce 12 styles passed down in the six prefectures of Tohoku, along with the history of their respective regions
