Hello
This is Oba , a staff member at the Haneda Airport store. Do you have any treasures that hold unforgettable memories from your travels?
My father's hometown is near Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, and I grew up there. For someone like me who loves history and crafts, the place is full of attractions, including the area's connections to Date Masamune, delicious beef tongue, and hot springs.
What has captured my heart at the moment are the kokeshi dolls, born in the lush natural surroundings of Tohoku.
To be honest, I wasn't that interested in Kokeshi dolls in the past. But one day I came across a Kokeshi doll at a store and was captivated by its adorable expression. Since then, I've been completely captivated by its charm!
With this in mind, I set out on a journey to discover the roots of Kokeshi dolls that live on in Miyagi.
We'd like to share with you some of the heartwarming stories we encountered during our travels.
[Kokeshi Column] What you need to know about its rich individuality before traveling
Did you know that even though they are all called "kokeshi dolls," their faces and shapes actually vary greatly depending on where they are made?
Traditional Kokeshi dolls are classified into 12 "types," each with a surprisingly rich personality. But did you know that Miyagi Prefecture has as many as four types ?
[Naruko type]
It has a sturdy body with firm shoulders and a gorgeous chrysanthemum pattern. When you turn your head, it makes a cute squeaking sound.
[Togatta lineage]
She has a slender figure. She is characterized by the red radial hair ornament and her narrow eyes give her a slightly mature impression.
[Sakunami line]
The body is slender and decorated with a crab-like chrysanthemum pattern. It has a simple and elegant look.
[Yajiro line]
It features a modern design that resembles a colorful beret on the head.
This diversity, "everyone is different, and everyone is good," is what makes Kokeshi dolls so interesting. Please take a look at the dolls on display at NOREN and compare them to see what kind they are.
The journey begins with a giant kokeshi doll welcoming you
About an hour and a half by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. When we arrived in the city of trees, Sendai, we were greeted by a gigantic 7.4m-tall "Kokeshi Tower" in Nishi Park, close to the station. It has stood here since 1961 and has been watching over visitors, making it the symbol of Miyagi. This is where my journey through Kokeshi began.
About an hour and a half by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. When we arrived in the city of trees, Sendai, we were greeted by a gigantic 7.4m-tall "Kokeshi Tower" in Nishi Park, close to the station. It has stood here since 1961 and has been watching over visitors, making it the symbol of Miyagi. This is where my journey through Kokeshi began.
Experience the skills and spirit of artisans at Akiu Craft Village
About 20 minutes by car from Sendai. Akiu Craft Village, near Akiu Onsen, is home to a variety of workshops, including kokeshi dolls, woodworking, and glass. It's like a theme park, where you can get up close and see the craftsmen at work and experience making things.
Playful kokeshi dolls meet the modern era at "Ganguan Kokeshi Shop"
The first place we visited was Ganguan Kokeshi Shop, where you can encounter modern and playful works while still respecting traditional techniques. The adorable kokeshi dolls, made by two generations of craftsmen, are beautifully displayed like in a gallery, and are sure to make the hearts of visitors flutter.
The joy of creating your own one-of-a-kind kokeshi doll: painting experience at Sato Kokeshi
Here, I tried painting a kokeshi doll for the first time in my life! I was inspired by the unique kokeshi dolls lined up by my seniors, and was completely absorbed in creating my own doll. I was a little nervous, but the staff were kind enough to teach me, so anyone can enjoy the experience with ease. The joy I felt when I finished the kokeshi doll I had painted was truly special.
The soul of Kokeshi dolls, found in the words of the craftsman, "Yoshisuke" - an encounter with the Agatsuma craftsman
The most memorable part of this trip was meeting with Togatta-style kokeshi craftsman, Satoshi Wagatsuma. When I stepped into his workshop, I was greeted by the scent of wood and the carefully crafted kokeshi dolls.
Craftsman Agatsuma is the second generation and a famous Kokeshi craftsman whose name is included in the Traditional Kokeshi Craftsmen Book.
"The appeal of kokeshi doll making is that it is so profound."
" says my wife.
For example, even if the color is the same red, the pigment mixture varies depending on the craftsman, resulting in subtle changes in the color. Because they are all handmade, the facial expressions are different for each one. There are fans who enjoy collecting kokeshi dolls whose expressions change slightly every year.
Recently, he has been asked by foreign tourists if his missing limbs have any religious significance.
"Please pick it up and if it makes you feel something, please take it home with you."
Even if the language and culture are different, there are many people who stare at the kokeshi dolls, feel something in their "sensibility", and quietly buy one. "Kokeshi dolls appeal to our 'sensibility'. That's why they can be communicated so well to those who understand each other," these words struck me deeply.
See, feel, and make. A chance to experience craftsmanship first-hand
A craftsman from Agatsuma suddenly asked me, "Would you like to try it?" and I unexpectedly ended up having the opportunity to try coloring a pen holder.
Inside the workshop, tools are lined up in a small space, each one exuding age.
What surprised me was that simply by gently placing the brush on the potter's wheel, which was rotating at high speed, beautiful lines were drawn as if drawn in.
It was a moment of true craftsmanship that made me exclaim, "Wow!"
Apparently in the old days, it was operated by treadling like a sewing machine. It's hard to believe now.
It was a special experience, as I felt like I had a glimpse into the world of artisans while being in a space where many years of handiwork have accumulated.
Experience painting a toothpick holder
[Special Announcement] The journey continues at NOREN in Haneda
A few days after this trip, a miraculous connection was made.
Amazingly, the vintage kokeshi dolls that the Agatsuma craftsman introduced this time has been carefully collected over many years and will be specially kept at our Haneda Airport store!
This is a rare opportunity to experience the authentic traditions that live on in Miyagi Prefecture without having to travel far, right at Haneda Airport, the gateway to Japan.
Each piece is a one-of-a-kind item, handmade by artisans.
Its warm appearance adds a gentle color to your daily life and gently soothes the soul.
A great travel charm or a gift to bring a smile to a loved one.
Please stop by NOREN JAPAN before your flight and experience this warmth.
Meeting the "one" that awaits you will surely become a wonderful memory of your trip.
Please stop by the "NOREN Haneda Airport Store" in Edokoji, Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport. You're sure to find a wonderful souvenir filled with the charm of Japan.
Opening times
8:00-22:00 Open all year round
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