Approximately 500 traditional kokeshi from the 12 lineages of the six Tohoku prefectures and creative kokeshi, plus a precious collection of 1,200 dolls inherited by the shop owner, have all gathered in Sapporo! "The World of Kokeshi," held at the general store "Ojiichan to Inu," is a must-see event where you can experience the diverse charms of kokeshi, from antique pieces to contemporary works. Why not find your own special favorite while comparing the different facial expressions, body patterns, and styles of each lineage?

A portion of the collection on display

The general store "Ojiichan to Inu" relocated and opened near Nishi 28-chome subway station in March 2026. Last year, the store hosted the first "The World of Kokeshi" event, featuring 350 traditional and creative kokeshi from over 20 artisans representing the 12 lineages of the six Tohoku prefectures, sourced from "Kokeshi Kobo tsuN'agaru" (Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture). This year, the event has been powered up to feature 500 dolls. Furthermore, the owner, Hiromi Mizuguchi's, personal collection of 1,200 dolls is being unveiled for the first time, bringing the total to an overwhelming 1,700 pieces. This is a rare exhibition where you can enjoy comparing antique kokeshi, passed down through generations, with their modern counterparts.

The area displaying 500 dolls from "Kokeshi Kobo tsuN'agaru"

The first thing you see upon opening the door are the traditional and creative kokeshi from over 20 artisans of the 12 lineages of the six Tohoku prefectures, all from "Kokeshi Kobo tsuN'agaru."

Creative kokeshi by Noboru Wagatsuma (Togatta-kei)

The creative kokeshi, which add a modern twist while preserving traditional techniques, often reflect the maker's sense of humor and are sure to bring a smile to your face. With 500 dolls to see, you can truly experience the "now" of kokeshi, from the differences between lineages to the subtle variations between parent and child artisans.

A part of the 1,200-piece collection

In the gallery space, the owner, Ms. Mizuguchi, is unveiling her 1,200-piece collection, which she inherited from a collector, for the first time. The collection includes many precious kokeshi, such as works by now-deceased artisans and pieces from the younger days of artisans who are still active today. An opportunity to see such a wide variety of kokeshi shapes and painted designs in Sapporo is incredibly rare!

Traditional kokeshi have various lineages. This is a Yajiro-kei doll.

Kokeshi are said to have originated as souvenirs at the hot spring resorts of the Tohoku region. The traditional kokeshi lineages include Tsugaru-kei (Aomori Pref.), Kijiyama-kei (Akita Pref.), Nambu-kei (Iwate Pref.), Yamagata-kei, Hijiori-kei, Zao-Takayu-kei (Yamagata Pref.), Naruko-kei, Togatta-kei, Yajiro-kei, Sakunami-kei (Miyagi Pref.), and Tsuchiyu-kei, Nakanosawa-kei (Fukushima Pref.).

A striking lidded kokeshi by Kyutaro Ogura (Kijiyama-kei)

Each production area has its own characteristic patterns and techniques, with styles passed down from master to apprentice. The makers are called "kokeshi artisans." According to Ms. Mizuguchi, this "proper inheritance of tradition" is the charm of kokeshi. "Even though the form is set, it's fascinating how the creator's personality shines through," she says.

I personally bought a kokeshi by Shizuo Ariji. So happy with it!

Some artisans continue painting until they are around 90 years old, so you can also enjoy how their painting style changes over a long span of time. Shizuo Ariji (born in 1937), pictured above, is one such artisan. "Compared to his older work, the lines have changed, and there's a wonderful flavor that comes with age," says Ms. Mizuguchi. Some artisans even have different signatures for different periods, showing just how deep the world of kokeshi is...!

The first kokeshi Ms. Mizuguchi ever bought

Ms. Mizuguchi says she has always liked folk crafts. What got her hooked on kokeshi was an encounter with a Tsugaru-kei Owani kokeshi. "(The kokeshi in the photo) was in a glass case, and I was amazed that such interesting kokeshi existed!"

This lidded kokeshi has a small spinning top inside when you open it.

The sense of wonder Ms. Mizuguchi felt is surely something that everyone who visits this exhibition will experience. She often hears from customers that they "end up buying kokeshi that look like them," and she laughs, adding, "I often buy kokeshi with bobbed hair."

A Daruma doll that caught my eye at the venue

Another appeal is that small kokeshi are available from the 1,000 yen range, making them easy to buy and display. Also recommended are the original "Shin-Kokeshi" painted by Ms. Mizuguchi for "Ojiichan to Inu," and the "Kokeshi Cookies" by "polku" from Makkari Village. The store also has a small cafe space called "Yorimichi" that serves smoothies and coffee, so feel free to relax and enjoy a chat about kokeshi with Ms. Mizuguchi.