Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Japan News/Yomiuri
The Japan News/Yomiuri
National
The Yomiuri Shimbun

Aomori: Bring in new year with a roar

A set of tiger kokeshi wooden dolls is seen with artisan Masafumi Abo carving more in the background at the Tsugaru Kokeshi Kan museum in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture, in December. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

KUROISHI, Aomori -- Artisan Masafumi Abo works day after day to carve kokeshi wooden dolls of this year's Zodiac sign, the tiger.

"I really hope this can be a good year in which we can beat the coronavirus pandemic," said Abo, 38, who makes Tsugaru kei kokeshi at the Tsugaru Kokeshi Kan museum in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture.

"Usually, I try to make the kokeshi look cute, but this year I wanted to make ones that look fierce," Abo said.

The kokeshi set features a parent and cub baring their fangs, and they seem to project a hint of humor and cuteness alongside strength.

The tiger kokeshi set is so popular that orders made in early January cannot be sent to customers until possibly February, a museum employee said.

Each set costs 3,300 yen (including tax) and can be ordered from the museum's website.

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.