Yajiro Kokeshi First Lathe Turning (Scheduled)

About this event

The Yajiro Kokeshi First Lathe Turning is a ceremony that decorates the New Year of the Yajiro district, held at Koretaka Shrine—often called the Kokeshi Shrine—which enshrines Imperial Prince Koretaka of Ononomiya, considered the ancestor of woodturners. Dedicating artisans dress in traditional eboshi attire, visit the Yamanokami Shrine to purify themselves, and then arrive accompanying a kokeshi mikoshi (portable shrine). After the Shinto rituals, artisans face a temporary lathe set up in front of the shrine and earnestly finish the first turned kokeshi dolls. The completed kokeshi are dedicated to Koretaka Shrine. Yajiro Kokeshi Village opens at 9:00 AM, offering complimentary servings of u-men noodles and freshly pounded mochi. Demonstrations by kokeshi artisans and a children's mikoshi are also featured, adding to the festive New Year atmosphere. At the Kokeshi Village adjacent to the shrine grounds, visitors can observe the artisans' workspace and kokeshi exhibitions.

Venue

Yajiro Kokeshi Village

72-1 Kita, Yajiro, Hachimiya, Fukuoka, Shiroishi, Miyagi 989-0733