The 71st National Kokeshi Festival & The 35th Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition

About this event

A major event bringing together traditional kokeshi dolls and Naruko lacquerware, "The 71st National Kokeshi Festival & The 35th Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition," will be held in the Naruko Onsen area of Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. A wide variety of programs enjoyable for both children and adults are featured, including live craft demonstrations and exhibition sales by kokeshi artisans invited from across the country, kokeshi painting experiences, a tasting cafe to experience the feel of using Naruko lacquerware, and original charm making. In particular, on Saturday evening, a festival parade featuring "haribote kokeshi" (papier-mâché kokeshi) and "kaobote kokeshi" (head papier-mâché kokeshi) modeled after traditional kokeshi dolls will take place in the Naruko Onsen district, with Naruko dance performances and Manto mikoshi processions bringing lively energy to the hot spring town. Starting this year, the venue has moved to the Osaki City Naruko Comprehensive Branch Office (Naruko Community Center). As traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, public transit is recommended. Having continued since 1948 (Showa 23) in the early postwar era, this historic festival provides an excellent opportunity to fully enjoy the allure of two traditional crafts: Naruko kokeshi and Naruko lacquerware.

Venue

Osaki City Naruko Community Center

86-1 Narukoonsen Washinosu, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6892