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

About this event

The "National Kokeshi Festival," gathering traditional kokeshi dolls from all across Japan, will be held concurrently with the "Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition." Continuing since 1948 (Showa 23) shortly after the war, the National Kokeshi Festival remains widely beloved today, forming a grand festival in the Naruko Onsen area that showcases two traditional crafts: "Naruko kokeshi" and "Naruko lacquerware." At the exhibition and sales venue, sections for all ages are available, including kokeshi and Naruko lacquerware displays and sales, kokeshi painting experiences, and live crafting demonstrations. On Saturday evening during the festival, a parade will be held in the Naruko Onsen town featuring "haribote kokeshi" modeled after traditional dolls and "kaobote kokeshi" (head-only papier-mâché figures said to have appeared in early festivals). The hot spring town will be bustling with "Naruko Dance" performed by local residents in kokeshi-patterned yukata alongside participants from sister town Yuza in Yamagata Prefecture, as well as Manto mikoshi. Additionally, the festival includes an exhibition of winning works from the National Kokeshi Festival Contest, a charity auction, and a "Small Kokeshi Exhibition" by traditional artisans. At the Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition, visitors can also enjoy experiences such as the "First Naruko Lacquerware Tasting Cafe" and "Original Lacquer Charm Making." Furthermore, the "Edo Downtown Artisans Exhibition" and the "Yunomachi Marche" offering local delicacies, regional products, and kokeshi-related goods will add to the festive atmosphere.

Venue

Osaki City Naruko Community Center

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