Each region of Japan has its own unique folk crafts, including traditional toys that are loved throughout each region.
These folk craft items that evoke nostalgia make great souvenirs, too.
Folk crafts, long used as toys and objects of worship across Japan, are still a familiar sight today.
I'm going to be introducing some cute and amusing folk crafts that will brighten up any room.
Kokeshi are traditional wooden toys.
These simply-shaped figurines—made up of just a head and a body—started off as souvenirs sold at hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region.
Kokeshi are made throughout this region, but most famous of all are the Naruko Kokeshi from Naruko in Miyagi, which make sound when their necks are turned.
Akabeko are a traditional toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima.
Beko is a local dialect word meaning “cow”.
The head and body parts are separate, and the head wobbles cutely.
These adorable little folk craft cows are well-known all over Japan.
Hime-daruma (“Princess Daruma”) are treasured as symbols of hope for the growth and happiness of children.
They exist across the country in a range of slightly different forms.
The ones in the photo are from a shrine in Kyoto—inside them are omikuji fortune slips.
Originating from Dazaifu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kiuso are wooden toys modelled after bullfinches—“uso” in Japanese—that are said to bring good luck.
The one on the left-hand side of the photo contains an omikuji (fortune slip) from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
On the right is a small kiuso designed to be attached to a cellphone or bag.
These can be purchased along the shrine path at Dazaifu Tenmangu, among other places.
Kijiuma, from Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, are traditional toys that are given to families when baby boys are born, as a symbol of hope that they will grow up to be big and healthy.
They really stand out with their big, cute eyes and vivid colors. Shown in the photo is a small one that’s attached to a strap.
Lots of different areas around Kyushu produce their own unique kijiuma.
With their simple colors and rustic form, folk crafts really give you a sense of a long-standing Japanese tradition.
There’s a wide range of folk crafts available all across the country.
If you get the chance, be sure to pick them up in your own hands to really get a sense of how cute they are!
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