Discover award-winning kokeshi and artisan skills at the 45th Michinoku Kokeshi Festival

Compare award-winning works and items for sale, and get a glimpse of how they are made

The venue will display award-winning works from the festival, as well as works by artisans who have received the Prime Minister’s Award in previous years, which will also be available for purchase. Kokeshi from different regional styles across Japan and wooden toys will be on general sale. The Michinoku Kokeshi Festival is described as one of Japan’s three major kokeshi competitions. After comparing the expressions of the prizewinning works, you can browse kokeshi from different styles and wooden toys.

For general sales, purchases are limited to three judged entries per person, while there is no limit on the number of items available for immediate sale. However, these limits may change depending on the number of works submitted. If you are thinking of buying, keep these categories in mind as you choose items at the venue.

Alongside a kokeshi-painting experience area, there will be a lathe demonstration and sales area. The program offers more than a chance to view the exhibits: you can also try a kokeshi-related activity and watch artisans at work. Information about the demonstrating artisans is still being finalized.

A commemorative exhibition for artisan Shuichi Umeki is also planned, featuring kokeshi donated to the city of Yamagata and held in its collection, which will be shown for a limited time. The portrait kokeshi corner will be open on December 5 only, with portraits by Rena Numazawa. Details about reservations will be announced separately, so check the booking process and any conditions if you would like to take part.

Enjoy day-specific events and a stamp rally around the city

If you are choosing a day based on a specific event, the portrait kokeshi corner is on December 5, while the display and sale of kokeshi, ejiko and daruma measuring 10 cm or less is on December 6. An auction of some award-winning works is also planned, but the city’s event information does not specify the date. If you are considering taking part, check the latest information before making plans.

The 13th Yamagata Big Wing Festival and the 32nd Yamagata City Traditional Crafts Festival are also scheduled for the same dates. You can plan to explore Yamagata’s crafts and local events alongside the kokeshi festival.

A stamp rally at eight locations around the city runs from November 6 to December 6. The locations outside the festival venue are Shobido (S-PAL Yamagata), Yamagata Marugoto-kan Beni no Kura, Coffee Himawari, Yamagata City Industrial History Museum, Takayu-do, Roadside Station Yamagata Zao, and Endo (Yamadera). The eighth location is the kokeshi festival venue. Opening days and hours vary by location, so check each facility’s schedule when planning your route.

Collect stamps at four locations to enter a prize drawing for kokeshi. Exchange your stamp sheet for a drawing ticket at the venue on December 5 or 6, the festival dates. Stamps at the venue are also available only on these two days.

Admission is free. Timed-entry tickets will be distributed by lottery, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Information about priority entry will be announced separately. Check the lottery details and plan to visit during the scheduled hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days.