Newsletter from Gunma Hello! This is ’s newsletter on tourism G’-now November 2012. For this time we would like to introduce you one of Gunma’s products, “Kindai ”. Gunma boasts not only delicious food but also various kinds of handicrafts. By November 2012 [email protected] utilizing the blessings of nature that spread over the prefecture, adorable “Kindai Website: http://www.visitgunma.jp/en/ Kokeshi” dolls are made. Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/visitgunma.En

What is “KOKESHI”? In , wooden dolls have been made through the process of lathe techniques. The dolls called “Kokeshi” can by classified into two large groups; “Dento (traditional) Kokeshi” and “Kindai (modern) Kokeshi”.

◆Dento Kokeshi ◆Kindai Kokeshi ◆Gunma and Kokeshi It is said that “Dento Kokeshi” was traditionally Compared to Dento Kokeshi, Kokeshi dolls which Let’s look at the history of Kokeshi doll in Gunma. sold as a souvenir to visitors of onsen resorts developed the design with new techniques of The origin is a factory with lathe technique build in mainly in Northeast part of Japan since the late painting and carving were produced. It is called Soja-machi of Maebashi City about 100 years ago. . Dento Kokeshi are divided into several “Kindai Kokeshi”. And it can be divided into Here, wooden toys called “Soja-gangu (toy of kinds, holding characteristics in each region. “Sosaku Kokeshi”, which is artistic only-one Soja)”, such as spinning tops and Japanese Although slight difference in design can be found product, and Shingata Kokeshi, which is produced bilboquets (Kendama). in each regional Kokeshi doll, they still follow the on a large scale. Afterwards, utilizing lathe technique, Kokeshi dolls tradition in shape and design. At present, it is said that Gunma’s Kokeshi became produced and producing factories spread The shape of Dento Kokeshi dolls is column and occupies 70 percent of all Kindai Kokeshi dolls in over nearby cities and towns. the neck part is made thinner than other parts. It Japan. Gunma’s rich nature that provide large number of is for small children to grasp easily since the dolls materials is also one of reasons to enhance the are sold as a toy for small children. prosperity of Kokeshi production in Gunma.

Kindai Kokeshi Now look at the detail about “Kindai Kokeshi”… Usaburo Kokeshi , a Kokeshi factory in Gunma (http://www.usaburo.com/) offers you an opportunity to see the process of making Kokeshi doll and also to experience making your own Kokeshi dolls by painting. Or you can purchase cute Kokeshi dolls at the factory or department stores in Gunma!

Gunma-chan , Mascot Character of Gunma Prefecture ◆Shape… The shape varies in each Kindai Kokeshi doll: One has the hair separated in piece from head since Dento Kokeshi usually has the hair painted on the head piece, one is designed both head and body in one piece of wood, and the other one has the rounded shape.

◆Material… Main materials of kokeshi dolls are dogwood, cherry, chestnut and Keyaki trees. They are cut down in autumn when the tree becomes not to drain any water. Each kind of tree is dried by appropriate way. Gunma’s gourmet of this month is pork in Maebashi. When you visit the Kokeshi factory or shop selling Kokeshi dolls in ◆Process Gunma, we strongly recommend you to try pork dishes in The basic process of shaping Kindai Kokeshi is the same with Maebashi! Dento Kokeshi: shaving by turning lathe. Afterwards, unique Maebashi City, which is located in the central part of technique of pyrography, painting and carving are done and Gunma, boasts its swine industry as the city holds a high- put together. rank of pork production in Japan. There are also a number of brand pork available. You can enjoy various kinds of pork dishes in restaurants in ◆Kindai Kokeshi in present… Maebashi. “T-1 Grand Prix” that local restaurants compete Kindai Kokeshi is rather for display than a toy. It is great for their original menu of pork dish is also organized. the gift in various occasions such as Boy’s Day or Girl’s Day, Pork contains vitamin B1 which is effective for fatigue wedding, and even Christmas! recovery. To heal your tiredness of trip or daily life, why not Each doll (either Dento Kokeshi or Kindai Kokeshi) is usually come to taste delicious pork dish in Maebashi. made by hand and is not exactly same. So, please visit the factory or shop and choose your favorite one!