Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

“The book is sweeping. It starts with the definition of kokeshi, continues on to the craft, the artisans, the 12 traditional styles, contemporary styles, the regions where they are produced, and ends with information as to how to see and purchase them online. The ample number of photographs provides a full view of the different styles and of the individual craftsmen. Both the photographs and the organization of the book make the information easily accessible.” —International Examiner

Manami Okazaki has published twelve books on Japanese culture. Her articles have been featured in the Japan Times, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, South China Morning Post, Lonely Planet, Transit and other global media. She has collected and written extensively about kokeshi and the Tohoku region for over ten years. She was active in volunteer and charity work in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, curating Kokeshi events in London, Paris, Rome and Los Angeles with a mission to help the people of Tohoku.