Kokeshi Doll Pincushion

A Charming Kokeshi Companion for Your Needlework 

Story

Kokeshi dolls have long been cherished in the mountainous regions of northern Japan. They are said to have originated when kijishi—woodworkers who turned wood to make bowls and trays—began crafting them as souvenirs for visitors to hot spring resorts.

Among the eleven recognized styles of traditional kokeshi, the Tsugaru style is the most recent. Influenced by the vibrant artwork of Aomori's Nebuta Festival, it is known for its colorful palette of black, red, green, yellow, and purple, as well as its shapes and painting styles.

Recognizing the cultural importance of Tsugaru Kokeshi, the city of Kuroishi established the Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum in 1988 to preserve and promote this distinctive folk craft.

Created in collaboration with the Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum, this Kokeshi Doll Pincushion draws inspiration from the characteristic bobbed hairstyle and vivid colors of Tsugaru Kokeshi. The design is reinterpreted in Cohana's signature colors of yellow, pink, green, and blue, while its gentle expression and palm-sized form add to its charm.

Inside is a wool pincushion containing three sewing needles crafted by Meboso Hachirobei Shoten. A magnet embedded in the base helps pick up dropped needles with ease.

Wool pincushion. Helps prevent needles from rusting

Producing Regions

Aomiri, Ishikawa 

Producers

Kokeshi Doll | Kokeshi Doll Studio tsuN'agaru / Aomori 

Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, is the birthplace of Tsugaru Kokeshi. Through exhibitions, sales, live demonstrations, and events, the studio helps promote and preserve this traditional craft. The studio has built strong relationships with traditional kokeshi artisans and artists from Tsugaru and throughout Japan, while continuing to explore new expressions and designs for kokeshi. 

Needles | Meboso Hachirobei Shoten / Ishikawa

Founded in 1575, Meboso Hachirobei Shoten traces its roots to before the establishment of Kanazawa as a castle town by the Maeda clan. The first Hachirobei refined traditional needle-making techniques from Kyoto and developed what are now known as Meboso needles. With a history of over four centuries, the company has continued to manufacture and sell needles while preserving its long-standing tradition. 

Product Size

All measurements are for reference only. Actual dimensions may vary slightly.

Package Size

Materials

Body: wood (Mizuki), wool, silicone rubber, neodymium magnet

Handling Precautions

Intended Use
• This product is intended for storing and organizing sewing pins and needles only. Do not use this product or the included sewing needles for any purpose other than their intended use.

Natural Wood & Kokeshi Doll Characteristics
• Due to the use of natural wood, variations in color and grain may occur.
• Because wood naturally responds to changes in humidity, slight expansion and contraction may occur, which may affect the ease of opening and closing the joints.
• Each kokeshi doll is hand-painted, so slight variations in facial expressions may occur.
• The surface has a protective coating. Wiping with a wet cloth or scrubbing may damage this coating. Clean with a dry cloth only.

Magnet
• This product contains a built-in magnet. Keep it away from computers, smartphones, credit cards, and other electronic or magnetic devices.

Needle Handling & Safety
• The needle tips are sharp. Handle with care.
• Wipe off moisture, sweat, and oils after use to help prevent discoloration and rust.
• Take care not to insert the needles too deeply into the pincushion.
• Keep out of reach of infants and young children.