This omiyage kokeshi doll from Sakuma Dam (佐久間ダム) is a delightful example of regional folk craft blended with local pride. The doll features a bobblehead design witht a bell inside, adding playful motion to its serene expression.
The head is adorned with a traditional straw sugegasa hat, commonly worn in rural Japan, symbolizing both protection from the sun and a humble traveler’s spirit. The body of the kokeshi is painted in vibrant blue hues of water, and showcases a hand-painted depiction of Sakuma Dam—a major hydroelectric dam located in Shizuoka Prefecture.
"佐久間ダム" is clearly inscribed in calligraphy on the front, framed by a stylized landscape of water, lush greenery, and the dam's structure itself. These dolls were often sold as souvenirs to commemorate visits to engineering marvels like the Sakuma Dam, especially during Japan's postwar era of rapid modernization.
The bell inside produce a soft, pleasant sound when shaken. It is as charms to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The sound of the bell is believed to purify the surrounding environment and attract positive energy.
