This charming pair of wooden kokeshi dolls hails from Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture and is known as Kodomo Hina Kokeshi (こども雛こけし), meaning “Child Hina Kokeshi.” These handcrafted dolls are a regional variation of traditional hina ningyō (雛人形).
Carved in a simple, rustic style with rounded tops and soft vertical lines, the dolls are made from natural wood and hand-painted in bold folk colors. Each figure features a sweet childlike face framed in a red hood (zukin) and wears a patterned kimono painted directly onto the wood. The taller doll is adorned with green and orange, while the smaller wears red and yellow, a delightful pairing that symbolizes harmony and familial warmth.
These regional kokeshi from Nagano are less common than their counterparts from Tōhoku, making them a special find for collectors. They bring a nostalgic, heartfelt charm and are a beautiful representation of Japan’s rich tradition of folk toys and seasonal celebration. A lovely piece to add to any kokeshi or Hina Matsuri collection — or simply as a unique vintage decor accent full of cultural meaning.
