A Naruko kokeshi created by Akira Goto, a respected artisan of the Naruko tradition renowned for his delicate expressions and warm brushwork. With its classic form and soft personality, this doll reflects the enduring appeal of Naruko kokeshi both as artistic craft and cultural heritage. The doll features a traditional Naruko silhouette: a broad, rounded head with a slightly flared cylindrical body. Its face is painted with gentle half-moon eyes, thin eyebrows, and a small, sweet smile giving the kokeshi a serene and content expression. The hair is rendered in a bold “helmet” style with a stylized topknot, a hallmark of the Naruko lineage.
About the Artist Akira Goto (後藤皓, 1935–2015) He was born in Naruko Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture, in 1935. He was the son of Goto Shoichi, and learned kokeshi-making from his father, absorbing the techniques and traditions of the Naruko style from an early age. Akira became a full-fledged craftsman in the 1950s and gradually developed his own style, marked by delicate and almost watercolor-like brush patterns, soft forms, and endearing facial features. He remained active for decades and was admired for his ability to preserve Naruko tradition while giving it a personal, almost poetic touch. His work often appeared in folk art fairs and is now cherished by collectors for its balance between tradition and personal expression.
