Jinji Okazaki 岡崎仁治（1929～2004）born on March 15, 1929, as the eldest son of woodcarver Okazaki Saikichi in Naruko-cho, Tamazukuri-gun, Miyagi Prefecture. After graduating from the old Furukawa Junior High School in March 1946, he began learning woodcarving under his father Saikichi in May of the same year. In 1950, he opened Okazaki Shoten in Shinyashiki, Naruko-cho, and began making kokeshi dolls in October 1953. In November 1952, he married Chiba Satoru Oshima from Kogota, and their eldest son Yasuo was born in 1954. Oshima also began painting and coloring under Jinji's guidance in 1964. After graduating from Furukawa High School, his eldest son Yasuo began training in woodcarving under Jinji in 1972. Other students of his included Matsutani Shinkichi , Sato Eiichi, and Nakahachi Tadashi. He worked hard for the world of Naruko kokeshi dolls, including holding important positions in the Naruko Wood Toys Cooperative. He passed away on March 5, 2004, at the age of 76. There is a small crack on the face, selling at a lower price due to its condition. Size: 24 cm tall
