Ningyō (人形), which is a word in Japanese meaning “doll”,  is still a treasured gift in Japan. Even with the rise of technology and toys being made out of electronics, hand made dolls are still considered a precious keepsake.

Okiagari-kobōshi (起き上がり小法師) is a traditional Japanese doll made of papier-mâché. These dolls are symbols of good luck and perserverance. In fact, these dolls are made so that when they are knocked over, they return to an upright position. The returning of the upright position is supposed to indicate resilience in children to get better from an illness.

Zashiki karakuri (座敷からくり,) is a small doll often used to serve tea. The doll is mechanized to walk forward when a hot cup of tea is placed in its hands. When the cup of tea is removed, the doll walks back to its station. This type of doll is a nice conversation starter when inviting guests for tea to your house.

Kokeshi (こけし) dolls are wooden dolls that have been painted. The characteristic design for kokeshi dolls is that they don’t have any arms or legs. It’s basically a doll with a face, hair and a body in the shape of a cylinder. Traditional kokeshi dolls often have bodies painted in the dress of a kimono with floral designs.

Hakata ningyō (博多人形) means “Hakata dolls” in Japanese. Hakata dolls are Japanese dolls that are made of clay and baked in a kiln. Hakata dolls were originally made in the city of Hakata, hence the name. There are still craftsmen that make these dolls. Each doll is painted with painstaking finess and detail.

Ichimatsu dolls (市松人形) are life like dolls with moveable joints, glass eyes and hair. Traditional Ichimatsu dolls are often flesh colored (rather than the standard pale or white colored faces of dolls) and have engraved noses and mouths (unlike other kinds of dolls that have painted faces). Ichimatsu dolls are often dressed in a traditional and elaborate kimono.