USABURO KOKESHI'S CRAFTSMEN
2nd Generation | Yuji Okamoto
The eldest son of the first Usaburo.
Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1948. Studied under his father from the age of 22.
His generosity overlaps with his creative style, which simply expresses the comfort and warmth of people and everyday life.
In 2013, he was commended as a meritorious person in Gunma prefecture, leading the creative kokeshi industry in Gunma.
Awards:
- the Prime Minister's Award
- the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in 1997
and more...
▷ Major works
"Spring moon"
Yoshie Okamoto
Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1950. Studied under the first Usaburo from the age of 19.
The bright cherry blossoms that shine in the blue sky. The red maple leaves that seems as if they're fall in love. The snow that dances like petals... When she designs kokeshi dolls, she is inspired by the usual scenery.
Awards:
- the Prime Minister's Award for the first female craftswoman for "The flow of time" at All Japan Kokeshi Contest in 1985
- the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the All Gunma Kokeshi Contest in 2011
and more...
▷ Major works
"Happiness"
Yoshihiro Okamoto
The eldest son of the second generation Usaburo. Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1972. Studied under the first Usaburo from the age of 20.
While respecting the grain and texture of wood, he brings a new twist to kokeshi crafts with a dynamic aesthetic that goes beyond preconceived ideas.
Awards:
- the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for "Blue storm" at National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in 2002
- the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award for "Sleeping Mountain" at Gunma Kokeshi Contest in 2003
and more...
▷ Major works
Cat "Sally"
Hiroyuki Okamoto
Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1974. The second son of Yuji Okamoto, the second generation Usaburo. Received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in the first year of his debut.
His specialty, a design that is familiar to children, was the catalyst for the birth of the character Kokeshi doll. He also runs a company called "kokechi" that creates his own cute kokeshi dolls under the craftsman name of "Usaburo's grandson".
Awards:
- the Gunma Governor's Award at the All Gunma Kokeshi Contest
and more...
▷ Major works
"Warmth"
Nobuyuki Ishisone
The second son of the first Usaburo. Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1945.
Studied under his father from the age of 18.
He likes the deep colors of zelkova and is good at expressing innocent girls who draw with flowers.
Awards:
- the Forestry Agency Commissioner's Award for "A windy girl" at Japan Kokeshi Contest
- Tokyo Trade Bureau Director's Award for "Waiting for Spring" at Gunma Kokeshi Contest
and more...
▷ Major works
"Flying"
Yachiyo Ishisone
Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1952. Studied under the first Usaburo from the age of 22.
Expressing people's daily lives with smooth shapes and soft lines.
The popular work "Happy Buddha" was born from customer feedback.
- the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for "Ginkgo leaves dance"
and more...
▷ Major works
"Happy Buddha"
