Product Brand Story

Since its founding in 1950, Kakinuma Ningyo Co., Ltd. has been making Hina dolls and May dolls using traditional Edo Kimekome techniques. Many craftsmen, led by Toko Kakinuma, a traditional craftsman, continue to convey Edo Kimekomi dolls.

Since ancient times, Edo Kimekomi has been made by using a technique called splitting on a wood carving body, but from around the Meiji era, the body was made using clay "Soso" made by mixing glue with paulownia powder. It has changed to the technique of making. Even if the manufacturing method is changed so that it can be mass-produced, the technique of putting the cloth that will be the costume into the body and finishing it into a doll with a gorgeous color does not change.

Kimekomi dolls, which are dressed in gorgeous colored fabrics, are still loved as dolls that pray for the happiness of many children. Delicate beauty using a sense of color unique to Japan. Would you like more people to love this?

Therefore, Kakinuma doll uses MDF resin, which is light and easy to use, as the base material. We have created new products such as trays by using the three-dimensional wood grain technology in a two-dimensional manner.

Maneki Neko with a grain of wood, praying for happiness

Once a change has begun, it creates the next challenge. The next Kakinuma doll sent out was a beckoning cat with Kimekomi. It is a beckoning cat born from the desire to pick up a Kimekomi doll on a daily basis.

The secret of popularity is the lovely expression and bright colors. Not only the crepe fabric, which is a standard of Kimekomi dolls, but also new materials such as bright prints, leather, and enamel, which have not been found in conventional Kimekomi dolls, are used. Although Japanese, Swarovski's eyes are lovely and it has become a popular product.

Maneki Neko is an ancient Japanese lucky charm. The traditional shape with one hand raised, which is expected to be beneficial, has been retained, and it has become a new Kimekomi doll with a unique texture and atmosphere. Coupled with the recent cat boom, it has become a doll that disseminates the technology of Edo Kimekomi not only to Japan but also to the world.

From Buyer ’s Voice Representative, Masayuki Matsuzawa

The evolution of materials leads to the evolution of dolls

"There is an interesting beckoning cat." The Kakinuma doll's beckoning cat that I picked up after hearing that was unforgettable once I saw it, with its bright colors and the unique atmosphere created by the big shining eyes and colored stone bells that the wood grain dolls have never had before. I left an impression. However, more than that, I was interested in the new Kimekomi doll that was born by evolving the materials and manufacturing methods.

Speaking of Edo Kimekomi dolls, it is a craft known all over the country. Nevertheless, we seek new markets and try to create new value. I admire the spirit of such craftsmen. The eyes of the beckoning cat of Edo Kimekomi, who wears patterns and materials that were unthinkable until now, such as enamel and checks, make me feel that I am looking not only at Japan but also at the world.