In Japanese culture, having a small memento of a trip or bringing a loved one a small gift is part of the enjoyment of that specific experience. of course, Japanese Kokeshi would also be made as souvenirs. They include farmers selling oranges, or other fruit like cherries. They may also have favorite, or well known, haiku (poems) and depict historical landscapes and places such as Mt. Fuji or Tokyo Tower. These types of Kokeshi are slowly disappearing as they are no longer being produced.

The term is used to describe the Kokeshi Mailers also classified as Omiyage (souvenir) items. The yubin Kokeshi usually has a hollowed out body with a screw cap or plug on the bottom that helps to contain a blank paper insert. Once purchased the paper insert is then used to write a quick note to a friend. They can then be mailed by post with a special tag designed to wrap around the head piece of the Kokeshi yubin for ease of use.

This is a term coined by KT/KV. In featuring the works of artist who made similarly fashioned craftwork out of wood, ceramics, glass or any other medium, it was important to us to clearly define the source of inspiration. These are free form works created by artist, ceramist, pyrographers, fashion designers, illustrators etc. all around the world who have been inspired by Japanese Kokeshi and culture to create their own interpretive works. By using the term Kokeshi Inspired to describe their works, the origin of inspiration is kept and not lost, further growing interest in the art form.

This category was specifically created by Narugo crafters and is an elongated version of the ejiko style. We were recently informed that some of the other strains (styles) do not wish to have their sitting/kneeling Kokeshi referenced as nemariko as it is not the proper term for other strains. They would simply be called ejiko or sitting Kokeshi. Some may have their own terminology such as those made by Tōgatta kojin, Rika Komatsu, who calls hers "Welcome Kokeshi".

Foreshortened torsos usually with a large head

This term refers to the lathe chatter work which is purposely done on the wood to create a unique design on the body and hat if the Kokeshi has one. You can also sometimes find it on the base and mid-section of the Kokeshi, it really just depends on where the craftsman fancies using the technique.

Hollowed out head with beans or pebbles inside to give a rattling effect, like a maraca (marakasu) to be shaken. Typically found in Hijiori, Tsuchiyu-kei and Yajirō-kei strains.

allows for a crying or squeaking sound to be made when the Kokeshi's head is twisted left -right. Typically Naruko Kokeshi have this joint but there are other types to.

Bead-like hair ornaments on a hair stick (簪子) used in traditional Japanese hairstyles.

A kasa (笠) is a term used for any one of several traditional Japanese hats, specifically ones with a conical shape.

A design element used on the body of a Kokeshi that simulates a wood grain pattern. Primarily seen on Tōgatta-kei Kokeshi. It is said that it takes mastery to get this technique just right.

Kokeshi that are made to appear to be sleeping. Like ejiko Kokeshi types with their eyes closed.

Horizontal stripes created on the Kokeshi with paint, while still on the lathe. Sometimes the craftsman will reverse the direction of the spinning on the lathe, the lines are then referred to Kaeshi rokuro.

The design found on the back side of Kokeshi. Tōgatta craftsmen for instance often decorate their Kokeshi's backside with an uramoyo flower design such as an iris.

Yamiyo 闇夜 is a Japanese word used to describe loose rings circling the waists or lower body of a Kokeshi doll. They are typically created while still on the lathe. A technique that requires skill and a steady hand. The rings can be found most frequently on Tōgatta-kei, and rarely on Tsuchiyu-kei, Yamagata and Yajirō-kei.

The term is used to describe the parent nested type of Kokeshi. Usually one or two children are found to be nested within the parent Kokeshi.

A term used for describing the babysitter type of Kokeshi, they usually have a small baby-head attached to the body. These are different from Oshin Kokeshi which have a style of their own.

The children found inside of nesting Kokeshi.

The term is used to describe the grandparent nested type of Kokeshi. Usually three or as many as 7 children are found to be nested within the grandparent Kokeshi

The children found inside of nesting Kokeshi that are “looking upward”. For a good example of this type of Kokeshi check our gallery photos for Kakizawa Yoshinobu's works.

Oshin was a television drama show initially released on 04/04/83 and ending on 03/31/1984. It tells the story of Oshin, a poor little girl who had to work as a babysitter to help her family. She would one day become the owner of a big supermarket chain in Japan. It is where the “Oshin” style Kokeshi first debut created by Izu Sadao‚ 1st generation Oshin Kijishi. Due to popular demand he continued to make “Oshin Traditional Style” Kokeshi which is based on the Naruko Traditional Style. A 2nd Oshin Kokeshi depicting Oshin herself carrying the baby she cared for also emerged. The difference from other Komori Kokeshi is that Oshin is wearing a head bandana and wears a baby carrier which is often illustrated on the Kokeshi.

The term Yōkai (妖怪) is used to refer to ghosts, phantoms, demons, monsters, phantoms and goblins. A common one is Kappa, (河童, river-child) an amphibious demon sometimes illustrated as an imp. They favor cucumbers and are meant to scare children into staying away from large bodies of water.

Some Kokeshi are fashioned after Yukinko (uses the kanji 雪 (yuki; snow) + 子 (ko; child) to make 雪ん子). Yukinko means snow children, they are usually created wearing a straw cape over their heads and winter clothing like snow boots on.

Refers to locations in Japan where large, long-lasting snowfalls are common. It is commonly known to refer to the Sea of Japan on the side of Honsh (Japan's main island) and the area surrounded by the Japanese Alps.

Spinners or Tops usually found in ejiko obunko types of Kokeshi. They can also be purchased seperately and some are Kokeshi or Daruma-san themed.

A hanko/inkan (both terms are interchangeable) is a carved stamp, usually seen on the bottom or side of a Kokeshi in red or black ink. It can be used in any situation where a person, or a person acting on behalf of a business, would otherwise use their signature or initials. Some Kokeshi are stamped with the business name as opposed to the artists name for branding/merchandising purposes.