Sasaki Family

About👤

Sasaki Kokeshi Studio – A Family Legacy in New Kokeshi Artistry

The Sasaki family, Katsumi, his son Isao, and Isao's wife Miho, has carried forward a tradition of innovation in Kokeshi craftsmanship from their studio in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Sasaki Katsumi, born in 1928, began learning woodworking and painting in Shiroishi City in 1948. He soon established his own workshop, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generational pursuit of creativity and craftsmanship. Katsumi remained active in the field until his passing in 2008 due to heart failure.

His son, Sasaki Isao, was born in 1960 in Miyagi Prefecture. After completing his studies, Isao worked at the family workshop part-time and became the second-generation artisan. His career however was working as an engineer in, Kanagawa prefecture, in the technical department developing new cars.

In time, he married Miho, born in 1971 in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Following her graduation, Miho too embraced the Kokeshi tradition, carving out her own path as a maker.

In 2020, he founded the Yukokeshi Research Institute, where he remains actively involved. With extensive experience across three manufacturing firms, his expertise spans product development, production planning, and quality control, guided by methodologies like Six Sigma and the Toyota Production System. He also contributed to human resource development and management training. In the aviation sector, he played a central role in launching an air transport business, managing everything from operations to licensing. Driven by the motto “Where there is will, there is a way,” he continues his post-retirement pursuit of Kokeshi studies, now devoting his days to this passion alongside his wife.

Today, Sasaki Isao is noted as the only artisan among the 20 Kokeshi makers currently active in Shiroishi City who is capable of handling every stage of production, from selecting and cutting the wood to shaping, processing, and painting. Both Isao and Miho are multi-award-winning artists, recognized for their technical skill and expressive works.

Their creations are marketed under both “Sasaki Kokeshi Studio” and “Ucoqueshi Works Studio,” specializing in contemporary, imaginative interpretations of traditional Kokeshi dolls. Though the studio currently has no successors, it stands as a distinctive presence in the evolving landscape of modern Kokeshi artistry.

Awards🏅

Established over 60 years ago, in Shiroishi City, to promote the artistry and market growth of new-style Kokeshi, the All Japan Kokeshi Competition remains one of the most prestigious platforms in the field.

Both Isao and Miho participate annually, consistently earning accolades for their innovative creations, including several of the distinguished awards listed below.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award;
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award;
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award;
Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Commissioner's Award;
Forestry Agency Commissioner's Award;
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Manufacturing Bureau Director-General Award;
Miyagi Prefecture Governor Award, etc.,

Other📑

Sources:

Sasaki, I. (2025). ゆこけし研究所 - ucoqueshi staff. ゆこけし研究所. https://ucoqueshi.com/staff date of access 07/04/2025.