Watanabe Yuji | 渡辺雄二

1951 in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture

About👤

A distinguished figure in the world of sōsaku Kokeshi. The son of Watanabe Masao, one of the pioneers of the creative Kokeshi movement, Yuji inherited not only the technical mastery of traditional woodcraft but also a deep appreciation for artistic innovation. His Kokeshi are recognized for their refined sculptural qualities, particularly the intricately carved hairstyles, delicately rendered facial expressions, and elaborately patterned kimono motifs. Floral designs, Asanoha (hemp leaf), and Kanoko (tie-dye) patterns are recurring themes that reflect both traditional aesthetics and a modern artistic sensibility.

Watanabe began producing his own designs in the 1970s under his father’s guidance and quickly rose to prominence, winning major honors such as the Governor’s Prize at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition in 1977 and the Minister of Education Award in both 1978 and 1983. His works have continued to receive national accolades, including the METI Award in 2013, and are held in high regard by collectors worldwide. Several of his creations are part of the permanent collection at the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany, further affirming his international reputation.

It is important to recognize that Watanabe Yuji-san began creating Kokeshi at the young age of 21, and from the outset, he approached his craft with a strong sense of personal vision. While deeply respectful of his father, Watanabe Masao, a highly respected figure in the world of sōsaku Kokeshi, Yuji-san sought to develop his own identity as an artisan. Rather than being seen merely as the successor to his father’s legacy, he hoped his work would be appreciated on its own merits and judged independently of familial comparison. This quiet determination to establish a distinct creative voice has shaped his long and respected career.

A third-generation artisan, Watanabe Yuji is also the father of Watanabe Kunihiko, who continues the family’s artistic tradition. His legacy lies in the delicate balance between heritage and individuality, crafting Kokeshi that are expressive, contemporary wood sculptures.

Awards🏅

1977 - 1983 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Miyagi Prefecture Governor Award
1978 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Minister of Education Award
1981 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Minister of Education Award for “Koisoka” (恋奏花こいそうか meaning love song flower)
1983 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Minister of Education Award
2004 Japan Kokeshi Association; 30th Anniversary Major Award
2012 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for "Hana Monogatari" 「花物語」Meaning Flower Story
2013 All Japan Kokeshi Contest; Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Exhibitions | Memberships 🖼️

In 1978, the work was preserved at the Nuremberg Toy Museum.
Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association (日本こけし工芸会とは)

Other📑

Sources

Yamanaka, N. (1965). Modern Kokeshi White Paper. Contemporary Kokeshi: The People and Their Works (T. Kano, Ed.; 1965th ed., pp. 1–139). Kiyoei Shobo.
Creative KOKESHI Artistic Handicraft Directory. Supervised by Daizo Nishide, directed by Kazuo Izumi, Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association, July 1983
Watanabe Yuji - Kokeshi Japan. (2021, December 2). Kokeshi Japan. https://kokeshijapan.com/watanabe-yuji/
Shibukawa City & Shibukawa City Board of Education (2013). National Creative Kokeshi Art Exhibition in Shibukawa 20th anniversary commemorative magazine: Kokeshi Art, Lifelong Learning Division, Shibukawa City Board of Education.
Shibukawa City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Division. (1998). Creative Kokeshi Doll Exhibition in Shibukawa City: 20th & 5th catalogue, 1994–1998 (Ishihara, Ed.). Shibukawa City & Shibukawa City Board of Education.
Shibukawa City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Division. (2008). *Creative Kokeshi Doll Exhibition in Shibukawa City: 15th anniversary commemorative catalogue, original Kokeshi and its artists*. Shibukawa City & Shibukawa City Board of Education.
Shibukawa City & Shibukawa City Board of Education. (2024). National Creative Kokeshi Art Exhibition in Shibukawa 30th anniversary commemorative magazine: Creative Kokeshi and its artists. Lifelong Learning Division, Shibukawa City Board of Education.

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