Welcome to The Kokeshi Project
About the Kokeshi Project
During 2024 and 2025 the project presented summer events, exhibits, and cultural activities at libraries around Greater Cincinnati. Through these initiatives, we spread an appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural significance of kokeshi dolls.
Kokeshi Project Programs
From June 2024 to October 2025, we hosted a series of programs at several branches of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, including Forest Park Library, Harrison Library, West End Library, Anderson Library, Grosbeck Library and the Main Library Downtown. These events featured an exhibit of antique and modern kokeshi dolls from northern Japan and three contemporary kokeshi artists. Below are descriptions of the accompanying programs that engaged over 300 participants of all ages:
Kamishibai (Paper Theater) Performances
Author Talks
Make & Take Workshops
Naomi Umeki
Naomi Umeki, born in 1968, resides in northern Japan and has been creating kokeshi dolls since 2013. Raised in a family of artists, Naomi learned the craft from her father, Shuichi Umeki, who is also a master of the Zao-Takayu style. Her work combines traditional techniques with contemporary artistic expressions, resulting in beautifully detailed and elegant dolls. Naomi’s creations have been showcased internationally, reflecting her dedication to preserving and evolving the art of kokeshi.
Takatoshi Hayashi
Kokeshi History
Kokeshi dolls have a storied history that dates back over 200 years. Originally created by farmers in the Tohoku region as a winter job, these dolls quickly became popular souvenirs at local onsen. The simple yet intricate designs, often featuring floral or ring patterns, reflect the artisans’ skill and dedication.
Distinctive regional styles emerged, each associated with specific onsen. Today, traditional kokeshi dolls are highly valued for their historical significance, while contemporary artists continue to innovate, creating unique designs that honor the past while embracing the future.
Meet the Team
The Kokeshi Project was initiated by Yukiko Ryburn as a way to share Japanese culture and folk art with the Greater Cincinnati community. Having grown up in the Tohoku area where kokeshi dolls originated, Yukiko has collected these dolls for over twenty years. Yukiko recruited Emiko Moore and Helen Rindsberg to help share the fun and excitement of Japanese culture.
Meet the Team
The Kokeshi Project was initiated by Yukiko Ryburn as a way to share Japanese culture and folk art with the Greater Cincinnati community. Having grown up in the Tohoku area where kokeshi dolls originated, Yukiko has collected these dolls for over twenty years. Yukiko recruited Emiko Moore and Helen Rindsberg to help share the fun and excitement of Japanese culture.
Hi, my name is Little Kokeshi and I’m from northern Japan.
I love to travel, and I was so excited to visit Cincinnati for the Kokeshi Project! Yukiko Ryburn wrote a book about my unexpected travels in northern Japan, and I just loved all my adventures in the book. I told this to my three friends, Helen, Emiko and Yukiko and they invited me to come to Cincinnati! I was so excited that I stayed up all night packing for this trip to the U.S. What an honor for me to be invited. They showed me some fun things in Cincinnati and I was a star of four kokeshi exhibits.
I had great fun at the Family Festival and exhibit at the Forest Hill Library in November 2024! In 2025 we traveled together in the exhibit to the Anderson Library, Grosbeck Library and Main Library Downtown. It was a fantastic adventure. Thank you!
Our Supporters
The Kokeshi Project would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. We are grateful for the contributions of the following organizations:
