SENDAI MID STATION

Aizu Hariko Papier-Mâché [Aizuwakamatsu City & Nishiaizu Town, Fukushima]

Traditional folk toys reflecting local culture and heartfelt wishes

Folktoysuniquetotheregion,suchasthe"Akabeko"thatgentlyrocksitsheadandthe"OkiagariKoboshi"thatkeepsgettingbackup,allshowcasingthecharmingappealof"AizuHarikoPapiermâché"ItsoriginissaidtobetracedbacktoLordGamoUjisato,whoinviteddollartisansfromKyototohelpprovideforlowerrankingsamuraiandpromoteeconomicrecovery
"AizuHarikoPapiermâché"isknownforitsvividredcolorManyofthemotifsreflectAizu'suniquecustomsandbeliefsTheseluckyfigurinesmadetoprayforgoodfortune,protectionfromevil,andbountifulharvestsarebelovedsymbolsofgoodluckAwellknownexampleisthecharming"Akabeko,"modeledafterthepowerfulredcow,andthe"OkiagariKoboshi,"asmallfigurineembodyingresilienceandperseveranceInrecentyears,collaborationshaveintroducedinnovativedesigns,suchasOkiagariKoboshifeaturingtraditionalJapanesepatternsandevenEdvardMunch’s"TheScream,"gainingwidespreadattention