Noboru Wagatsuma
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Noboru Wagatsuma
Noboru Wagatsuma, born in 1983, cultivates the traditional Togatta style as a Kokeshi artist. At the same time, he contributes to the development of Sosaku Kokeshi by creating exceptional, bold designs. His works, which cleverly combine modern motifs and wood grain patterns, are popular both in Japan and abroad. In his creations, Wagatsuma-san often combines his passion for Kokeshi and music, creatively merging these two worlds.

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Born in 1983, Noboru Wagatsuma began his professional career in his family's company, which specialises in the production and sale of machines and tools for craftsmen. Fascinated by the kokeshi makers he got to know through his work, he decided to complete a three-year apprenticeship with master craftsman Hayasaka Masahiro. Since then, Noboru Wagatsuma has been producing an impressive variety of kokeshi.

Based in Sendai, the largest city in the Tōhoku region, the kokeshi artist has dedicated himself to cultivating the Togatta style that is characteristic of this region. At the same time, he is tirelessly dedicated to the further development of sosaku kokeshi and produces kokeshi dolls that are characterised by their innovative, bold design. His designs are particularly exciting, combining modern motifs and shapes with the spectacular grain of wood species such as hornbeam or camellia.

Wagatsuma-san's Kokeshi dolls have grown increasingly popular – both in Japan and abroad. Through his artistic work, he aims to contribute to the global appreciation and preservation of the Kokeshi tradition.

Wagatsuma-san is a man of many talents: Before devoting himself to kokeshi making, he excelled as a singer and songwriter and released music albums. Music is still a great passion for him, and so his kokeshis always include those connected to the music world - such as multi-instrumental pop/rock bands or NINA, a joint project with the author Adam Jaromir, which was inspired by the Godmother of Punk, Nina Hagen.