Takatoshi Hayashi
林貴俊

Takatoshi Hayashi was born and raised in Ishinomaki, one of the largest metropolises in the Tōhoku region. After graduating from university, he spent ten years working as a quasi-civil servant before committing himself to his family’s kimono store, Hayashi Gofuku-ten.

In 2015, Takatoshi started to develop his own unique style of Kokeshi, benefiting from his immense knowledge of kimono patterns and aesthetics. This blend of traditional and modern design elements led to the creation of highly original Kokeshi dolls, which have since gained widespread popularity in the region.

Hayashi-san says about himself: “I create Ishinomaki kokeshi in my studio, which is situated in Hayashiya Clothes & Fabric Store near Ishinomaki Station, where I also work. I’m always wearing two hats, one being a worker in my parents’store, the other making Ishinomaki kokeshi.

I probably spend about 80% of my work time making kokeshi, but whichever job I’m doing, the feeling of wanting to invigorate the Ishinomaki area and get more and more people to come visit is the same. I really hope that making my cute kokeshi dolls, which I love to do, will act as a bridge to people enjoying other facets of the city, be it eating, shopping, wandering around, or any other activity.

I’m really proud of the kokeshi that I make and would be very happy if you could come and see my work.”

Takatoshi regularly holds workshops and presentations, sharing his innovative approach and passion for Kokeshi with both enthusiasts and collectors.