thejapaneseshop.co.uk and https://usaburokokeshi.com/en.
We found this online shop because we were looking for handmade paper but also thought the Kokeshi dolls from the Tohoku region looked nice. They symbolize good luck, protection against evil spirits and wishes for children’s healthy growth. (Until October – Japanese gift wrapping for things you might buy is free, but from October – you must pay for it.
Please also have a look at Daruma Kokeshi Dolls – they look a bit frightening but they bounce backup.
‘Daruma (also known as Dharma dolls) are modelled on Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and are a long-established symbol of perseverance and good luck.’
Japanese people also love black cats. The first website has many interesting things including beautiful origami paper, based in UK. The second website is based in Japan
We also love Kintsugi (golden joinery) – ‘instead of discarding shattered ceramics, this method highlights the cracks, turning flaws into a unique, beautiful feature’.
‘Kokeshi dolls were first made in the Edo period to express wishes for physical and mental recovery, a good harvest and the growth of children. The wish for daily happiness and peace is the same today’..’ Kokeshi doll is a connection, not magic.
Sometimes kokeshi dolls give us such an opportunity, the person you were’ – interesting
sunnypolarbear 