Watanabe Yuji

(1951-)

Bio & Awards

Born in 1951 in Shiroishi city, Miyagi prefecture. Son of the renowned Masao Watanabe. He started creating kokeshi dolls in 1970 under his father and developed his own unique style. His dolls are decorated with extravagant and intricate kimonos featuring floral and traditional motifs and patterns as well as meticulously carved hair in symmetric and asymmetric styles. He has won a high number of awards for his beautiful dolls and several of them are permanently featured in the Nuremberg toy museum in Germany.

Prizes (partial list)

1977 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Miyagi Prefecture Governor Award (and continued to win it for 6 consecutive years).
1978 – Minister of Education Award
1983 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Minister of Education Award
2004 – Japan Kokeshi Association 30th Anniversary Major Award
2012 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award
2013 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award