Keep it long, treasure it long.

Old and new local dolls

Odate Kogeisha was founded in Odate, in the northern part of Akita Prefecture. Odate Kogeisha is famous for its bent wood boxes, but when it was first established, it mainly manufactured wooden flower vases and souvenirs. Among these products, this Osugi Warabe has been made since around 1962. It is a wooden doll modeled after a child wearing a straw snow hat, which symbolizes the winter in the snowy country of Akita.

Osugi Warabe, which has been loved as a local Akita toy, is a symbolic product that has supported Odate Kogeisha's manufacturing and can be said to be the beginning. As the popularity of bent wood boxes increased, production decreased and production was discontinued in the 1970s, but there were persistent calls for a revival. In response to such calls, the Osugi Warabe Set has been re-released about 50 years after production ended, more than half a century later.

Nice to meet you after 50 years

Osugi Warabe is made of solid Akita cedar wood and recreates the original style. From processing to dyeing to painting, each doll is made by craftsmen. There were hardships behind the revival after 50 years, as it seems that the people involved in the production of dolls at the time when they were actively made, and the tools used were no longer left. Therefore, the colors and shapes were created from scratch, and the dolls were reproduced.

Osugi Warabe is a combination of the dignified beauty of snow country and nostalgia. Round eyes, slightly separated eyebrows and a pursed mouth. The somewhat absent-minded expression is cute and gives you a relaxing time in your life.

Osugi Warabe, which has been loved by many people for its adorable design, is also recommended as a gift. It will be appreciated as a housewarming gift for a loved one or a baby gift for a friend. It comes as a set of a boy and a girl, so it would be good to display them instead of Hina dolls.

Traditional crafts that utilize the power of nature

Odate Kogei's craftsmanship has transitioned from Osugi Warabe to Magewappa. Akita cedar that has endured harsh winters has a beautiful luster, and it is said that the bent wappa made by bending it is exquisite and does not warp for many years. Magewappa are made from natural Akita cedar that is 150 to 200 years old, and are not only durable, but also keep the rice cool in summer and warm in winter, making them a traditional Akita craft that makes the most of the power of nature. Akita cedar absorbs the moisture from the rice as if it were breathing, and by maintaining the right amount of humidity, the rice packed in the wappa becomes exceptionally delicious.

The history of magewappa is long, and it is said to date back to the Nara period. It is said that it began when a woodcutter made a lunch box by bending a piece of cedar wood and sewing it together with cherry bark. Production of Odate magewappa became popular about 400 years ago. In 1980, it was designated as a national traditional craft. There are many types of magewappa all over Japan, but only Odate magewappa is designated as a traditional craft, and its excellent technique is highly regarded.