Kokeshi dolls are a well-known souvenir of Tohoku but it's Gunma prefecture which is most associated with kindai kokeshi ("modern kokeshi"). These are often more popular with overseas visitors and Gunma supplies around 60-70% of total production in Japan. As pictured above, they are more varied than traditional kokeshi, often rounder, and sometimes with a helmet of hair. The number of manufacturers has fallen from a peak of 150 firms to only 21 today but it seems the earthquake has dealt a further blow to the industry. A local Gunma newspaper says (Japanese) says that some saw orders cancelled completely after the earthquake. Now several months on, orders from Kyoto, Asakusa and Nikko are back but down about 60% from previous levels. Some firms reliant on consignment sales are still down 90% from previous levels. The situation is so serious that craftsmen have had to stop working until demand recovers. The government is planning to offer compensation to businesses affected by the disaster, and there are indications that the tourism industry will get some support. However, it's not clear whether that will extend to the souvenir business.
8O8O8O8O8O
