Yasuo Okazaki

Yasuo Okazaki is a kokeshi doll craftsman who has his workshop "Kokeshi no Okajin" in Naruko Onsen hot springs and is the executive director of the Miyagi traditional kokeshi dolls association. He has been making kokeshis for generations since his grandfather's generation.

After graduating from high school, he followed his father, Jinji, for training in wood carving and started making kokeshi dolls. In addition to his workshop at the Okajin's storefront, he also makes kokeshis at the demonstration site of the Nippon Kokeshi Museum, where visitors can observe actual woodworking lathe in action.

Beyond just creating these pieces of art, Okazaki has also made it his mission to train young craftsmen so that this important piece of culture and tradition can be passed down for generations to come.