Autumn Equinox Day, Sept 23 September 24 2012, 0 Comments

Around September 23, Japan has a national holiday called shubun no hi, or Autumn Equinox Day. The Japanese visit their ancestors' graves on many occasions throughout the year especially during obon week, the anniversaries, and the week of the Equinox Day.

Moon Viewing September 22 2012, 0 Comments

The people of Japan have been admiring the moon since ancient times. Many in Japan enjoy moon viewing parties called tsukimi during mid-to-late September. Modern day tsukimi are for enjoying the beautiful moon with friends. However, during ancient times, tsukimi was a solemn occasion when farmers "prayed" to the moon for a bountiful harvest by offering mochi dumplings with pampas grasses. Regardless of ancient superstitions, the full moon is especially beautiful this time of the year mostly because the late summer air tends to be very clear.

We have a beautiful moon viewing kokeshi doll in a washed blue color. The moon is the color of the natural wood. The carved pampas grass is beautifully silhouetted in the moon. You can find her in the girls catagory, U-2-16. 

Maintenance on the website September 21 2012, 0 Comments

I want to let our customers know that we will be performaing maintenance on the website Sunday, September 23 4:00am MDT to September 23 4:30am MDT. This shouldn't affect out US customers since it's so early in the morning,  but might affect our international customers. We do not anticipate more than 5 minutes of downtime, however you may experience brief interruptions in service throughout the maintenance window. Thanks!

Respect for the Aged Day September 17 2012, 0 Comments

According to the World Health Organization, the people of Japan have the longest lifespan in the world. It is fitting that every year on the third Monday of September, Japan celebrates a national holiday called Keirou-no-Hi, or "Respect for the Aged Day." This holiday is to show respect for the elderly and also to celebrate their longevity. Keirou-no-Hi is a day to reflect on the contribution the elderly have made to society and to pray for their continued health. Often, schools will host programs where children can make crafts and draw pictures to give as gifts for their grandparents and great-grandparents.

We carry two sets of kokeshi dolls that celebrate elderly couples. Please see them in the catagory, Elderly Couple. The sets make a unique gift for a wedding, anniversary or other special occasion.

Salt Lake City, Utah Family Christmas Gift Show September 15 2012, 0 Comments

Kokeshi Designs will be at the Utah Family Christmas Gift Show in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 9 & 10. The show is at the South Towne Center in Sandy, Utah. We are in Booth 0346. We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends in Salt Lake City! If there is something special you would like us to bring, please email us at www.kokeshidesigns@hotmail.com

Also, if you are interested in the 3-pc sets, I am taking names and holding sets for people. I hope to have the sets by mid-October. Please contact me at the above email and I will save a set for you! My list is growing!

Thank you for your interest in our beautiful kokeshi dolls. We appreciate all of our customers around the world.

Sharon

3-pc Kokeshi Nativity Set September 06 2012, 6 Comments

We are receiving many inquiries about the 3-pc Kokeshi Nativity Set. They are in production and we expect them to be in stock by mid- October. Please check back at that time. Or, if you would like us to contact you when they arrive, please send us an email through the contact page on the website and we will let you know when the sets are available.

Thanks!!

Sharon

We love our Kokeshi dolls July 25 2012, 0 Comments

We love our dolls and we know that you do too because we are having a hard time keeping them in stock! We hope to have our shipment by October. If there is a doll you are waiting for, send us an email and we will contact you when your kokeshi doll arrives. Thank you for your business. We appreciate all of our customers around the world.   

Nihon Matsuri Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah March 12 2012, 0 Comments

KOKESHI DESIGNS will be at the Nihon Matsuri Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 28, 2012 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The Festival is located on 100 South between 2nd & 3rd West.

We can't wait to see all of our Utah customers!   If there is anything special you want us to bring with us, please email Sharon or fill out the "contact us" form on the website.

See you April 28 in Salt Lake City!

Yokota AFB Bazaar March 12 2012, 0 Comments

KOKESHI DESIGNS will be at the Yokota Bazaar on March 31 and April 1. Come by and buy your kokeshi dolls in person!

We can't wait to see you there.

We Remember.... March 11 2012, 0 Comments

Our hearts are with the people of Japan as they mark the 1 year anniversary of the terrible earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. We extend our prayers to all those who were affected by the disaster. We continue to marvel at the courage and resilience of the Japanese people.

Required Maintenance December 29 2011, 0 Comments

The website will be performing maintenance from December 29 9:30pm MST to December 29 10:00pm MST.

This may result in the website being temporarily unavilable while the maintenance is taking place. We apologize for any inconvenience.

9-pc Nativity Sets are back in stock December 29 2011, 1 Comment

We received our 9-pc Nativity Sets from Japan. They can be ordered directly from the website as of today.

Thank you for your patience. They are worth the wait!!

Happy Holidays December 24 2011, 0 Comments

All of us at Kokeshi Designs would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

We look forward to bringing you new kokeshi designs in 2012 which will include a new Nativity and much more.

We know that all of the beautiful kokeshi dolls we shipped this holiday season will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come.

Thank you for your continued support of Kokeshi Designs. We appreciate it!

Sharon and Naomi 

Christmas shipping December 20 2011, 0 Comments

For our customers in the United States, it's not to late to order in order to get your kokeshi dolls by Christmas. We are shipping daily. Order today! 

For our international customers, we are also shipping your orders daily but your orders will most likely not make it to you by Dec 25.

Thank you so very much for your business!  We love our kokeshi dolls are so happy to ship our beautiful dolls to your homes around the world.

Merry Christmas!

Sharon

9-pc Kokeshi Nativity Sets December 19 2011, 1 Comment

We are still waiting for the 9-pc sets to arrive. It should be any day. If you have emailed us concerning a set we will save a set for you and contact you as soon as they arrive.

Thank you

Sharon

9-pc Kokeshi Nativity Sets December 08 2011, 4 Comments

We have sold out of our 9-pc Kokeshi Nativity Sets. We have more sets on the way and hope to have them by the end of next week. (12/17). If you would like to add your name to the waiting list, please contact us.

Thank you!

To Our Customers December 02 2011, 0 Comments

We want to say thank you to our customers around the world. Our goal at Kokeshi Designs is to provide you with quality kokeshi dolls and excellent customer service. We must be doing something right because we have customers return to Kokeshi Designs time and time again. Thank you so much! You feel like family to us. It makes us so happy to ship our beautiful dolls to our customers around the world. If you have any questions about any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you find the perfect kokeshi doll.

Thank you again for your business.

Sharon and Naomi

Kokeshi Nativity Sets December 01 2011, 1 Comment

Our Kokeshi Nativity Sets are selling quickly. If you think you would like a set this holiday season, please order soon so that you won't be disappointed if we run out. We will of course, get more sets in but maybe not before Christmas.

We appreciate your business. Thank you so much. We love to think of this beautiful art of the Nativity Sets in homes around the world. If you have any questions about the sets, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Don't forget that Kokeshi Designs will be at Atsugi, Japan and also at The American School in Japan this coming weekend. We will have our Nativity Sets, ornaments and other kokeshi dolls available for purchase.

Happy Thanksgiving! November 24 2011, 0 Comments

To our friends around the world who celebrate Thanksgiving, we wish you a wonderful day!

Japan Bazaars November 21 2011, 0 Comments

Kokeshi Designs will be at two bazaars in Japan the first weekend of December. Come and visit us at Atsugi Naval Air Base on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

We will also be at The American School in Japan on Saturday, December 3. Don't forget that all sales at ASIJ are in yen.

We will have our original Kokeshi Nativity Sets, original Christmas ornaments and much more.

See you in Japan!

Thank you Salt Lake City November 20 2011, 0 Comments

We had the best time in Salt Lake City. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers! We loved talking with each of you about our common experiences and love for Japan. We were so thrilled that so many of you took home our kokeshi dolls. We know you will enjoy them. We look forward to seeing you again in April when we will attend Nihon Matsuri, a one day festival held in downtown Salt Lake. We will keep you posted on the details.

Again, thank you for your business. Naomi and I appreciate it very much. We will continue to offer beautiful kokeshi dolls. If we can assist you with your holiday shopping needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Sharon

Salt Lake City, Utah Family Christmas Gift Show November 09 2011, 1 Comment

We are coming to Salt Lake City and are bringing all of our beautiful Kokeshi Nativity Sets as well as many other dolls. Please join us this Friday and Saturday November 11 & 12 at the Sandy Expo Center. We will be at Booth 346.

Naomi arrived from Japan last night and will be joining us this weekend.

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Sharon & Naomi

3-pc Nativity Sets have arrived! October 05 2011, 4 Comments

The 3-pc Kokeshi Nativity Sets have arrived and can now be purchased on the website. Please order soon if you would like a set for this holiday season.

They are beautiful!

9-pc Kokeshi Nativity Sets have arrived!! October 01 2011, 2 Comments

Our beautiful hand crafted 9-pc Kokeshi Nativity Set is back in stock! They are selling quickly so please order soon if you would like a set this holiday season.

The 3-pc Kokeshi Nativity sets as well as the 2-pc tall sets should be here sometime next week.

Our Nativity sets are hand crafted in Japan by kokeshi artists. What a wonderful addition for the Nativity collector!

If you have any questions about the sets, please contact us at kokeshidesigns@hotmail.com