In August of Japan, there is a "Bon Festival" held from Aug. 13 to 16, depending on the area. According to popular Budhist belief, ancestral spirits return to their families during the Bon Festival on Aug. 13, and return again to heaven on Aug. 16.

Kyoto city is known about the "Farewell fires of Bon festival" which a specific letter or a picture of the fire is lit on a halfway of the different mountains surrounding Kyoto.

As to the traditional "kokeshi doll", it was originated and has been handcrafted only in this Tohoku district including Sendai, though many kinds of similar Kokeshi dolls are made and sold all over in Japan.

It is made of dried woods, by using a kind of lathe, and it commonly has a cylinder-shaped body with a little big head of the cylinder-shaped or the globular form.

The head is painted with some hair ornament and a girl's face , and the body has either pattern of of the Japanese kimono, or the geometrical pattern made by a lathe.

All of Kokeshi doll are made by handcraft. The origin of Kokeshi is said that a craftsman who had made wooden trays and cups using a lathe got an idea, and made some samples in his spare time for sale as souvenires in the hot spring district and the neighbors. Therefore, there are unique patterns of Kokeshi in the every hot spring location of Tohoku, and each pattern is carried over to childlen from the parents.

The Kokeshi doll has many sizes, but I believe ones in 30cm size are very popular. And it is well accepted nationwide in Japan due to its tradition and simplicity.

Every year in May, Shiraishi City near Sendai holds the "kokeshi doll competition", where the excellent works of Kokeshi are awarded by the Japanese Prime Minister.

I get comforted by looking at the Kokeshi's line-ups on the shelves of my living room. The only problem I have is that they fall down like dominoes at every earthquake because of their big heads.

I am not sure if my explanation without showing any photos is understandable for all American penpals.

Jean, I bet, however, you would become a fan of Kokeshi doll once you had a chance to see it.

I will write you again ! Kazumi.