Oodles of Noodles

Technically these aren't dolls, but they are some of my most recent Japan souvenirs.

This Monchichi holding a bowl of ramen is from my recent visit to the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum.

While this little Tanuki in a bowl of soba is from a capsule machine. I love the look on his little face.

Packing Up

I haven't been posting much lately due to the upcoming move back to the U.S. Packing up all of my dolls was a daunting task.

Here is a photo of almost all of my dolls packed up last week, before the movers came and took them away.

Sweets!

I found a unique Licca at the HobbyOff today.

She has tan skin, dark eyes, and amazing curly hair.

She is a friend of Licca, named Sweets.

Unfortunately, her curls are in really bad shape. She definately needs a trip to the dolly salon.

Kokeshi Collection

After yesterday's post about the kokeshi factory, I figured I would show you the kokeshi dolls that I own.

I have 10 kokeshi dolls in my collection.

In this photo; 2 traditional, a blue musical doll, and the kokeshi I made at the factory.

A cute samurai that I purchased at the factory.

Tiny fan shaped kokeshi - Empress and Emperor.

A tiny kokeshi made from a game piece.

And 2 small kokeshi dolls.

I think I may have enough.

Usaburou Kokeshi Factory

I visited the Usaburou Kokeshi factory in Gunma this weekend.

You can tour the factory and watch the craftsmen make the dolls.

In the main building, women paint the completed bodies.

After the factory tour, I went upstairs to the kokeshi museum. They have a lovely collection.

Here are a sampling of what you will see.

If you are interested, you can paint your own doll for a small fee. 

Here are some of the ladies I traveled with working on their dolls,

I think mine turned out pretty well.

The store is spacious and filled with lots of kokeshi dolls.

Some more photos of the property.

Bento, Real and Unreal

I haven't been posting a lot lately, so I am remedying that.

Presenting my latest Re-Ment set.

A New Year bento box. The hotdogs are cut to look like little fishies. Kawaii.

The bentos I make never look this good. Here is one I made for my husband yesterday.

Snow Miku

My newest capsule machine acquisition: a Snow Miku key chain. It only took me two tries to get her. On the first try I got a regular Miku sitting on a music note.

She has snow flakes on her hair!