Naruko is one of prime kokeshi production area, earning a famous phrase "Collection of kokeshi begins and ends in Naruko." Naruko Kokeshi is said to have started at the end of Edo period (latter half of 19th century). Having produced kokeshi here in Naruko for five generations, Sakurai family embodies the tradition of Naruko kokeshi, and on this page are kokeshi works by current craftperson Akihiro Sakurai.