Traditional Kokeshi Dolls Illuminate Modern Living: Murakami Kousakusho Crafts Lighting for Sony Design x Sakurai Kokeshi's Co-Creation 'Akari Kokeshi'

Murakami Kousakusho Co., Ltd., a lighting manufacturer based in Taka-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, is participating in the exhibition and sales event titled 'Kokeshi Dolls Never Seen Before, Created by Designers from Sony and Fujifilm,' to be held at Isetan Shinjuku starting June 17, 2026 (Wednesday), by providing manufacturing support for the lighting component of the pendant light 'Akari Kokeshi.'

Background of the Project and 'Akari Kokeshi'

This initiative is the first project of 'IN-HOUSE→SOCIAL DESIGN UNIT,' which aims to leverage the specialized skills of in-house corporate designers to create new social value. Designers from the Sony Group were inspired by the craftsmanship of 'Sakurai Kokeshi,' a family-run studio in Naruko Onsen, Oshu City, Miyagi Prefecture, renowned for generations of 'Naruko Kokeshi' doll making, and reinterpreted the traditional craft into a new form.

The 'Akari Kokeshi' pendant light, one of the diverse creations, draws inspiration from the wood-turning process on a lathe, reimagining the traditional kokeshi silhouette into a modern lighting design.

'Akari Kokeshi' Design｜Akimasa Mishima (Sony Group Creative Center) Wood Base Craft｜Naomichi Sakurai (Sakurai Kokeshi) Hand Painting｜Akihiro Sakurai (Sakurai Kokeshi) Lighting Production｜Murakami Kousakusho Co., Ltd.

Murakami Kousakusho's 'Light Design' That Enhances the Beauty of Sakurai Kokeshi's Woodcraft

At Murakami Kousakusho, we continually pursue the philosophy of 'shaping light as culture.' Our goal is not merely to illuminate spaces, but to create light that becomes a 'place' for family gatherings at the dining table or moments of contemplation.

For the production of 'Akari Kokeshi,' our primary objective was to fully highlight the exquisite woodcraft meticulously shaped by Sakurai Kokeshi and the intricate hand-painted details.

To illuminate from within wood—a natural material—we engaged in hands-on design, sincerely engaging with the material to develop a unique structural mechanism. Drawing on the technical expertise cultivated since our founding in 1985, we carefully engineered the design so that the warmth and smooth texture of the wood, combined with the soft glow emanating from within, seamlessly blend into contemporary living environments.

Comforting Light Bridging Traditional Craftsmanship and Modern Life

The deep craftsmanship of traditional arts, cutting-edge design aligned with modern lifestyles, and lighting technology that brings these elements to life as functional 'light'—the convergence of distinct expertise has given birth to an unprecedented product.

At the exhibition, alongside our 'Akari Kokeshi,' numerous unique and innovative kokeshi creations by designers from Sony Group and Fujifilm will be displayed and available for purchase. We invite you to experience firsthand the rich relationship that emerges between light and human life.

【Event Overview】 IN-HOUSE→SOCIAL DESIGN UNIT Vol.1 'Sony and Fujifilm Designers Create Kokeshi Dolls Never Seen Before'

Event Period: June 17 (Wed) – June 25 (Thu), 2026 Venue: Center Park / The Stage #5, 5th Floor, Main Building, Isetan Shinjuku ※ Available for purchase via the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Event Details & Online Store: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/feature/living_art_f2/livingroom101_l.html

【Related Links】

For more information on the project background, designer insights, and the history of Sakurai Kokeshi, please visit the following pages:

Sony Group Kokeshi Introduction

https://www.sony.com/ja/SonyInfo/design/stories/kokeshi/ (Japanese)

Fujifilm Kokeshi Introduction

https://design.fujifilm.com/ja/kokeshiproject/

Sakurai Kokeshi Official Website / Journal

https://sakuraikokeshi.jp/ https://n-koshiki.co.jp/journal_/sony/

Dentsu Future Creative Center Press Release

https://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2025/1024-010956.html

【Photo Gallery】

【About Murakami Kousakusho Co., Ltd.】

Shaping light as culture.

Light that accompanies family gatherings at the dinner table.

Light that stands quietly beside moments of thought.

Light that draws near, becoming a place of belonging.

We give form to light that is remembered through human activities.

Under the name 'workshop,'

we think with our hands, explore materials and technology,

and strive to create craftsmanship rooted in daily life.

Based in Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture,

we are a lighting manufacturer.

Founded in 1985.

Our commitment to original craftsmanship

is embedded in our name.

We connect materials, technology, and light,

reconstructing them within everyday life.

Between light and human activities,

we create distance and relationships,

shaping the phenomenon of light as culture.

That is the craftsmanship of Murakami Kousakusho.