Wood
Japan's abundant forests meant all kinds of wooden toys were made, especially in mountainous regions. Recently, simple kokeshi dolls have come back into vogue, particularly among young women. Uso bullfinch dolls, originally from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, are the focus of the annual Usokae bullfinch exchange held at many Tenmangu shrines. Participants in this Shinto ceremony trade in last year's bullfinch dolls, either swapping with other worshippers or getting a new one from the shrine. The exchange symbolizes trading the past year's unlucky events for future good fortune.
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