Creative Kokeshi does not follow the traditional designs from the Tohoku region and instead has an unstructured inspiration that is completely free in terms of shape and painting, the only traditional constraint is that it is manufactured with a lathe.
Unlike traditional kokeshi dolls, they do not show any of their distinctive local colors or techniques passed down from generation to generation. They represent one generation, original artwork from a single craftsman. This is a relatively new concept in which most artists try to express certain themes through their work.
Creative crafted dolls have become a cause for celebration in Tohoku and Japan. Every year, in early September, people gather at Naruko Onsen, where masters from all over the country gather to honor Kokeshi, at a competition where the most prestigious award is the prize of the Prime Minister.