Kanabayashi Kenji
- Craft
- Edo Kimekomi Doll
- Country
- Japan
President of Mataro Dolls Co., Ltd., Traditional Craftsman, and Master Dollmaker.
He is the third-generation successor of Mataro Dolls, the only workshop officially recognized by Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto as the authentic bearer of the Kimekomi doll tradition.
Having studied sculpture and Heian-period court attire, he preserves traditional Kimekomi techniques while creating elegant works suited to modern times.
Even as lifestyles and social contexts change, he upholds the core traditions of Kimekomi dolls while incorporating new materials and designs.
His goal is to create dolls that bring peace and healing to people’s hearts.
