Toys from Tosa Folk Crafts Store

Chamami of Chamami Gallery in Kochi Prefecture is like a Jedi Master, having long supported local toys and artisans. "I treated Shiko Munakata to dinner twice," Munakata said, to which she responded, "Bring me a brush!" The painting she quickly and skillfully completed is now used as wrapping paper for Tosa Mingei. What an enviable story. Every year, with the arrival of new product introductions and promotional letters, their eloquent sales pitches and exquisite discount rates make them a must-buy. Then, one day, I received a sudden phone call from Chamami, who was in a wheelchair and had decided to stop by Atelier Gang before visiting the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Chamami owns the original models and molds of many obsolete items, restoring them with the help of artisans capable of recreating them from the same era. The famous whale cart and Kosen doll were among those once on the brink of extinction. Chamami passed away in the winter of 2023. I regret that I could not have met her again. Now, her daughter Ritsuko, who carries on Chamami's legacy, is the shop owner and, with the support of her family, is actively working. Recently, they have reproduced clay dolls and papier-mâché Tosa fighting dogs with bobbing heads. Tosa Mingei-sha is the oldest surviving toy shop, producer, and living dictionary.