This is one of the oldest locally made toys in northern Japan. It is given to newlyweds, at the birth of a child or as a New Year's gift and to congratulate on recovery from illness or misfortune. It symbolizes the quality of perseverance since the doll itself can fall but get up again (okiagari). It is all hand-painted with bright colors. This lovely round hand-painted ceramic doll is also one of the traditional crafts of Kanazawa. "Kaga" comes from the name of the area, which was once called the Kaga domain. "Hachiman" when written in Kanji (with Chinese characters), can also be read as Yahata (the name of a particular god in Japan and the shrine where they worship that god).
"Okiagari" means to get up or wake up. Therefore, the words put together mean "A waking doll made in the Kaga region for the god Hachiman". This traditional craft found in Kanazawa is given to those who are expecting a baby to wish the baby to grow up healthily. The reason why they give this doll is because this doll can wake up after being pushed, therefore, it always gets up after falling, meaning that you can overcome all difficulties and that you will grow up to become better and stay strong. Sometimes, the doll is given to a couple who just got married or even to wish someone to improve soon.
