Kokeshi-inspired fukinagashi decoration, one of seven hung from the Japanese American National Museum's Pavilion building in August 2009 as part of the 1st Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival.

This Kokeshi Doll decoration, along with all of its other Tanabata Decoration nakama, are the result of the collaborated teamwork at JANM. But more than that I think it signifies a strong tie with the idea of community. With the historic JANM building to the right, the Little Tokyo buildings in the back, and the people milling around down below for some good food these decorations show how a common interest can bring people together.

The Kokeshi theme was inspired by the Museum's exhibition Kokeshi: From Folk Art to Art Toy.

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Photo courtesy of Vicky Murakami-Tsuda (2009)