✳︎ Book Title: The Twelve Zodiac Signs: From Local Folk Toys ✳︎ Authors: Ryosuke Saito, Eiichi Matsumoto, Gantaro Makino ✳︎ Publisher: Asahi Shimbun Publishing ✳︎ Pages: 154p ✳︎ Published: 1971 ✳︎ Cover Design: Hiroshi Hara ✳︎ Layout: Hiroto Kumagai Front: Twelve Zodiac Signs Nokomi (Saga) Back Cover: Twelve Zodiac Signs Kashiwa (Chiba) 《Contents》 Rat Ox Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Sheep Monkey Rooster Dog Boar Zodiac Sign Explanation The Twelve Zodiac Signs Local Folk Toys of the Twelve Zodiac Signs Zodiac Sign Explanation List of Creators About Data Collection This valuable book, "The Twelve Zodiac Signs: From Local Folk Toys," published in 1971 by Asahi Shimbun Publishing, is still loved by researchers of Japanese folklore, traditional crafts, and local folk toys. It is a rare and hard-to-find book. It introduces the simple and charming local folk toys of the twelve zodiac signs from all over Japan with abundant photographs. The lively photographs capture the unique clay dolls and papier-mâché figures of each zodiac sign, such as the rat, ox, tiger, and rabbit, reflecting the individuality of each region. Supervised by Ryosuke Saito, a leading figure in Japanese local folk toys, photographed by photographer Eiichi Matsumoto, and with data provided by folk toy researcher Gantaro Makino. From their expert perspectives, the historical background, cultural significance, and techniques of each toy are carefully explained, allowing readers to gain deep knowledge beyond mere appreciation. The content, which is also related to the Mingei movement advocated by Soetsu Yanagi and others, allows us to re-recognize the "beauty of utility" created by nameless artisans. The works, filled with the warmth of handmade craftsmanship, soothe the heart just by looking at them. If you are interested in Japanese traditional culture, local folk toys, and folk crafts, please consider this opportunity. ◎ Ryosuke Saito Japanese folklorist and local folk toy researcher. Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1911. After graduating from Waseda University, he worked as a local newspaper reporter and served as the chairman of the Japan Folk Toy Association, becoming a leading figure in local folk toy research. He has written many books, including "Encyclopedia of Local Folk Toys" and "Japanese Local Folk Toys." ◎ Eiichi Matsumoto Photographer. Born in Tokyo in 1915. After working in the photography department of the Asahi Shimbun Publishing Bureau, he became a freelancer. He has worked on many photo collections featuring Japanese local folk toys and Daruma dolls. ◎ Gantaro Makino Local folk toy researcher. Born in Tokyo in 1909. Served as a director of the Japan Folk Toy Association. #TwelveZodiacSigns #LocalFolkToys #ClayDolls #PapierMache #TraditionalCrafts #FolkCrafts #Mingei #Kokeshi #Folklore #RyosukeSaito #JapanFolkToyAssociation #Nerimono #PapierMache #Collectors #ZodiacDecorations #FigurinesOfCustoms #PeasantArt #Crafts #TraditionalKokeshi