Raggedy Ann of Hiroshima, Japan

Dear Friends,
Many have asked us about our friends Yozo and Yumiko Yamasaki and their painting studio and wood shop, Raggedy Ann. So here is their story.

Raggedy Ann is the first Decorative Painting shop of Japan. It began when Yumiko's sister, Kotami, who was living in Texas, told her of the wonderful world of decorative painting. With Kotami's urging, Yumiko opened the first decorative painting shop of Japan in Hiroshima. The first Raggedy Ann store was in the Itsukaichi area of Hiroshima City. Yumiko began to study painting as well. In 1987 she began teaching.

Yozo, Yumiko's husband has been making the wood for Raggedy Ann and other shops and distributors for years. He has two assistants that help him process orders. The Black Cat picks up orders every day. His wood surfaces are shipped throughout Japan.

For 23 years Yumiko operated a retail art store and studio on Coin Dori (Street) in Itsukaichi area of Hiroshima. In 2007 she and Yozo decided to bring their business home to Hatsukaichi. They remodelled the living space above the woodshop into a comfortable studio and art store. It has a spectacular view of the valley. It is perfect for seminars, relaxing and a bit of shopping. Oh, yes. And painting too!

So nowthey now have the art store and studio above the wood shop. Each day they walk down their drive to work. The store has all needed art supplies as well as beautiful gifts made by local and international artists.

Their assistant Miko helps with the seminars and day to day running of the store. Yozo keeps the wood surfaces in stock. And their dog, Kintaro makes sure everyone does their job. This is truly a family business.

And there are Raggedy dolls everywhere! These are only a few of the dolls that live at Raggedy Ann Art Studio.


Hmm A tough decision!


Oh no! Here are some more!

Decorative painting is very popular in Japan. The Yozo's woodshop is sending wood throughout Japan. Some of his pieces and designs have been seen as far as the United States. Yumiko teaches in her studio as well as traveling as far north as Nagoya for her students.

Each year Yumiko allows herself study time. She comes to the United States each winter to study with David as well as enjoy Christmas holidays with the Jansen family.


Yozo relaxes in Hatsukaichi with Kintaro. When Yumiko gets home they are all ready to start the new year.

We are truly fortunate to have the Yamasaki family as our friends. We enjoy their company and their creativity.

Sincerely,

David and Martha