会津若松市の市街地で毎年1月10日に行われる初市「十日市」は、400年以上も続く伝統行事。市飴や風車、漆器などが並ぶ中、ぜひ買って帰りたいのが会津地方の郷土玩具であり、縁起物の「起き上がり小法師」である。
　家族が増えますように…そんな願いを込めて、家族の数より一つ多く買うのが習わし。手作りのため、小法師の表情も一つひとつ違ってくる。会津の家々では、神棚からテレビの前、戸棚の中などに飾られるが、毎日顔を合わせるごとに愛着がわいてくる。そして来年の十日市が開かれる頃には、すっかり「家族」になっているのだ。

■Market "Toka-ichi" which will be held on 10th January every year in Aizuwakamatsu City.It is a traditional event that has lasted more than 400 years.Traditional products as candy, windmill, and lacquer line up.
In that market, "Okiagari-Kobousi" is a special product.
It is a local toy in Aizuwakamatsu city and it is also an lucky charm.
It is a custom to buy one more than the number of families in the hope that family would grow.Because it is handmade, the facial expressions are different one by one.
In Aizuwakamatsu City, it is placed in the Shinto shrine, in front of the TV, in the closet and so on. Every time I look face to face with it every day, my attachment comes.
It would become becoming a "family" when next year 's Toka-ichi is held.