# Charming Kokeshi-Styled Matches These Japanese Matches by Kumi Hirasaka Will Make Anyone Smile By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-05-01 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-matches References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/357260/Intricate-Adorable-Faces-Drawn-On-Matchsticks-Will-Put-A-Smile-On-Your-Face/) & [kokeshi-m](http://www.kokeshi-m.com/) Playing with fire is now more enjoyable thanks to these quirky Japanese matches. Created by [Japanese artist](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofusand-1) Kumi Hirasaka, the ‘Kokeshi Matches’ will put a smile on anyone’s face, which was Hirasaka’s intent when she crafted her batch. Hirasaka created the matches because she wanted to put a smile on the people who saw her matches. The matches have numerous faces drawn onto them such as pandas, cranes, cats and pigs, which are all perfect for match-using animal lovers. Since the matches are too [adorable to be actually used](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrated-bookmarks), one could use these [funny Kokeshi matches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grillos-pickles-x-zippo) to help prevent smokers from lighting-up their cigarettes, thus preventing future health problems. These funny matches will surely put be a hit to anyone who enjoys a laugh. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Quirky Matches:** Creating matches with unique designs and characters adds a fun and playful element to a traditional product. - **Smile-inducing Products:** Designing products with the intention of bringing joy and happiness to consumers creates a unique selling point. - **Preventing Smoking:** Developing creative and humorous strategies, such as using funny matches, can help discourage smoking and promote healthier lifestyles. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Goods:** The consumer goods industry offers potential for innovation in creating novelty and charming products like Kokeshi-styled matches. - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore opportunities in incorporating creativity and humor into everyday products, such as matches. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can utilize unique and entertaining approaches, like funny matches, to discourage smoking and promote healthier habits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adorable Cartoon Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-and-adorable.md) - [Pea-Inspired Whimsical Lighter Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabletop-lighter.md) - [Anime-Themed Office Stamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/showa-note-pikachu-date-stamps.md) - [Anthropomorphic Hand-Warming Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kawaii-hot-sauce-hand-warmers.md) - [Unique Hybrid Mystery Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-x-vegetable-gachapon.md) - [Origami-Inspired Porcelain Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saori-matsushita.md) - [Pencil Shaving-Inspired Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpener-lampshades.md) - [Timeless Artful Incenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genjik.md) - [Cigarette-Style Incense Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incense-stick.md)