Shonai Anesama dolls are also called Kami-bina (hina dolls made of paper), and were made for amusement by the wives and daughters of the Shonai Clan's samurai warriors during the mid-19th century. Male and female dolls were used by children who played by changing the dolls' clothes and figures.
Presently a local group of women led by Masako Ota preserves this technique of doll making.

Newspaper coated thinly with black lacquer is wrapped around a pole, making the doll's hair, and it is turned a glossy black after glue is applied and hardens. It features a long face with a cute nose in the center. The dolls' hairstyles feature gorgeous styling in the back, of which there are six varieties, including Shimada, Yui-wata, Maru-mage, Katsu-yama, Momo-ware and Chon-mage.