I have been creating dorodango for seventeen years. During that time, I have noticed that I tend to be more prolific when I am stressed out.

The process of creating hikaru dorodango is very conducive to flow: There is a repetitive quality to the work but it is still challenging as the dorodango changes, one minute to the next. Your mind remains engaged but you’re disconnected from everything else. Hours can easily slip by this way.

The art takes on greater dimensions if the soil is already important to you. Some of the most interesting emails I have received over the years come from people creating dorodango from soil they have a special connection to.