March 2022
Dolls, Puppets and Model Figures of Japan

INDEX
-
- THEME FOR MARCHDolls, Puppets and Model Figures of Japan
-
Japanese people have cherished ningyo (dolls) since ancient times and continue to do so for reasons ceremonial, recreational and artistic. We introduce some of the best known traditional and modern types of ningyo, from the Hina Ningyo after which the age-old Doll Festival is named to ningyo joruri puppets and the “model figures” of today loved by young and old alike.
FEATURES
-
- The History and Culture of Japanese Dolls
-
An interview with Hayashi Naoteru, director of the Japan Doll Culture Research Laboratory
- PDF(462KB)
-
HTML
-
- Kyoto Hina Dolls
-
Inspired by ancient imperial ceremonies and events, Kyoto Hina Ningyo (Hina dolls) are elegant and refined.
- PDF(491KB)
-
HTML
-
- Hakata Ningyo Expressing Human Emotions
-
Hand-painted Hakata Ningyo dolls are distinguished by their “personality” and rich, delicate coloring.
- PDF(359KB)
-
HTML
-
- The Kokeshi Dolls of Tohoku
-
The kokeshi makers of northeastern Japan are passing on traditional techniques while creating new and original kokeshi dolls.
- PDF(433KB)
-
HTML
-
- Ningyo Joruri Puppets
-
The puppets used in ningyo joruri are lovingly imbued with “character” by skilled craftsmen.
- PDF(435KB)
-
HTML
-
- The Kasuisai Hina Matsuri Doll Festival
-
Kasuisai temple in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, hosts a magnificent Hina Matsuri festival from January 1 to March 31.
- PDF(808KB)
-
HTML
-
- Iida Puppet Festa
-
The Iida Puppet Festa is Japan’s largest and one of the world’s best-known puppetry events.
- PDF(386KB)
-
HTML
-
- The Creation of Fascinating Model Figures
-
Introducing the company that pioneered the “model figure” industry.
- PDF(451KB)
-
HTML
Also
-
-
- TOPICSWaka Poems of His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress and His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino at the Ceremony of the Utakai Hajime in 2022
-
- PDF(896KB)
-
HTML
-
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYForecasting Tsunami Damage in Real Time
-
- PDF(707KB)
-
HTML
-
- MY WAYAn American Leading a Ningyo Joruri Puppet Troupe
-
- JAPAN CULTURAL ENVOYSharing the Joy of Wagashi
-
- PDF(948KB)
-
HTML