Japanese Dolls

Dolls have been manufactured since the early days of Japanese culture.
Today, there exist various types of Japanese dolls. The following is a description of only a few of the most famous ones:

- Daruma Dolls
- Kokeshi Dolls
- Hakata Dolls
- Hina Dolls
- Samurai dolls


Daruma dolls are spherical dolls with a red painted body and a white face, but without pupils. They represent the Zen monk Bodhidharma. It is the custom to paint one of the doll's pupils in the beginning of a new year, make a wish and paint in the second pupil, if the wish comes true. Takasaki's Shorinzan Daruma Temple is the birthplace of daruma dolls as good luck charms.

Kokeshi dolls are simply shaped, wooden dolls from Northern Honshu, which originated as souvenirs distributed at hot spring resorts during the Edo Period. Kokeshi dolls have neither arms nor legs, but a large head and a cylindrical body.

Hakata dolls are clay dolls manufactured in Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu. They are worked out in great detail and painted beautifully.

Hina dolls are displayed during girl's festivals. The Girl's festival is also known as "Hina Matsuri" or "Doll Festival" and is celebrated on March 3. On this day, families with girls wish their daughters a successful and happy life. Dolls are displayed in the house together with peach blossoms.

Samurai dolls are displayed during the boy's festival. The Boy's Festival is also known as "Tango no Sekku" or "Kodomo no Hi" or "Children's Day" is celebrated on May 5.Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life.