Although dolls are children’s toys, they also fulfill shared ethnicity, cultural customs, and history. Dolls have evolved and changed over time, and those used for religious rituals and festivals gradually came to be passed on to children as their playthings. Playing with dolls is a healthy activity for encouraging the healthy growth of both children’s bodies and minds, nurturing affection and imagination.

This exhibition displays dolls that were popular primarily among children in the early Showa to Reiwa eras. Organized by generation, they can be enjoyed with background information on each corresponding period. It also exhibits the “Blue-eyed Doll” (Friendship Doll) presented to Japan as a gift from the United States in 1927. Together with the Japanese Friendship Doll as a return gift, it introduces the history of friendship by exchanging dolls between the two countries.

During the exhibition, we post a "Licca-Chan Quiz" in the WEB gallery. We will make a draw from among those who answered correctly and select 5 persons to receive a Licca-chan doll. We are looking forward to your application!