About
There is a building standing in a corner of Yamashita-cho, a port town in Yokohama. Its exterior is as charming as if a toy box had been overturned, gently welcoming visitors. This is the “Yokohama Doll Museum.” Here, more than 10,000 dolls gathered from over 100 countries and regions around the world quietly tell their stories.
Upon stepping inside, the first thing that catches the eye is the “Blue-eyed Doll” gifted from America in 1927. Its clear eyes shine across time as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. For children of that era, this doll opened the door to foreign cultures, and together with the friendship dolls that departed from Yokohama Port, it symbolizes bonds that transcend national borders.
Proceeding further, one finds the exhibition room named “World Festival.” Here, dolls dressed in traditional costumes from various countries are gathered together, making visitors feel as if they are traveling the world. The Finnish doll is clad in reindeer fur, telling of the severe cold of Northern Europe. In contrast, the African doll is decorated with vivid fabrics and beads, evoking the heartbeat of the earth. Each doll quietly speaks of the climate, culture, and history of its land.
On the third floor is the “Collection Mall,” where Western antique dolls and traditional Japanese dolls are displayed side by side. The bisque dolls, which were popular in 19th-century Europe, wear delicate lace dresses and have the presence of noble ladies. On the other hand, the Japanese Ichimatsu dolls possess a simple yet profound beauty, conveying the spirit of Japanese aesthetics. Especially, the works of Living National Treasure Goyo Hirata captivate viewers with a realism that seems as if they might start moving at any moment.
The origin of this museum dates back to 1979, when Eiko Ohno donated about 2,000 dolls from her own collection to Yokohama City. As Japan’s first female interpreter, Ms. Ohno traveled the world, collecting dolls wherever she went. Her passion became the foundation of this place, and now dolls gathered from all over the world convey diverse cultures and histories to visitors.
As one walks through the museum, the laughter of children and the nostalgic voices of adults can occasionally be heard. The dolls connect people’s hearts across generations, serving as a bridge between the past, present, and future. Here at the “Yokohama Doll Museum,” it is not just a museum, but a heartwarming place where one can feel the diversity and beauty of the world through dolls.
Stepping outside, the greenery of Yamashita Park spreads out before you, and the sea breeze caresses your cheeks. After encountering the stories of the dolls, your heart feels mysteriously lighter, making you appreciate anew the vastness and depth of the world. In this corner of Yokohama, the dolls quietly, yet surely, continue to speak to the hearts of all who visit.