Yoshitoku, a specialty maker of traditional hina and festival dolls founded in the Edo period, will hold a special exhibition to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Yamada Tokubei X (1896–1983), the tenth owner of the Yoshitoku doll company. The exhibition will present related materials and distingiushed doll works under the direction of Yamada Tokubei X together in one venue.
Mr. Yamada Tokubei X is also known as a doll researcher and author of numerous works, and he is regarded as a pioneering figure in the study of dolls and playthings in Japan. In particular, his 1942 publication, “A History of Japanese Dolls,” is a seminal work that systematized the study of dolls from an academic perspective and remains an important resource for researchers and those involved in the field.
In addition, 2027 marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S.–Japan Friendship doll exchange. It is well known that Yamada Tokubei X was deeply involved in the production and selection of the 51 reciprocation dolls made in Tokyo in 1927 as a return gesture for the American dolls. Related materials concerning this exchange program will also be on display at the exhibition.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: June 8, 2026 (Monday)–July 31, 2026 (Friday)
- Venue: Yoshitoku Asakusabashi Main Store, 4th Floor — Yoshitoku Collection Exhibition Room
- Address: 1-9-14 Asakusabashi, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-8515, Japan
- Admission: Free (Closed on the main store’s regular holidays)
- Contact: Public Relations by email koho@yoshitoku.co.jp