Friendship doll and accessories

In 1927, children in the United States sent over 12,000 dolls with voices that said “mama” to Japanese school children as a gesture of friendship. Japan responded by sending Miss Shimane and her sisters as a thank you. It was decided 58 dolls would be made. The dolls were named after all of the prefectures, or governmental regions, in Japan. Miss Shimane was named for the Shimane Prefecture and was made by Yoshitoku Doll Company in Shimane Prefecture. Each doll also had her own set of objects that might be needed by an ambassador sent to show Japanese customs. Miss Shimane traveled with items used for the tea ceremony and additional objects used to celebrate Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day. Miss Shimane left Japan in 1927. With her sister dolls, she traveled across the United States. Grand parties welcomed the little ambassadors of friendship. In 1929, The Children’s Museum became Miss Shimane’s home, just four years after the museum opened.

 

Kirby Larson, author of a book about the friendship dolls, says, “When the dolls arrived in the States, they were received warmly and with great appreciation. Though these delicate delegates of friendship did not entirely succeed in their initial mission, they represent the vital notion that relationships between individuals can have a profound impact on relationships between nations.”