Discover the fascinating world of Japanese dolls at The National Museum of Malaysia! The exhibition in Kuala Lumpur is organized by the Japan Foundation, co-organized by Department of Museums Malaysia, Ministry of National Unity, and the Embassy of Japan, with the desert sponsored by Imuraya.

The Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibition “NINGYŌ: Art and Beauty of Japanese dolls” will take you on a journey through the cultural aspects and the role of dolls in Japanese society, starting from the seventh century to the modern era.

“The Dolls of Japan” introduces Japan’s representative dolls. In Japan, dolls have been a part of everyday life since ancient times. Japanese dolls reflect the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people, possess distinctive regional attributes, and over the centuries have developed in many diverse forms. Dolls also provide a showcase for traditional Japanese craft products, such as textiles.

From Katashiro and Amagatsu dolls, considered the archetypes of dolls in Japan, to local dolls that reflect the climate and anecdotes from across the country, to dress-up dolls that are beloved in Japan today as doll toys, and scale figures that are highly regarded around the world, the exhibition presents a comprehensive introduction to Japanese doll culture.

Ningyō means “doll” and “human shape” in Japanese, the doll culture that has been cultivated over the long history of Japan will be introduced through a total of 67 carefully selected dolls, divided into 4 sections: “Ningyō to pray for children’s growth,” “Ningyō as fine art,” “Ningyō as folk art,” and “Spread of Ningyō culture.” We appreciate that each doll on this traveling exhibition would be warmly welcomed here in Malaysia, and that many audiences would experience the charm of Japanese dolls.

Japanese Cultural Day Programme

Stay tuned for more updates for the Japanese Cultural Day Programme!