15th Fuku-yose Hina Dolls

The Fuku-yose Hina Dolls event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the traditional Japanese Hina dolls in a new light. The event, now in its 15th year, showcases Hina dolls that have been given a second life, embodying the wishes of their original owners. This year’s exhibition focuses on the "everyday life of Hina dolls," presenting them in lively, engaging displays that connect people and communities.

A Celebration of Tradition and Community

Unlike traditional Hina Matsuri displays, where the dolls are typically arranged in a formal, hierarchical setting, the Fuku-yose Hina Dolls event presents the dolls in a variety of scenes depicting everyday activities. This approach allows visitors to view the dolls from a fresh perspective, appreciating their craftsmanship and cultural significance while also enjoying a sense of whimsy and connection.

Event Details

The Fuku-yose Hina Dolls event is being held across multiple venues, primarily in Nagoya City, but also extending to other prefectures. This distributed approach allows for a wider audience to experience the exhibition, while also highlighting the unique character of each location.

Nagoya City Venues

The event is hosted at a diverse range of locations within Nagoya City, each offering a unique backdrop for the Hina doll displays. These venues include:

Bunka no Michi Futabakan: February 19 (Wed) – February 24 (Mon), located at 3-23 Togoku-cho, Higashi-ku.
Shirotori Garden: January 28 (Tue) – March 2 (Sun), located at 2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta-ku.
Higashiyama Sky Tower: February 5 (Wed) – April 6 (Sun), located at 1-8 Karasuyama, Tashiro-cho, Chikusa-ku.
Hoshigaoka Mitsukoshi: February 12 (Wed) – March 3 (Mon), located at 14-35 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku.
Aichi Prefecture Nakamura Police Station: Date Undecided (Scheduled around the Hina Matsuri), located at 17-9 Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku.
Hirabari Driver’s License Examination Center: Date Undecided (Scheduled around the Hina Matsuri), located at 3-605 Hirabari Minami, Tenpaku-ku.
Nagoya Castle: January 31 (Fri) – March 4 (Tue), located at 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku.
Arimatsu, Town of Japan Heritage: February 22 (Sat) – March 23 (Sun), located at 3008 Arimatsu, Midori-ku (Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Kaikan, Dashi Kaikan, and other areas along the former Tokaido Road).
Kigakurin Banshoji Temple: February 15 (Sat) – April 15 (Tue), located at 3-29-12 Osu, Naka-ku.
Vogue Gakuen Nagoya School: February 14 (Fri) – March 14 (Fri), located at 3-1-8 Aoi, Higashi-ku.
Evil Nagoya: February 11 (Tue) – March 10 (Mon), located at 7-25 Oi-cho, Naka-ku.
Naka Lifelong Learning Center: February 9 (Sun) – March 9 (Sun), located at 1-7-11 Tachibana, Naka-ku.
Nakamura Park: February 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun), located at 68 Takabatake, Nakamura-cho, Nakamura-ku.
Lexus Hoshigaoka: February 14 (Fri) – March 3 (Mon), located at 15-7 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku.
Aichi Driving School: February 5 (Wed) – March 4 (Tue), located at 1-6-50 Joganji, Kita-ku.

Nationwide Venues

Beyond Nagoya, the exhibition extends to a total of 33 venues across Aichi, Gifu, Tottori, Hiroshima, Shiga, Yamaguchi, and Hyogo Prefectures. This broad reach underscores the event’s growing popularity and its commitment to sharing the beauty of Hina dolls with a wider audience.

For a visual glimpse of the displays at each venue, visit the Fuku Yose Hina Project Official Facebook page.

Practical Information

Dates: January 28, 2025 (Tue) – April 15, 2025 (Tue). Note that the exhibition period varies depending on the specific venue.
Time: Varies by venue.
Location: Nagoya City and 33 other venues nationwide.
Fee: Free. However, separate admission fees may apply depending on the venue.
Contact: Fuku Yose Hina Project Office, TEL: 052-755-0768 (Weekdays 10:30-16:00).
Website: https://www.fukuyosehina.jp/
Accommodation: 🛏️ See hotels near the event

The 15th Fuku-yose Hina Dolls event provides a unique and engaging way to experience a cherished Japanese tradition. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Hina dolls or new to their beauty, this exhibition offers a memorable experience for all.

What are Hina Dolls?

Hina dolls are traditional Japanese figures that depict the imperial court of the Heian period. Central to the Hinamatsuri festival, or Girls’ Day, celebrated on March 3rd, these dolls are displayed on a tiered platform draped with a red cloth. The Emperor and Empress occupy the top tier, with court members like attendants and musicians arranged below.

Crafted from materials such as wood, fabric, and washi paper, each doll is dressed in traditional court attire. The craftsmanship is notable for its attention to detail, from facial expressions to clothing and accessories. Hina dolls symbolize cultural heritage and express wishes for the well-being and prosperity of young girls in Japan. They are often treasured as family heirlooms, passed down through generations, allowing visitors to appreciate both their artistry and historical significance.