初節句とはなんですか？

初節句（はつぜっく）とは、赤ちゃんが生まれて初めて迎える節句のお祝いを指します。男の子は5月5日の「端午の節句」、女の子は3月3日の「桃の節句」が初節句となります。女の子の初節句では、雛人形を飾り、家族や親族が集まってお祝いの食事を囲みます。「健やかに、幸せに成長しますように」という願いを込めた、大切な行事です。

五月人形は誰が買うものなのでしょうか？

昔からのならわしでは、ひな人形は、母方の祖父母が贈るものとされてきました。これは、嫁ぎ先の家に迷惑をかけないようにとの配慮や、母親の実家が孫の健やかな成長を願って贈るという習慣が由来といわれています。しかし今では、昔の習わしにこだわらず、家族で話し合って決めるケースが主流になっています。両家で折半して買うこともあります。誰が買うかよりも大切なのは、子どもの幸せを願う気持ちです。祖父母や両親からの贈り物として五月人形を迎えることには変わりなく、「お子さまの一生に一度の御守り」として大切に飾られていきます。

五月人形はいつからいつまで飾るものなのでしょうか？

飾り始める時期には厳密な決まりはありませんが、一般的には春分を過ぎてから、3月末から4月中旬頃に飾り始める方が多いです。遅すぎると「一夜飾り」とされ縁起が悪いとされることがあります。片付ける時期も明確な決まりはありませんが、季節の飾りであることや湿気を避けるためにも、5月中に天気の良い日を選んでしまうのが望ましいです。

次男、三男にも、それぞれ人形が必要ですか？

本来的には、それぞれの子どものために五月人形を用意するのが伝統的な考え方です。名前や成長を祝う意味合いがそれぞれにあるためです。ただし、スペースや予算の都合で１つで十分という家庭も多く、兄弟で共有できる人形を選ぶケースもあります。どちらにせよ、子どもの気持ちや家庭の状況を尊重して選ぶことが大切です。

外飾りと内飾り、両方とも必要ですか？

外飾り（例：鯉のぼりなど）と内飾り（兜飾りや鎧飾りなど）は、それぞれ異なる意味と雰囲気を持ちます。外飾りは家の外で風になびく鯉のぼりなど、目に見える祝祭感を演出することができます。内飾りは室内で節句を静かに祝う雰囲気を作ります。ただし、どちらも必須という決まりはありません。住まいの環境や飾るスペース、ご予算に応じて、どちらか一方を選ぶのも、ご両親や家族のスタイルに合った飾り方をするのが良いでしょう。

五月人形にはどんな種類がありますか？

五月人形は、男の子の健やかな成長を願う気持ちをかたちにする節句飾りです。飾るスタイルや飾る場所、暮らしのかたちに合わせて、さまざまな種類があります。ここでは、代表的なものをわかりやすくご紹介します。【兜飾り（かぶとかざり）】最も一般的でポピュラーな五月人形です。兜（かぶと）を中心に飾るシンプルな飾りで、「身を守る」「災いをはねのける」という意味が込められています。【鎧飾り（よろいかざり）】兜だけでなく、鎧も含めた本格的な飾りです。昔の武具を忠実に再現したものから、現代の暮らしに調和するデザインまで多彩です。鎧は「強さ・守り」の象徴。勇ましく力強く育ってほしいという願いが込められています。【鯉のぼり】端午の節句の飾りとして一緒に楽しまれることが多いのが鯉のぼりです。吹き流しとセットになった外飾りの他、室内用のミニ鯉のぼり・卓上サイズなど、住まいの環境に合わせて選べます。鯉のぼりは、「力強く生きていく」「立身出世」の願いを表す象徴です。

五月人形の飾り方・置き場所のポイントはありますか？

五月人形を飾るときは、まず家族や来客の目線に合わせて見やすい場所を選ぶことが大切です。サイドボードやタンス、棚など高さのある家具を活用すると、自然な目線で兜や鎧の美しさを楽しむことができます。飾る方向はできるだけ東南（辰巳）向きにし、北向きは陰の気が強く日当たりも悪いため避けるのが望ましいとされています。また、直射日光の当たる出窓や湿気の多い場所、エアコンの風が直接当たる場所も避けましょう。玄関は「下座」とされ、節句飾りには適さない場所です。おすすめは、リビングや和室など日差しや湿度の影響が少ない部屋で、サイドボードやタンスを利用して少し高さを出すと、五月人形の美しさや衣装の魅力を存分に楽しむことができます。家具の高さや配置を少し工夫するだけで、節句の日に家族でゆったり眺めながら、子どもの成長を祝う時間がより豊かになります。

五月人形を選ぶときのポイントはありますか？

お家のどこに飾るかを考えることから始めると、自然に選ぶ雛飾りの大きさやスタイルが見えてきます。飾る場所の横幅や奥行きを測り、十分なスペースがあるかを確認しください。もし棚やテーブルのサイズが足りなければ、板をカットして少し拡張するなどの工夫で、思い描いた飾り方を実現することもできます。迷ったときやご不明な点があれば、どうぞお気軽にお問い合わせください。あなたとご家族にぴったりの雛人形を、一緒に見つけるお手伝いをさせていただきます。

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May Doll Iyo Ittobori [Made by Nagumo] Haruto 間口 Width 30 × Depth 24 × Height 35 cm ¥41,800

[Puca] Puca's Thoughts Puca's May Doll 間口 Width 29.7 × Height 30 × Depth 16.5 cm 5.0（2件） ¥48,950

Presented hand-dyed Yuzen helmet ornament [Kyoto Nishiki] Kyo Nishiki helmet Compact May doll 間口 Width 42 × Depth 42 × Height 20.6 cm 5.0（1件） ¥93,500

[Kyoto Nishiki Kabuto Set] Presented Hand-dyed Yuzen Kabuto Decoration Kyo Nishiki [Tabletop Carp Streamer Kyo Nishiki Set] Compact May Doll 間口 Width 42 × Depth 42 × Height 43.2 cm ¥137,500

[Puca] TANTANGO Helmet, a compact helmet ornament for the month of May, TANTANGO 間口 Width 38 × Depth 28.5 × Height 29 cm ¥105,600

[Puca] TANTANGO Kabuto Volume Set [Tantango Set] Authentic compact kabuto decoration May decoration Tantango carp streamer 間口 Width 38 × Depth 28.5 × Height 29 cm ¥135,300

Presented hand-dyed Yuzen helmet ornament [Kyoto Nishiki] Kyo Nishiki helmet Compact May doll 間口 Width 42 × Depth 26.5 × Height 28 cm ¥99,000

May Doll Iyo Ittobori [Made by Nagumo] Haruto 間口 Width 39 × Depth 31.5 × Height 45 cm 5.0（1件） ¥77,000

May Doll, Iyo Ichitobori, Made by Nagumo, Kohaku 間口 Width 39 × Depth 23 × Height 38 cm ¥99,500

May Doll Iyo Ittobori [Made by Nagumo] Haruto 間口 Width 39 × Depth 23 × Height 38 cm ¥99,500

Kimekomi Doll [Homare Yoroi] <Soushou> Supervised by Tokunaga, May Doll 間口 Width 21 × Height 20.5 × Depth 9.5 cm ¥59,000

Kimekomi Doll [Homare Yoroi] <Shiko> Supervised by Tokunaga, Goga-tsu Dolls 間口 Width 21 × Height 20.5 × Depth 9.5 cm ¥59,000

Kimekomi Doll [Homare-Yoroi] <Kouen -Crimson Flame->監修 by Tokunaga Gogatsu Doll 間口 Width 21 × Height 20.5 × Depth 9.5 cm ¥59,000

Kimekomi Doll [Homare Yoroi] <Suigo> Supervised by Tokunaga - May Doll 間口 Width 21 × Height 20.5 × Depth 9.5 cm ¥59,000

Kimekomi Doll [Homare-Yoroi] (Praise Armor) <Sogetsu> Overseen by Tokunaga (May Doll) 間口 Width 21 × Height 20.5 × Depth 9.5 cm ¥59,000

Sanemasa Bessho | No. 6 Kashiwaba Maedate Eboshi Helmet Flat Decoration 間口 Width 34 × Depth 17.5 × Height 23 mm ¥274,000

Sanemasa Bessho | Nichirin Kabuto 間口 Width 30 × Depth 23 × Height 42 cm ¥250,000

Sanemasa Bessho | Golden Dragon Head Helmet 間口 Width 30 × Depth 23 × Height 46 cm ¥254,000

Sanemasa Bessho | No. 6 Tachi Aoi maedate 22 rooms full star helmet flat decoration 間口 Width 30 × Depth 19 × Height 29.5 cm ¥308,000

Misemasa Bessho | No. 5 Kashiwaha helmet original steel frame stand 間口 Width 36 × Depth 36 × Height 52 cm ¥305,000

Misemasa Bessho | No. 5 thick chrysanthemum helmet original steel frame stand 間口 Width 30 × Depth 30 × Height 44 cm ¥298,000

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作家紹介

Q: 初節句とはなんですか？

初節句（はつぜっく）とは、 赤ちゃんが生まれて初めて迎える節句のお祝い を指します。 男の子は5月5日の「端午の節句」、女の子は3月3日の「桃の節句」が初節句となります。 女の子の初節句では、雛人形を飾り、家族や親族が集まってお祝いの食事を囲みます。 「健やかに、幸せに成長しますように」という願いを込めた、大切な行事です。

Q: 五月人形は誰が買うものなのでしょうか？

昔からのならわしでは、ひな人形は、 母方の祖父母が贈るもの とされてきました。 これは、嫁ぎ先の家に迷惑をかけないようにとの配慮や、母親の実家が孫の健やかな成長を願って贈るという習慣が由来といわれています。 しかし今では、昔の習わしにこだわらず、 家族で話し合って決めるケースが主流 になっています。両家で折半して買うこともあります。 誰が買うかよりも大切なのは、 子どもの幸せを願う気持ち です。 祖父母や両親からの贈り物として五月人形を迎えることには変わりなく、「お子さまの一生に一度の御守り」として大切に飾られていきます。

Q: 五月人形にはどんな種類がありますか？

五月人形は、男の子の健やかな成長を願う気持ちをかたちにする節句飾りです。 飾るスタイルや飾る場所、暮らしのかたちに合わせて、さまざまな種類があります。ここでは、代表的なものをわかりやすくご紹介します。 【兜飾り（かぶとかざり）】 最も一般的でポピュラーな五月人形です。兜（かぶと）を中心に飾るシンプルな飾りで、「身を守る」「災いをはねのける」という意味が込められています。 【鎧飾り（よろいかざり）】 兜だけでなく、 鎧も含めた本格的な飾り です。昔の武具を忠実に再現したものから、現代の暮らしに調和するデザインまで多彩です。鎧は「強さ・守り」の象徴。勇ましく力強く育ってほしいという願いが込められています。 【鯉のぼり】 端午の節句の飾りとして一緒に楽しまれることが多いのが 鯉のぼり です。 吹き流しとセットになった外飾りの他、室内用のミニ鯉のぼり・卓上サイズなど、住まいの環境に合わせて選べます。 鯉のぼりは、「力強く生きていく」「立身出世」の願いを表す象徴です。

Q: 五月人形の飾り方・置き場所のポイントはありますか？

五月人形を飾るときは、まず家族や来客の目線に合わせて見やすい場所を選ぶことが大切です。 サイドボードやタンス、棚など高さのある家具を活用すると、自然な目線で兜や鎧の美しさを楽しむことができます。 飾る方向はできるだけ東南（辰巳）向きにし、北向きは陰の気が強く日当たりも悪いため避けるのが望ましいとされています。 また、直射日光の当たる出窓や湿気の多い場所、エアコンの風が直接当たる場所も避けましょう。玄関は「下座」とされ、節句飾りには適さない場所です。 おすすめは、リビングや和室など日差しや湿度の影響が少ない部屋で、サイドボードやタンスを利用して少し高さを出すと、五月人形の美しさや衣装の魅力を存分に楽しむことができます。 家具の高さや配置を少し工夫するだけで、節句の日に家族でゆったり眺めながら、子どもの成長を祝う時間がより豊かになります。

Q: 五月人形を選ぶときのポイントはありますか？

お家のどこに飾るかを考えることから始めると、自然に選ぶ雛飾りの大きさやスタイルが見えてきます。 飾る場所の横幅や奥行きを測り、十分なスペースがあるかを確認しください。もし棚やテーブルのサイズが足りなければ、板をカットして少し拡張するなどの工夫で、思い描いた飾り方を実現することもできます。 迷ったときやご不明な点があれば、どうぞお気軽にお問い合わせください。あなたとご家族にぴったりの雛人形を、一緒に見つけるお手伝いをさせていただきます。

Artists who create May dolls with their own unique sensibilities while inheriting traditional techniques.

We introduce their dedication to materials, tailoring, and expression, as well as their passion for craftsmanship.

Learn more

Bessho Jitsumasa

An armorer who crafts armor entirely by hand, utilizing traditional techniques such as metal carving, metal hammering, and decorative cutting.

By studying armor from the Heian to Edo periods, the artisan pursues a sculptural beauty that combines strength with elegance.
They create distinguished kabuto (helmet) displays that harmonize with contemporary living.

Tatsuhiro

A doll artisan who pursues the creation of authentic armor through masterful lacquer techniques and delicate craftsmanship.

While upholding traditional methods, they achieve a refined aesthetic beauty that harmonizes with modern living.
Their helmet displays, embodying both profound gravity and elegance, are exquisite pieces destined to be cherished for generations.

Tomomi Kato

The first certified master of traditional Japanese armor craftsmanship.
Carrying on the traditional techniques of Edo-style armor across three generations, we create exquisite suits of armor and helmets based on rigorous research into authentic pieces.

By fusing traditional preservation with modern techniques, our works possess a high degree of perfection and elegance that captivates many people.

Koichi Ko

An artisan carrying on the traditions of two crafts: Edo Kimekomi dolls and Edo festival dolls.

We create our own prototypes from head to body in-house, giving each doll its own unique expression.
Our lovely expressions and elegant styles, which harmonize with modern living, are cherished by many.

【 What is Tango no Sekku? 】

"Tango no Sekku" is an exorcism ritual that was held on the Day of the Horse in early May, and it is counted as one of the five seasonal festivals.

In ancient China, there was a custom of using sweet flag (shobu) and medicinal herbs to ward off evil spirits and pray for good health during this season, when the change in weather often caused illness. This practice was transmitted to Japan and eventually became established as an event on May 5th.

In Japan, because the sound of "shobu" is associated with "shobu" (valuing martial spirit), it spread among the samurai society as an event to pray for the growth and success of boys, and in that process, the custom of displaying May dolls, helmets, and carp streamers (koinobori) was born.

Carp streamers are a symbol of the wish for children to "grow up strong and overcome difficulties," based on the legend of a carp that swims up a fast-flowing river to become a dragon.
In addition, helmets and armor embody the prayer for children to "be protected from misfortune and grow up healthy."

Tango no Sekku has been passed down through generations in Japanese families as an event to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of boys.
It carries the timeless love of families who wish for the healthy growth and happiness of their children.

Peace of mind backed by Tokunaga Koinobori, the experts in traditional seasonal festivals.

Supervised by Tokunaga Koinobori, experts with an intimate knowledge of festival traditions.

With our discerning eye for quality, we offer a selection of May dolls you won't find anywhere else.

Unique, one-of-a-kind May dolls crafted with exceptional quality.

We offer a wide selection of original Boys' Festival dolls that you won't find anywhere else.

Each piece is carefully crafted by artisans who bring out the natural beauty of materials such as wood, fabric, and metal.

The warmth unique to handmade items and their exceptional quality are what make them so appealing.

A size and aesthetic that complement everyday life

Based on designs that blend naturally into modern living, we carefully select items that you can enjoy displaying year after year without any fuss.

Unrivaled peace of mind, backed by a deep mastery of seasonal traditions.

79 years in business. Tokunaga Koinobori has long been dedicated to the culture of seasonal festivals.

As a retailer of Hina dolls, we continue to offer high-quality festival dolls that you can choose with peace of mind.

Praying for healthy growth and protection from misfortune, with a prayer ritual for your peace of mind.

All May dolls have been prayed over to wish for your child's healthy growth and protection from harm.

These festival decorations are imbued with heartfelt wishes, allowing you to welcome them into your home with peace of mind.

Peace of mind with our memorial service proxy when it's time to let go.

A memorial service agency that allows you to let go of May dolls that have served their purpose as your child grows, with a sense of gratitude.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing you can entrust them to us until the very end is another unique feature of Hare to Kurasu.

Q & A

Frequently Asked Questions about Gogatsu Ningyo (May Dolls)

What is the first seasonal festival (Hatsu-zekku)?

Hatsu-zekku refers to the first seasonal festival celebration a baby experiences after birth.

For boys, the first festival is the "Tango no Sekku" (Boys' Festival) on May 5th, and for girls, it is the "Momo no Sekku" (Girls' Festival) on March 3rd.

For a girl's first festival, Hina dolls are displayed, and family and relatives gather to share a celebratory meal.

It is an important event imbued with the wish that the child will grow up healthy and happy.

Who is supposed to buy the Gogatsu ningyo?

According to traditional custom, it has been customary for hina dolls to be a gift from the maternal grandparents.

This is said to stem from the consideration of not imposing on the family the daughter married into, as well as the custom of the mother's family wishing for the healthy growth of their grandchild. However, nowadays, it is common to decide through family discussion rather than adhering strictly to old customs. Sometimes the cost is split between both families.

What is more important than who buys them is the wish for the child's happiness.

It remains a gift from grandparents or parents to welcome the Gogatsu-ningyo (May dolls), and they are cherished as a "once-in-a-lifetime protective charm for the child."

When should Gogatsu-ningyo (May dolls) be displayed?

There are no strict rules regarding when to start displaying them, but generally, many people begin between late March and mid-April, after the spring equinox. Setting them up too late may be considered "one-night decoration," which is often regarded as bad luck.

There are no set rules for when to put them away either, but as they are seasonal decorations, it is desirable to choose a clear day in May to store them to avoid humidity.

Do the second and third sons also each need a doll?

Traditionally, the custom is to prepare a set of May dolls for each child, as each set carries the significance of celebrating the individual child's name and growth.

However, many families choose to have just one set due to space or budget constraints, and there are cases where siblings share a set. Regardless, it is important to make a choice that respects the children's feelings and your family's situation.

Do I need both the exterior and interior decorations?

Outdoor decorations (such as carp streamers) and indoor decorations (such as samurai helmet or armor displays) each have different meanings and atmospheres. Outdoor decorations, like carp streamers fluttering in the wind outside, create a visible sense of celebration. Indoor decorations create an atmosphere for quietly celebrating the festival inside the home.

However, there is no rule stating that both are mandatory. Depending on your living environment, available space, and budget, it is perfectly fine to choose just one or to decorate in a way that suits the style of your parents and family.

What types of May dolls are there?

May dolls (gogatsu-ningyo) are seasonal decorations that give form to the wish for a boy's healthy growth.
There are various types available to suit different styles, display locations, and lifestyles. Here, we introduce the most representative types in an easy-to-understand way.

[Kabuto (Helmet) Decorations]
These are the most common and popular type of May doll. This simple display centers around a kabuto (helmet) and embodies the meaning of "protecting oneself" and "warding off misfortune."

[Yoroi (Armor) Decorations]
These are full-scale displays that include not just the helmet, but the armor as well. They range from faithful reproductions of ancient military gear to designs that harmonize with modern living. Armor is a symbol of "strength and protection," representing the wish for the child to grow up brave and strong.

[Koinobori (Carp Streamers)]
Koinobori are also frequently enjoyed as decorations for the Boys' Festival.
In addition to outdoor displays that come with a streamer, there are also indoor mini-carp streamers and tabletop sizes available to choose from based on your living environment.
Koinobori are symbols representing the wishes for "living powerfully" and "career success."

Are there any tips for how to display and where to place May dolls?

When displaying your Gogatsu ningyo (May dolls), it is important to first choose a spot that is easy to view from the eye level of your family and guests.
Utilizing tall furniture such as sideboards, chests of drawers, or shelves allows you to naturally appreciate the beauty of the kabuto (helmet) and yoroi (armor) at eye level.
It is traditionally recommended to face the display toward the southeast (tatsumi direction) whenever possible, while avoiding a north-facing position, as it is considered to have strong yin energy and poor sunlight.
Additionally, avoid bay windows with direct sunlight, areas with high humidity, or spots where air conditioning blows directly. The entryway is considered a "low-status" space and is not suitable for seasonal decorations.
We recommend a living room or Japanese-style room that is less affected by sunlight and humidity, and using a sideboard or chest to add some height, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the May dolls and the charm of their costumes.
By simply adjusting the height and placement of your furniture, you can enhance the time spent relaxing with your family on this festive day, celebrating your child's growth even more richly.

Are there any tips for choosing a May doll?

Start by thinking about where in your home you will display them, and the size and style of the Hina dolls that will suit your space will naturally become clear.
Measure the width and depth of the display area to ensure there is enough space. If your shelf or table is not large enough, you can also realize your vision by using a bit of ingenuity, such as cutting a board to extend the surface area.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you find the perfect Hina dolls for you and your family.

Customer Testimonials

家族みんなで選んで、大切な節目を迎えられました

We chose this May doll after discussing it as a family in preparation for our child's first Boys' Festival.

The colors are even more sophisticated than in the photos, and the craftsmanship is exquisite; the whole family fell in love with it immediately.
Once we set it up, the entire room became filled with the clear, serene atmosphere of the Boys' Festival, and we find ourselves admiring it every day, saying, "It looks so cool."

The time spent preparing the display has itself become a wonderful family memory.

Y family, Saitama Prefecture

Kyo-Nishiki Kabuto Set

初節句にふさわしい、凛とした佇まいに満足

I debated choosing a more compact one, but this May doll has a quiet beauty despite its strong presence.

Now that I’ve actually displayed it, I can see it is more solidly crafted than I expected, with great attention to detail.
My wish for my child's healthy growth has naturally grown stronger, and setting it up has become a pleasure for me now.

K, Tokyo

Light of the New Trees

問い合わせの対応が丁寧で、安心して決められました

When I inquired about whether the size would fit my display space before purchasing, I received a very courteous response.

The advice on how to display it and the detailed explanation of the sizing gave me peace of mind, which was the most important thing.

The helmet decoration I received is even higher quality than it looked in the photos, and the packaging had a sophisticated feel.
I am now looking forward to displaying it every year when the festival season arrives.

Kanagawa Prefecture, H

Bessho Tatsumasa Kabuto Ornament

贈りものとして選んで、本当に良かったです

I gave a Puca koinobori as a first seasonal festival gift for my older brother and his wife.

I couldn't see the actual product before sending it, but after they received it and sent me photos, I was happy to see how stylish it looked and how much they appreciated it.

Being able to purchase it with peace of mind from the official Puca online store, and being able to choose such a special gift, has become a fond memory.

Kyoto Prefecture, T

Baby Stand ARATA

写真の組み合わせが参考になり、理想の飾り付けができました

The photos of display ideas and set examples on the product page were very helpful.

It was our first Tango no Sekku, so I was unsure about what to prepare, but being able to visualize it while looking at the photos was the deciding factor.
When we arranged the decorations that arrived, they had the same sense of unity as what we saw on the page, and they made for a wonderful background when we took family photos.

Osaka Prefecture, M

TANTANGO Kabuto Set

選んで良かったと実感。これからの季節が楽しみです

As I was preparing for the Tango no Sekku festival and searching for a May doll, I was drawn to this elegant, understated design.

The description "it changes the atmosphere of the season just by displaying it" is perfect; putting it out makes our entire home feel quietly bright and festive.
I hesitated a little before buying it, but I am so glad I chose this one.
I feel that my appreciation for celebrating seasonal traditions has naturally deepened.

Aichi Prefecture, S-sama

Kyo-Nishiki Kabuto

Children's Day

Blog

From the meaning and origins of the Boy's Day festival to how to display May dolls and ideas for enjoying the holiday.
We provide information to make your family's special festival even more vibrant and memorable.

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