作家紹介

According to long-standing tradition, Hina dolls are given by the mother's parents.

It is said that this custom originated from the desire of the mother's family to wish for their grandchild's healthy growth, while also being considerate so as not to impose on the family the daughter married into.
However, nowadays, it is common to decide through family discussion rather than strictly adhering to old traditions. Sometimes the cost is shared between both sets of grandparents.

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

The significance of receiving Hina dolls as a gift from grandparents or parents remains unchanged, and these dolls will be cherished as a "once-in-a-lifetime protective charm" for your child.

Hina dolls are considered protective talismans that act as a substitute for the child to shield them from misfortune.

For this reason, it has long been believed that "each child should have their own set of Hina dolls," and it is considered ideal to prepare individual dolls for second and third daughters as well.

However, due to modern housing conditions and limited display space, many families now find creative solutions, such as displaying smaller sets or adding "personal talismans" like name banners or Ichimatsu dolls.

Even if they are small, it is wonderful to ensure that each child has their own Hina dolls.

When displaying Hina dolls, it is important to first choose a location that is easy to see at the eye level of family members and guests. Utilizing tall furniture such as sideboards, chests of drawers, or shelves allows you to enjoy the beautiful expressions and costumes of the dolls from a natural perspective.

It is also considered better to pay attention to the direction in which they are displayed. It is said that they should ideally face southeast (tatsumi), and it is advised to avoid facing north, as it is believed that the "yin" energy is strong there and it lacks sunlight.

Avoid placing them in areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as bay windows, as well as humid areas or places where air conditioner vents blow directly on them. These conditions can cause the colors to fade and the costumes to deteriorate. The entranceway is considered the "lowest" position in a home and is not appropriate for festival decorations.

We recommend rooms like the living room or a Japanese-style room, which are less affected by sunlight and humidity. By placing a sideboard or chest of drawers there, you can protect the Hina dolls from sunlight and humidity while creating a space that welcomes the arrival of spring. With just a little adjustment to the height and placement of your furniture, you can create an environment where you can fully enjoy the beauty and expressions of your Hina dolls.

There are several types of Hina dolls based on how they are made.

　
≪Costumed Dolls (Ishochaku-ningyo)≫ are traditional Hina dolls dressed in kimonos just like people, and have long been cherished as authentic Hina displays.
≪Kimekomi Dolls≫ are made by embedding fabric directly into the doll's body; their compact size and durability make them grow on you more every time you display them.
In recent years, ≪Wooden Hina Dolls≫ have become popular. As the name suggests, they are made of wood, blend easily with modern interiors, and can be displayed casually to add a seasonal touch every year.

There are also various ways to display them, such as "hira-kazari" (single-tier display), "dan-kazari" (three, five, or seven-tier displays), "case displays" in glass or acrylic cases, and "storage displays" that are convenient for both setting up and putting away.
The names also change based on the number of dolls: a set with only the male and female dolls is called a "shinno-kazari" (emperor and empress display), adding the three court ladies makes it a "go-nin-kazari" (five-doll display), adding the five musicians makes it a "ju-nin-kazari" (ten-doll display), and including the attendants and helpers makes it a "jugo-nin-kazari" (fifteen-doll display).

By learning about the types of Hina dolls and how to display them, you can choose the perfect set for your home, making your annual seasonal celebration a richer and more heartwarming experience.

When choosing hina dolls, start by considering where in your home you will display them; the appropriate size and style will naturally become clear.
Measure the width and depth of the display area to ensure there is sufficient space. If the size of your shelf or table is insufficient, you can achieve the display you envisioned by using creative solutions, such as cutting a board to slightly extend the surface.


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.

Many Hina dolls are crafted with precision and are very delicate, so touching them firmly can damage their costumes or faces. Therefore, it is generally safer to display them out of reach or choose Hina dolls that come in a display case.

That said, it is only natural for small children to be interested in them. Spending time enjoying them together as a family, while touching them gently, can become a precious memory unique to the festival.

We also offer the "Puca" series, which is designed with the assumption that children will touch it. While family members will do the decorating during the toddler years, children can join in and enjoy decorating together once they are a little older. It is popular as a set of Hina dolls that allows children to experience the warmth of wood and enjoy the figures with all five senses.

After you have finished displaying them, it is important to store them in a well-ventilated, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. To protect the fabric of costume dolls, it is best to wrap them in Japanese paper or non-woven fabric for storage. By carefully storing kimekomi dolls and those in cases to keep them free of dust, you can enjoy displaying them beautifully year after year.

Hina dolls are sensitive to dust and moisture, so simply dusting them gently with a soft cloth or brush is usually sufficient. If you are concerned about stains or spots on their costumes, do not try to rub them off; instead, consult a professional doll shop. For dolls in display cases, you can keep them clean and beautiful by periodically wiping the outside of the case as well.