《Characteristics》
The major characteristics of Suruga Hina Dolls (traditional dolls of the Emperor and Empress, displayed during the Japanese Doll Festival / Girl’s Day, March 3rd) are larger straw bodies compared to other Hina dolls from various places in Japan. The bodies are carved diagonally to match the curve of the chest. The central part of Shizuoka prefecture traditionally had a large amount of rice production, and rice straw was easy to obtain. This is considered to be the reason why people used straw for the dolls’ bodies. The sharp silhouette and firm structure of the dolls are remarkable as well.

Also, Suruga Hina Dolls wear two separate pieces of kimonos; tops and bottoms, whereas the Kyoto dolls wear one-piece kimonos. This separation of top and bottom enabled the division of labor and the mass production of Hina bodies in Suruga, present day Shizuoka Pref., central Japan. Today, Suruga produces 70% of the Hina bodies in Japan.

In the manufacturing process of the Hina dolls, there is a process called “furi-tsuke” where the craftsmen bend and form the dolls’ hands. This process requires an aggregation of skills. One can even tell by the bend of the hands who created the doll. As with the kimono colors and patterns, this bend of the hands reveal the characteristics of the individual craftsman.

[ Nationally designated traditional crafts
（designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry） ]
Information provided by: Suruga Hina Dolls Traditional Craftsmen Association
Picture provided by: City Government of Shizuoka (city), Economic Affairs Bureau, Industry and Commerce Section, Division of Industrial Rehabilitation, Local industry Section

Translated by: Yukari Yamagishi