Exhibition 

Traditional Japanese Dolls

Exhibition Information

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL DOLLS RETURN TO HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

As part of the 22nd Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange, Da Nang 2026 Festival, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage, is organizing the Japanese Traditional Doll Exhibition at the Japanese Culture Gallery, located in 06 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An Ward.

When thinking of Japanese dolls, many often only reduce them to small and delicate handmade crafts. However, behind each doll lies a cultural story that has been passed down through generations. In Japanese culture, dolls are not merely for display or children’s toys; they also symbolize wishes for peace, good fortune, and happiness. Every facial expression, costume, and posture reflect a unique story and aspect of Japanese life, beliefs, and aesthetics.

This exhibition introduces the public to seven representative types of traditional Japanese dolls, ranging from dolls associated with Kabuki theater and seasonal festivals to depictions of children and everyday life in historical Japanese society. Through each artwork, visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship of Japanese traditional arts and the enduring way cultural values are preserved in the spiritual life of the Japanese people.

The doll types featured in the exhibition include:

1. Oyama Dolls: portraying female characters from Kabuki theater

2. Ichimatsu Dolls: dolls modeled after Japanese children

3. Kimekomi Dolls: kimono-clad dolls made using the traditional Kimekomi technique

4. Jidai Fuzoku Dolls: recreations of lifestyles and clothing from different periods of Japanese history

5. Noh & Kabuki Theater Dolls: representations of characters from Japan’s traditional performing arts

6. Gogatsu Dolls: decorative dolls displayed during Japan’s Children’s Day in May

7. Kodomo Fuzoku Dolls: depictions of traditional children’s activities and folk games in Japan

Please visit our Japanese Traditional Doll Exhibition in Hoi An to discover the fascinating cultural stories hidden behind each doll and experience the refined beauty of Japanese traditional craftsmanship.

For inquiries on the program, please contact at:

Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage
Address: No. 10B, Trần Hưng Đạo Rd., Hội An Ward, Đà Nẵng City
TEL: 0235-3862-367 or 0935006643 (Mr. Nguyên Vũ)
Email: hoianwch@gmail.com
Website: www.HoiAnWorldHeritage.org.vn     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitHoiAn

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam

Ms. Linh 024-3944-7419 (ext. 115) / Mr. Osuka (ext. 160)

27 Quang Trung, Cửa Nam, Hà Nội, Việt Nam           ĐT 024-3944-7419

https://www.facebook.com/japanfoundation.vietnam/ https://hn.jpf.go.jp/

■ THE 22ND HOI AN-JAPAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE, DA NANG 2026

This is a special cultural bridge between Vietnam and Japan. In 2026, the event officially returns from May 22–24 in the Ancient Town of Hoi An, Da Nang City. The festival promises to offer visitors a vibrant and memorable cultural experience where history and tradition beautifully intertwine through a variety of activities, including:

– Street art exchange performances – 4:00 PM, May 22, at the Japanese Covered Bridge area.

– Reenactment of the wedding procession of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro – 5:00 PM, May 22 & 24, around Hoi An Ancient Town.

– Opening ceremony – 7:30 PM, May 22, at An Hoi Sculpture Garden.

– 10-year anniversary ceremony of the Terakoya Japanese language class – 8:00 AM, May 23, at the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage.

– Calligraphy performances – 10:00 AM, May 23 & 24, at Cam Pho Communal House.

– Vietnam–Japan art performances – 7:30 PM, May 23 & 24, at An Hoi Sculpture Garden.

– Cosplay competition – 4:30 PM, May 24, at An Hoi Sculpture Garden.

In addition, many interactive activities await visitors, such as the Vietnam–Japan Cultural Space (featuring Yukata, Origami, and traditional folk games), Hizen pottery workshops, the “Japanese Heritage Trail” experience, photo exhibitions, as well as Vietnamese–Japanese food and souvenir stalls.

Event Dates: May 22–24, 2026

Location: Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang City

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