Kurashiki City is located between Hiroshima and Osaka, making it a city with convenient transportation access. It is the second largest city in Okayama Prefecture, arriving in about an hour from Osaka by Shinkansen, and is a region rich in history and culture.
The author would like to introduce the charm of Kojima from a Chinese perspective and visited the "26th Kurashiki Hina Meguri in Kojima."
This time, I visited the "10th Industrial Hina Doll Exhibition" being held at the Kojima Community Center, where I enjoyed a delightful time with my family, feeling the charm of the town where history and modernity blend, along with the early spring atmosphere of Kojima.
What kind of place is Kojima?
Kojima, located at the southern tip of Kurashiki City, is a port town surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Seto Inland Sea, attracting many visitors through seasonal events.
With the excitement of spring, my family and I headed to Kojima.
Just a 30-minute drive from home, as we entered the Kojima area, flags for the "Kojima Hina Meguri" were displayed on both sides of the road, making it feel as if the cute Hina dolls were welcoming us to the entrance.
During the Edo period, Kojima thrived as a merchant town with active salt fields and cotton weaving industries. In the Meiji period, it became the production site of Japan's first domestically produced school uniforms, and after the war, it gained attention as a pioneer of the jeans industry. Today, it is known as the "birthplace of domestic denim," attracting many tourists. Additionally, it is a town that values traditional culture, such as the Kojima Hina Meguri, making it an attractive region where history and innovation coexist.
To enjoy the Kojima Hina Meguri more deeply, tracing the history of Hina dolls reveals unexpected connections.
The connection between Hina dolls and Kojima
Japanese Hina dolls have developed as a unique culture, but tracing their history shows a deep connection with Chinese customs.
In ancient China, there was a custom of floating dolls made of paper or cloth down rivers to prevent bad things from happening. This custom of "Nagashi Hina" was transmitted to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) and became associated with the noble children's play known as "Hina Asobi."
Later, during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), it took the form of the current "Hina Matsuri," and in the Edo period (1603-1868), the custom of displaying beautiful Hina dolls spread among the common people. The clothing and decorations of the Hina dolls show influences from the culture of ancient Chinese palaces.
So, why is the culture of Hina dolls so cherished in Kojima, which we are visiting this time?
The reason for the "Hina Meguri" in Kojima
Hina Matsuri is a traditional event held on March 3, known as "Peach Festival," wishing for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. The "Hina Meguri" in Kojima is held because this town has prospered in commerce since ancient times and has cherished its traditions.
During the Edo period, Kojima developed as a town of textile industry and commerce, and the Hina Matsuri became rooted in daily life.
Now, Hina dolls color the town, creating a festive atmosphere just by walking around. It has become an enjoyable event for tourism as well. This year's "Hina Meguri" marks the 26th time. It will continue to be cherished as an important spring landscape of Kojima.
Under the blue sky, feeling the gentle breeze of early spring, we stepped into the Kojima Community Center, the venue for the "10th Industrial Hina Doll Exhibition."
Highlights of the 10th Industrial Hina Doll Exhibition
Upon entering the hall, a beautiful ceiling painting spreads across the high ceiling, and one cannot help but gasp at the magnificent space. The exhibition for this year's "Hina Meguri" was being held in this special atmosphere.
The "Hina Meguri Exhibition" features unique works that blend tradition and modern sensibility, with participation from 23 textile companies and 4 schools in Kojima.
Main exhibited works
The venue is lined with uniquely crafted Hina dolls, each radiating different charms. The sight of Hina dolls adorned in colorful costumes made me stop in my tracks and gaze at them intently.
Among the many wonderful works on display, I would like to introduce a few that particularly impressed me.
Domingo Co., Ltd.
Domingo Co., Ltd. is a company that produces denim in Kojima. This exhibition allows you to enjoy the charm of Japanese traditional culture combined with the unique characteristics of a denim town.
Using fabric unique to Kojima, this Hina doll combines traditional patterns, featuring an elegant design that seems to dance along with cherry blossoms.
Kiyohara Co., Ltd.
This work has a special twist.
Utilizing apparel parts such as buttons and threads, animal-themed Hina dolls have been created. Dogs, cats, and crocodiles have become Hina dolls, resulting in a playful design.
From this Hina doll, can you feel the charm unique to Kojima, the town of jeans and clothing production? Its unique concept brings a smile with its cuteness.
Sowa Co., Ltd.
A special Hina doll made from workwear fabric. Bears and rabbits are dressed in traditional costumes, showcasing the craftsmanship of Kojima.
This Hina doll is a bit different from ordinary Hina dolls! Cute bears and rabbits are dressed in traditional Japanese costumes. And the dolls in the back are also very stylish.
Big John Co., Ltd.
Known as Japan's first domestic jeans manufacturer, Big John's work features Hina dolls made from denim, showcasing a captivating blend of tradition and modern fashion.
This piece features costumes worn by Western dolls, merging ancient Japanese culture with modern denim fashion. It becomes a work that allows you to enjoy the history of Kojima's jeans even more.
Kouritsu Co., Ltd.
A unique work that likens wine bottles to Hina dolls. Bottles dressed in traditional kimonos and denim costumes are lined up.
Traditional Japanese Hina dolls dressed in kimono and characters wearing denim clothing are lined up. This is called "Bin (bottle) Hina Dolls."
Kurashiki Canvas Co., Ltd.
Kurashiki Canvas uses a special manufacturing method to create products that excel in durability and breathability, and they are loved by many consumers.
This is a work that incorporates Kojima's specialty canvas into traditional Japanese Hina dolls. It is a piece that conveys the warmth of the material.
The costumes of this year's Hina dolls also showcase the high-quality craftsmanship, with attention to detail evident in the colors and fabrics.
Now, after thoroughly enjoying the exhibits on the first floor of the Kojima Community Center, we finally climbed the stairs to the second floor, heading to the exhibition room of Hina dolls made by kindergarten children.
Exhibition of Kindergarten Children's Works (12th Kojima Children's Kindergarten Art Exhibition)
On the second floor, the "12th Kojima Children's Kindergarten Art Exhibition" was being held. The ceiling of the European-style space, lined with white columns, features vibrant and dynamic ceiling paintings.
Along the arched structure, traditional Japanese paintings and figures are depicted, creating a powerful atmosphere reminiscent of a large picture scroll.
This ceiling painting is said to represent the history and culture of Kojima, leaving a strong impression on visitors. Additionally, combined with the design of the Western-style building, it creates a special atmosphere, enveloping the entire space in artistic charm.
Furthermore, beautiful decorations and mosaic patterns are incorporated into the white walls, allowing visitors to appreciate the creativity of the children while feeling the ambiance of historical Western architecture.
Conclusion
In the Kojima Hina Doll Tour, there are 15 exhibition locations, allowing the entire town to enjoy the splendid Hina dolls. This time, we visited the "Kojima Community Center" in the Kojima Jeans Street area and experienced traditional Japanese culture. We not only appreciated the beauty of the Hina dolls but also learned about the craftsmanship and the history of the textile industry, spending a very fulfilling time.
Next time, I look forward to seeing various Hina dolls displayed in the large hall of the Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Nozaki's Historical Residence, Detached House Gaihodo".
Data for the 10th Industrial Hina Doll Exhibition
| Name | 10th Industrial Hina Doll Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 15, 2025 (Saturday) - March 9, 2025 (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Location | Kojima Community Center |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Admission: Free |
| Homepage | Kojima Community Center |
