Domestic production areas and traditional industries of Hina dolls
Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is known as a local industry for Hina dolls, a famous traditional craft in Japan.
However, the background to the birth of the cultural heritage of Hina dolls is not limited to this region,
Historical circumstances and cultural exchanges are deeply involved.
Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture: The local Hina doll industry: historical background
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8. Hinasei Dolls Ltd.: A fusion of tradition and innovation - products for modern lifestyles
13. Summary [Tradition and modern development of the Hina doll industry in Fujieda City]

1. Fujieda City's Hina Doll Industry and Its Historical Background
Fujieda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is known as a production center of traditional Hina dolls .
Fujieda City's Hina doll industry has a long history dating back to the Edo period, with local culture and techniques being passed down from generation to generation.
In particular, when Tokugawa Ieyasu built Sunpu Castle, many skilled artisans gathered in this area, and it was through their hands that Hina dolls developed as a traditional craft .
The advanced techniques cultivated by the craftsmen have become the pillar that supports the production of Hina dolls in Fujieda City, and are still treasured and passed down by many families today.
2. Tokugawa Ieyasu and Sunpu Castle: The History of Hina Doll Craftsmen
When Tokugawa Ieyasu built Sunpu Castle, talented craftsmen from all over Japan gathered in Fujieda City and made it their base.
Their skills were fully utilized in the construction of Sunpu Castle, and its beautiful architecture has influenced future generations.
The descendants of the craftsmen who built Sunpu Castle put down roots in the region, developed the fundamental techniques for making Hina dolls , and passed them on to the next generation.
This historical background is one of the reasons why Fujieda City is known as a major producer of Hina dolls.
3. Hina doll culture nurtured by the skills of craftsmen at Sunpu Castle
The skills of the craftsmen who built Sunpu Castle contributed greatly to the subsequent development of traditional crafts in Fujieda City.
Their advanced skills were put to use in woodworking, stonemasonry, and the creation of delicate Hina dolls.
The descendants of the craftsmen who supported the construction of Sunpu Castle are involved in the production of products such as furniture, wooden clogs, and Hina dolls, laying the foundation for Fujieda City's traditional industries .
In this way, the craftsmanship of Sunpu Castle became the foundation of the region's Hina doll culture and has been passed down to future generations.
4. The development of the Hina doll industry in Fujieda City and the role of the Tokaido
The Tokaido developed as Japan's main transportation route during the Edo period, with many people and goods traveling along it.
Fujieda City is located along the Tokaido and flourished as a key transportation hub .
Taking advantage of this geographical advantage, the Hina doll industry has developed widely.
Hina dolls produced in Fujieda City were transported east to west along the Tokaido road and supplied all over the country .
As logistics developed, Fujieda City began to spread its name as a major producer of Hina dolls.
5. Fujieda City and the Lumber Market of the "Uncrossable Oi River"
Fujieda City is adjacent to the Oi River, which is one of Japan's largest lumber markets and is an indispensable river.
Taking advantage of its abundant forest resources, this region prospered as a supplier of high-quality timber .
High-quality wood is essential for the production of Hina dolls, and craftsmen in Fujieda City use timber from Oigawa River to create beautiful Hina dolls using traditional techniques.
The existence of this timber market has contributed to the development of Fujieda City's Hina doll industry and is one of the reasons why local craftsmen continue to produce high-quality products to this day.
6. Fujieda City and the Unique Design and Technique of Hina Dolls
Fujieda City's Hina dolls have unique designs and techniques that differ from those in other regions.
This is due to the skills that local craftsmen have cultivated over many years and the aesthetic sense unique to the region.
While preserving traditional techniques, the artisans actively incorporated new designs and ideas to create Hina dolls that are unique to Fujieda City.
Fujieda City's Hina dolls continue to be loved by many families for their intricate craftsmanship and beauty, and are highly regarded as handicrafts that symbolize the local culture.

7. Modern-day Fujieda Hina Doll Workshops: Three Representative Companies
Currently, there are only three workshops producing Hina dolls in Fujieda City.
Each company continues to produce products that meet modern needs while preserving their own unique techniques and traditions.
Hinasei Dolls Ltd., Hinatsune Dolls and Ozawa Dolls are companies with a long history that, while treasuring traditions, offer new designs and compact hina dolls that suit the times.
As inheritors of local culture , these workshops continue to preserve the advanced techniques of Hina doll production.
8. Hinasei Dolls Ltd.: A fusion of tradition and innovation
Hinasei Dolls Ltd. is one of the most famous Hina doll production companies in Fujieda City.
Using the craftsmanship cultivated over a long history, we carefully craft each and every beautiful Hina doll .
While respecting traditional techniques, the company also offers compact Hina dolls suited to modern lifestyles, as well as dolls with designs that can be enjoyed as interior decorations.
The company's products, which are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, are popular with a wide range of customers and are highly regarded for their high quality.
On the company's website,
We introduce the unique Hina dolls that can only be made by Hinasei Dolls Co., Ltd. , and share the production process and product lineup.
9. The history of Hinatsune dolls and their connection to the local community
"Ningyo no Hinatsune" is a Hina doll workshop with a long history in Fujieda City, and has inherited the traditions as a branch of the former "Komiya Dolls".
While preserving tradition, we incorporate new designs and functions to meet modern needs , creating Hina dolls that are suited to the times.
Furthermore, we value our relationships with the local community, and continue to work to spread local culture by actively participating in festivals and events held in Fujieda City.
As a presence rooted in the local community, we take pride in promoting the appeal of traditional crafts.
10. The history of Ozawa dolls and their contribution to the local community
Ozawa Dolls is one of the oldest Hina doll production companies in Fujieda City.
The company used to sell its products in stores, but now it mainly sells to major wholesalers .
Ozawa Dolls, which has a long history and tradition in Fujieda City's Hina doll industry, has made a great contribution to the development of the region.
Taking advantage of their rich history and high level of technical skill, and with a sense of local cultural pride, they will continue to promote the appeal of traditional crafts to the world.
11. The cultural significance of Fujieda City's Hina dolls and the appeal of the memorial service
In Fujieda City, the "Furuhina Doll Memorial Service" is held every year on April 3rd, the old festival day.
This memorial service is an important event to express gratitude for the Hina dolls that have been cherished for many years and to offer a memorial service for the Hina dolls that have completed their role.
A purification ceremony is performed by the head priest and is attended by many people.
At the memorial service, some of the dolls are put on display, providing an opportunity to teach visitors about their history and value.
Through this festival, respect and gratitude for the Hina dolls are passed on to the next generation, and Fujieda City's cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
12. Fujieda City's Hina Dolls: Tradition and Its Spread to the World
Fujieda City's Hina doll industry continues to promote itself to the world while cherishing local traditions.
We actively participate in exhibitions both in Japan and abroad to introduce the latest designs and technologies, while also revealing the traditional production process and conveying its appeal.
The dolls are also shipped overseas , and Fujieda City's Hina dolls are becoming a symbol of Japanese culture and are spreading beyond borders.
The craftsmen of Fujieda City are passing on the skills they have cultivated over many years to future generations, while spreading Japanese beauty and traditions throughout the world.
13. Summary [Tradition and modern development of Fujieda City's Hina doll industry]
Fujieda City's Hina doll industry respects the local history and culture,
We continue to preserve our unique traditions while producing products that meet modern needs.
Local craftsmen make full use of the techniques they have developed over a long history.
Beautiful Hina dolls are made through delicate handwork.
These Hina dolls have unique regional characteristics,
It has become a cultural heritage that is treasured by families for generations.
In addition, the Hina Doll Workshop in Fujieda City is actively shipping its dolls overseas and participating in exhibitions in Tokyo in order to spread the traditional beauty and culture of Japan to the world.
Based on its rich history and high technical capabilities,
We will continue to spread the appeal of traditional crafts to the world.