The Sankei Shimbun 
The producction of Kaguyabina was at its peak at the end of January. Kamigori Town, Hyogo Prefecture. (©Sankei by Nagumo Miyako)
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Japan will celebrate Hinamatsuri — also known as Girl's Day or Doll's Day — on March 3. It is a traditional festival where families display decorative dolls and pray for the health and happiness of girls.
To mark the occasion, artisans at Matsui Kogei in Kamigori Town, Hyogo Prefecture, have crafted "Kaguyabina" — a pair of dolls representing a married couple nestled inside small bamboo tubes.
A Touch of Spring
Inspired by The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, each piece stands 20 centimeters tall and about 12 centimeters in diameter. Inside each bamboo tube, the delicate dolls smile softly, wearing kimono made of washi, decorated with Kyoto-style Yuzen patterns. They feature shades of blue, pink, green, and gold.
Despite an aging workforce and the retirement of skilled artisans, the dolls continue to be meticulously handmade. This preserves a tradition passed down through many generations.
Kaguyabina are popular as home decorations or heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Hiroshi Matsui, the 87-year-old bamboo craftsman and head of Matsui Kogei, shared his hopes, saying, "I want to bring a sense of spring and a touch of brightness to everyone awaiting the season's arrival."
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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