Get the story of Miss Fukushima and other Japanese friendship dolls

japanese-dollsThe story of Miss Fukushima, one of the dolls on display at the recently-reopened National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, comes to life Nov. 12 in a special lecture.

Alan Scott Pate, guest curator and the leading American authority on Japanese dolls, will give a lecture that traces the history and recovery of the 32-inch-tall dolls. The museum says the story begins in 1927, when “58 Japanese dolls embarked on a diplomatic mission to the United States. They were exhibited and celebrated until World War II when the dolls were hidden away, and some were lost.”

The museum has put five of the recovered dolls on display through January 3, 2016.

Pate’s lecture will conclude with an in-gallery question and answer session where attendees will view the museum’s Miss Fukushima doll along with Miss Miyagi, Miss Hokkaido, Miss Hyogo, and Miss Shizuoka.

The museum, located on the University of Missouri – Kansas City campus, reopened in August after an $8 million renovation.

 Details

  • The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street
  • Thursday, November 12, 5:30 p.m.
  • $10 for general public, free for members and UMKC faculty, staff, and students
  • RSVP to (816) 235-8005 or mercierk@toyandminiaturemuseum.org

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