The Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Benaki Museum organizes an exhibition of Japanese Traditional Dolls and Toys, as part of commemorative events to mark the 120th Anniversary of Greece-Japan Diplomatic Relations (1899-2019).
The exhibition presents a collection of traditional Japanese toys and dolls related to customary festivities as an integral part of the Japanese culture for centuries. The exhibition intends to emphasize on girl’s day Hina Matsuri Festival and children’s day Kodomo no hi.
Every year on March 3rd, girls’ families set up platforms in their houses covered with a red carpet, to display a set of dolls hina-ningyō as symbols of good fortune for the future life of girls. These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period.
The 5th day of May is dedicated to the celebration of children’s happiness and the respect of their personalities. Boys’ families display in their houses the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto and the carp-shaped koinobori flags as symbols of strength, vitality and courage which according to the Japanese tradition, their cause, is to protect children from misfortune and disease.
For more information:
Embassy of Japan – Cultural Department, τηλ. 210 670 9900/1, www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp
Benaki Toy Museum (Leoforos Posidonos 14 & 1, Τritonos str, Paleo Faliro), 212 6875280
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 10:00-18:00
Benaki Toy Museum
Duration: February 22nd – June 30th 2019
