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In order to introduce and promote Japanese culture to the people of Nepal, the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association Nepal (JALTAN) will hold an exhibition of "Japanese Dolls and Traditional Toys" in Kathmandu from September 29 - October 5, 2012.

H.E. Kunio Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan is scheduled to inaugurate the exhibition at 4 p.m. on September 28 (Fri.) at the Hall of the Embassy of Japan, Panipokhari. The exhibition will remain open free for the public from September 29 (Sat.) to October 5 (Fri.) between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. everyday.

In Japan, dolls have been a part of everyday life since ancient times.  Japanese dolls reflect the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people, possess distinctive regional attributes, and over the centuries have developed in many diverse forms. Originally dolls were basically used in purification rituals.  Even today, shrines in Japan conduct divine purification ceremonies using paper dolls to wash away all evil and bad luck and to assist prayers for good luck.

With enrichment of culture, dolls were used as toys by children of noble families.  They became more and more beautiful and developed into sublime of art.  Dolls are also combined with Japanese technology. The exhibition introduces Mr. Hisashige Tanaka, 1799, who invented amazing mechanical dolls called “Karakuri Dolls” which moved without electricity - only with string and springs. Visitors can see his excellent craftsmanship and ideas on DVD. It will not be an exaggeration to mention here that Karakuri dolls are the origins of robots and that he established the foundation of this modern technology.  In fact, Mr. Tanaka is one of the founders of TOSHIBA, the world-class Japanese electronics company.

In the exhibition, Japanese traditional toys will also be on exhibit.  Both of our peoples share values of contemporary art and traditional culture. Dolls and Toys are some of the highlights of them.  It is hoped that the visitors will enjoy Japanese beauty and spirit through this exhibition.