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Dolls Rule Iwatsuki City Craft in Japan
Iwatsuki City is a small town yet dominates doll production in Japan with 50 to 60 percent of all dolls. About 10 percent of its 40,000 residents work in the industry. The craft dates to the early 17th century, passed through generations, and most dolls today are Kabuki dancing figures. A popular Festival for Boys doll named Shoki portrays a Samurai God who defeats devils. Despite automation, doll making remains hand oriented for quality, as machine-made parts are deemed inferior.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iwatsuki
Japan