Hidden Secrets Behind Japanese Festival Dolls!
Hi, I’m Mikon. This time I am in Kosu City, Satama. I heard that an interesting exhibit could be seen here, so I came to see it. Shopping mall, El Makonosu, directly connected to the station. Here it is. It is the tallest pyramid deis in Japan. There are 31 steps in total and the height is approximately 7 m. These dolls are called Hina Ningo and are displayed during the Hinamatsuri event held annually on March 3rd. Hinamatsuri is held to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. Hina Ningo are displayed with the hope that the dolls will take the place of the dolls and purify themselves by assuming the role of evil spirits. Incidentally, the event to celebrate the healthy growth of boys is held on May 5th. Let’s get back to the story. The costumes of these dolls are designed based on high-end period costumes. In western calendar years, it is 7941185. You can see that it is very precisely made. There are various types of Hina dolls from a small type with a pair of male and female dolls to a large type with 15 dolls and tools displayed on a seven-step staircase. The dolls vary in size and face. It was very interesting to see the unique dolls on display. I heard that Hin Ningo can be seen at other venues as well, so I would like to go there while strolling around Kenosu. First of all, here it is. The meat is juicy and delicious. When I told them I was going to eat outside, they put sauce on it and it was very tasty. They have lunch boxes as well as meat and fried food. I found a good store. I came to a shrine that I saw right from Taguchi butcher shop. The shrine is said to be mainly beneficial for childbearing and safe delivery. There is a stork legend in Kosu and stors can be seen here and there at the shrine. I also received a red seal with a stork on it. Thank you for visiting the shrine. Next, I came to a temple. The temple was very tranquil and well organized. It is a Japanese sweet shop in town. I heard that one of Konisu’s famous gourmet foods is mongju. So I came here to buy one. It is named for its resemblance to chestnut burrs in appearance. Burrs is called ega in Japanese. Mangju is wrapped in sikihon. Sakihan is steamed glutenous rice with boiled red beans. It is heavy but not too sweet and has a gentle taste. It is sold at other Japanese sweet shops in Konosu if you are interested. I came here for lunch but is temporarily closed. I have some Kosu gourmet food I want to eat. So I returned to the front of the station. I came to the food court in Elme Konosu. I found the store I was looking for. Look at this broad noodle. Kawahada Udon is a local gourmet dish created in honor of the Arakawa River, which flows between Kenosu City and a neighboring town and has the widest width in Japan. Incidentally, the river is 2537 m wide. The texture is chewy and unique to Kawabatada udon. I am also interested in eating here. You can enjoy croettes, a kosu bgrade gourmet dish. A simple croette with just potatoes and onions. It is delicious with the sweetness of onions. Now that I am full, I am going back for a walk. I arrived at a very large temple. Cherry blossoms look beautiful in spring. The temple is said to be associated with Tokugawa Yasu and the family crest Mitsuba Holly Hawk can be seen. There are also graves of vassals who served the Tokugawa family. I had a very peaceful time. Here you can not only get information on sightseeing in Kosu City, but you can also see exhibits that tell the history of Konosu and sell local products. Hina dolls are also on display, some with a long history. This exhibit can be viewed at any time. She told us that the book and scroll held by this doll are very small, but there are drawings all over them. Hina dolls are also displayed outside. The Hina dolls which is the purpose of the exhibition are displayed in this warehouse. This warehouse is also a historic building built in the Maji period 1868 to 1912 and is designated as an important landscaping structure by Sawatama Prefecture. I’m inside. Here you can see not only Hina dolls but also hanging doll display. Hanging dolls are small cloth dolls joined together with string or twine and hung from a high place for decoration. The dolls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all are made in the shape of auspicious motifs. In the past, Hina dolls were expensive and not affordable for the common people. Therefore, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and neighbors made dolls by hand, putting their wishes into each stitch. There is also a doll under the stairs. I’m going upstairs. Various Hina dolls are also displayed on the second floor. The dolls were made by the only living national treasure among Hina doll makers. This is a doll to be placed on top of a float used in festivals. So, it is very large. This is a doll displayed at the Paris Expo. This is a doll from the 1900 to the 1920s. Dolls made 1603 to 1868. These dolls are from the old days when neighbors used to bring dolls when they came to celebrate. They are made based on Japanese fairy tales and other stories. This one is stretched on canvas. The kimono is plump and carefully crafted. I could also see a hanging scroll type object. This one is very gorgeous. It is built as a palace. There was a time when Hina dolls were displayed like this. Moreover, I was surprised to hear that it was assembled. This is the largest size for Hina dolls. It is about 66 cm long. The kimono is gorgeous and so flamboyant. Next, I will show you some very small Hina dolls. I can already see it. Can you? Yes, there are Hea dolls in this box. I was very satisfied to see so many precious things and to learn about the history of Hina dolls. I am really glad I came. Even though customs differ from era to era, I could feel that parents’ feelings for their children are the same. I think I will eat something sweet at the end of the day and go home. Strawberry has a gentle taste with a hint of milk, but it is not too sweet and I like it. Hojicha is a roasted green tea with a fragrant aroma and no bitterness. The good thing about hojicha is that it is made into gelato, which is also delicious. I chose the standard flavor this time, but there were also seasonal flavors that all look delicious, and I really had a hard time deciding which one to choose. There were rice crackers in the toppings corner. How was this trip to Kosu? I hope to see you again in the next movie. Bye.
🌸 What is Konosu Bikkuri Hinamatsuri
Bikkuri” means “surprising”, so the full name is Konosu Surprising Hina Matsuri (鴻巣びっくりひな祭り).
It’s the annual Hina Doll Festival around Girls’ Day (March 3), held in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture.
Konosu is famous in Japan for its traditional doll-making craft, which has a history of about 300-400 years. As a result, the city is often called “Doll Town.”
🎯 The 2025 Festival Highlights
Main Exhibit: A giant pyramid-style display of Hina dolls at Elumi Konosu Shopping Mall, right next to Konosu Station.
The display is 31 tiers high, about 7 meters tall, with roughly 1,500-1,800 hina dolls collected from across Japan.
ナレーション by 動画制作会社VIDWEB（https://vidweb.co.jp/）
音声 by 動画制作会社VIDWEB（https://vidweb.co.jp/）
Narration by 動画制作会社VIDWEB（https://vidweb.co.jp/）
Voice over by 動画制作会社VIDWEB（https://vidweb.co.jp/）
この音声は動画制作会社VIDWEBのボイスゲートを利用しています（https://vidweb.co.jp/）
🎵 Music Credit / 音楽クレジット
Music by DOVA-SYNDROME
• “Tabigarasu” by shimtone
• “Chaya nite” by MATSU
• “Rokka” by shimtone
• “Ocha tatami” by んぃん
🔗 DOVA-SYNDROME Official Website