Japanese Paper Dolls

I volunteered for the Japanese Paper Doll Exhibition and the workshop with my friends. Four women from Nishinomiya-city came to MFWI for the event. They were active and liked talking very much. When I talked with them, I felt like I was back in Kansai area.

On Sunday, April 20th, I went to the MAC museum to help them with the pinwheel workshop. We began to arrange tables. Their eyes for dolls were very earnest. The paper dolls were handmade with Japanese paper and cotton and so on. They were very beautiful and delicate. These women had made about one hundred dolls over the last ten years. They also made food, plants and toys around us. One of the women said, "We make them out of imagery from in my mind or from books on Edo period." Many American were moved by them. Many American children and women came to make pinwheels. When they were leaving, some of them said "Arigatou gozaimasu." I felt very happy, and so did the children and women. I had a good time and enjoyed talking to many people.

On Monday, the Japanese Paper Doll Exhibition was held at JCC, and I went there after school. I helped visitors make paper dolls that day. I did not know how to make dolls, but I taught a woman while asking my friend. I could not teach her correctly, but she was pleased with my help. Then she asked me to write her name and mine on a square card to put on a paper doll. When I first heard it, I could not believe it, but I was pleased to write our names on it. The exhibitions and workshop were a success. After that, my friends and I talked with the women. We heard about their families and stories from their youth, and how they started making paper dolls. It was very interesting.

On Tuesday, the women invited us to a thank-you party in the evening. I was surprised by that. They went to the market, and made wonderful food. They served pizza, chicken, salad and fruit. The party began with a toast, and we introduced ourselves again. We enjoyed eating and talking, and they told us that they went to an elementary school to make pinwheels and played with the students that day. After that, we made paper dolls according to their explanations. I thought making dolls is very difficult and that they are great woman! They said "It is important to keep on trying something, even if it’s one thing." I was impressed with their words. When I finished making the doll, I had a sense of accomplishment. Then we decided to “meet at Lalaport, a shopping mall in Nishinomiya when we go back to Japan.” I had a wonderful experience. This will be in my memory for the rest of my life.