Okiagari Koboshi
Okiagari koboshi are traditional weeble dolls from the Fukushima area, but also an exhibition of models decorated by mangaka and workshops at Japan Expo, as well as a Fukushima support project launched by the association Okiagari Koboshi Project created by Kenzo TAKADA, the founder of the KENZO brand.
the exhibit
Fukushima is sadly famous for the 2011 events.
But it’s also from this region that come the dolls called okiagari koboshi (“little standing priest” in Japanese). These little traditional dolls are like weebles made of papier-mâché, and are designed to get back upright when tilted. They get back up whenever they fall.
Kenzo TAKADA, the founder of the KENZO brand and president of the association Okiagari Koboshi Project for Fukushima, wants people to think of Fukushima inhabitants as of these dolls and the resistance they stand for. In France, Spain, Italy, the UK…, this project has involved various creators and artists, who have decorated those little dolls which are then exhibited in cultural places.
Lead by its president Tetsuya CHIBA, the author of well-known Ashita no Jo, Japan’s mangaka association has ralled to create the dolls exhibited at Japan Expo. Come discover their creations on the Okiagari Koboshi area!
workshops
You can also decorate your own doll thanks to workshops organized at Japan Expo, and in this way support Fukushima.
On Sunday, July 6, a special kid’s workshop is organized on the kids’ area.
messages
Kenzo TAKADA, president of Okiagari Koboshi Project
“I wanted to support the victims in the reconstruction of damaged areas by decorating okiagari koboshi, traditional dolls from the Fukushima area.
I started this project in Paris, and, with the support of Japanese mangaka, we have brought togetehr several manga-styled koboshi showed at Japan Expo.
Thanks to the information that keeps on being spread about Fukushima, solidarity actions get reinforced and everywhere in the world we can hear support messages: « Courage Fukushima ».
I wish that the situation will get to normal as soon as possible and that all the victims keeps on hoping for a better tomorrow.”
Tetsuya CHIBA, honor member of Okiagari Koboshi Project
“Okiagari koboshi are traditional toys from Aizu region (Fukushima prefecture).
Okiagari koboshi’s ability to get back up whatever the situation, however much they fall, made them a symbol of reconstruction after March 11, 2011’s catastrophe.
I was contacted by designer Kenzo TAKADA, asking me if I wanted to be part of the Okiagari Koboshi Project he was setting up to support the victims. Mangaka in Japan were glad to accept.
I also made one, as a prayer.
Okiagari koboshi we have decorated will be showed in Paris and in Spain, so that the world doesn’t forget the events.”