2008 No.01

Juｌｙ 1, 2008

Thematic Exhibition Series “Thinking of Peace”

Shibusawa Eiichi and the Friendship Dolls:
The Doll Project 81 Years Ago
July 19 – August 24, 2008
Shibusawa Memorial Museum

Shibusawa Eiichi and the Doll Exchange ProjectIn 1927, about 12,000 American dolls were sent to Japan from across the Pacific Ocean, delivering messagesof friendship and goodwill. They were dispatched to kindergartens and elementary schools all over Japan,
called “blue-eyed dolls” and loved by Japanese children.
In 1924, the Japanese Exclusion Act was passed in the US. The
act increased anti-Japanese sentiment among Americans and casta shadow on the relationship between the two countries. Inresponse, Sydney Louis Gulick, a missionary who had lived inJapan, combined forces with Shibusawa Eiichi. Acting as private
citizens, the two men devoted themselves to improvement of USJapanese relations.
Gulick arranged gathering for blue-eyed dolls from 48 states to be sent them to Japan as peace messengers.
Shibusawa coordinated sending 58 Japanese dolls were sent to the US in response. Through theseexchanges of friendship dolls, the enthusiasm of the two men fostered friendship and trust among the childrenof the two countries.

The Dolls through the Years
During WWII the blue-eyed dolls were regarded as enemy materials and many of them were lost or destroyed
as a result. Following this was a period when the dolls’ very existence was forgotten. It is now believed that
only 300 dolls have survived in Japan and 44 in the US.
This exhibition will shed light on the history of the doll exchange project by exhibiting 8 of the 10 blue-eyeddolls remaining in Tokyo. We hope it will be an opportunity for visitors to hear the dolls’ message of goodwill
and peace, as meaningful as it was 81 years ago.

About the SHIBUSAWA MEMORIAL MUSEUM
The Shibusawa Memorial Museum collects and displays documents and artifacts
from the life of Shibusawa Eiichi (1840-1931), a leader in business and finance
who fostered the growth and development of the modern Japanese economy.
Throughout his life he advocated for the harmony of morality and economy; playing
an important role not only in the business world but in the fields of social welfare,education and private-sector diplomacy as well.

Thematic Exhibition Series “Thinking of Peace”
The exhibition “Shibusawa Eiichi and the Friendship Dolls,” will be the first exhibition in a series called“Thinking of Peace.” The series aims to encourage visitors to think about world peace today by introducing
Shibusawa’s lifelong devotion to international peace and understanding.

1Thematic Exhibition Series “Thinking of Peace”
Shibusawa Eiichi and the Friendship Dolls: The Doll Project 81 Years AgoDates:
Saturday July 19 – Sunuday August 24, 2008
(closed July 22, 28, August 4, 11, 18)
10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)Venue:
Special Exhibition Hall, Shibusawa Memorial Museum
2-16-1 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Tel：03-3910-0005 ／ Fax：03-3910-0085
Admission:
Individuals 300 yen
Elementary, junior high school, and high school students 100 yen
Three Museum Tickets: Individuals 720yen / students 240yen
20% discount for groups of 20 or more

Related Events:
All related events are free of charge (museum admission required) and in Japanese only.
Symposium “Shibusawa Eiichi and the Friendship Dolls: The Doll Project 81
Years Ago”
Panelists
Hiroaki KORESAWA, Professor, Otsuma Women’s UniversityMasahide SHIBUSAWA, President, Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation
Sunday, July 20, 13:30 – 15:00
Conference Room, Shibusawa Memorial Museum
Due to capacity of the venue, attendance is limited to 40. Reservations accepted on afirst come first served basis.
Story-telling for children“Mary the Blue-Eyed Doll” read by Kazuko GO (July 21) and Masako HAKARI (August 17)
July 21 and August 17, 13:30 – 14:10
Special Exhibition Hall, Shibusawa Memorial Museum
Film screening I“The Tale of the Blue-Eyed Dolls,” an animated film produced by the Saitama PeaceMuseum
July 19, 21, 23, August 3, 6, 10, 13, 15, 20, 24
14:30 – 15:10
Conference Room, Shibusawa Memorial Museum
Due to capacity of the venue, attendance is limited to 30. No reservations needed.
Film screening II“The Blue-Eyed Dolls,” an animated film produced by the Toei Company, from thecollection of the Yokohama Doll Museum
July 27, August 23
14:30 – 15:30
Conference Room, Shibusawa Memorial Museum2Due to capacity of the venue, attendance is limited to 30. Reservations accepted on afirst come first served basis.
Story time and curator-led gallery tour
“Sharon the Blue-Eyed Doll,” a story written and illustrated by the students of Togura
Elementary School
Followed by a gallery tour
July 19, 23, August 20
13:30 – 14:10
Special Exhibition Hall, Shibusawa Memorial Museum

Contacts
Megumi KAWAKAMI, curator
Ruri KATO, public relations
Shibusawa Memorial Museum http:www.shibusawa.or.jp
2-16-1 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Tel：03-3910-0005 ／ Fax：03-3910-0085

3

Images for the press
The images below are available for press use. Please fill in the attached application formand fax it to the Shibusawa Memorial Museum.

① “Shibusawa Eiichi holding blue-eyed dolls”
1927, Shibusawa Memorial Museumcollection② Post card “Miss America”
Shibusawa Memorial Museum collection③ “Kinder Book Dolls Vol. 9 Dolls”
1929, published by Froebel-kan
Private collection

4

Shibusawa Memorial Museum

FAX: 03-5567-7289

Application for the Use of Press Imaged
Attn. Mr. Jun Inoue
Director
Shibusawa Memorial Museum
Date://
Applicant Name:
Signature
Company/Institution:

I hereby apply for the use of images from the exhibition “Shibusawa Eiichi and the Friendship Dolls: The Doll
Project 81 Years Ago” under the conditions stated below:
１．Images to be used〔 〕 ① “Shibusawa Eiichi holding blue-eyed dolls” 1927, Shibusawa Memorial Museum collection〔 〕 ② Post card “Miss America” Shibusawa Memorial Museum collection〔 〕 ③ “Kinder Book Dolls Vol. 9 Dolls” 1929, published by Froebel-kan, private collection
２．Purpose of use (title of publication etc.)
３．Media①total number of pages：②length of the article：③circulation：

４．Date of issue
５．Details of usage
６．Conditions* The provenance of the images must be clearly noted.
* The images cannot be used for purposes other than those stated in No.2 above.
* The applicant must send two copies of the publication to the Shibusawa Memorial Museum.
* The applicant must immediately inform the museum of any changes to the above information.
７．Format〔 〕 The applicant will scan the images attached to the press release.
〔 〕 Please send printed photos to:Address:Name:
Tel: