Kyoto Visitor's Guide-Figurines

Figurines
New Form of Japanese Art & Culture!

Figurines. Curiously in Japanese language, the word is translated as ''figure'' and the meaning is clear. In English, the word ''figure'' has several meanings but in Japanese it means just one thing: a miniature figure such as a doll or a manga (Japanese comic) or anime character (Japanese cartoon).

The culture of figurines in Japan has broken out of the otaku (so-called manga geek) subculture and gained acclaim on the global art scene. Looking back at the past, the culture of making and loving human-shaped sculpture figures has a long history and is not something that suddenly appeared. The traditional dogu (clay figures) of Japan, the pottery dolls that grace the Japanese living room, the Licca fashion dolls Japanese people played with as children in the 1960s, and robot dolls, a figurine hugely popular with the young as well as adults, are all part of the figurine culture that has developed into today's world of manga and anime characters.

What role do these ''figurines'' play? How did they develop in Japan and become such a powerful cultural movement? Come and experience this amazing world of Japanese of art and culture!

Special Exhibition at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
GENEALOGY OF THE FIGURINE: from DOGU to KAIYODO

Summer Special Opening
July 14-Aug. 31: 10:00-20:00, open everyday *Regular opening hours after Sept. 1: Open: 10:00-18:00, closed Wed.

The exhibition features an overview of figurines on a historical timeline ending in the period of contemporary figure culture and introduces the products of Kaiyodo, which is basically synonymous with contemporary figure culture. Figurines are a genre intrinsically linked with manga, one of the most popular forms of Japanese culture today.

Special Work Shop (everyday, 11:00-17:00)
You can try to paint a small figurine (dragon, penguin or Don Quixote): 300 yen; reservation not required.

Dogu clay figurine

Primitive clay dolls representing humans or sacred spirits. The oldest dogu excavated in Japan to date is believed to have been created about 12,000 years ago.

Shakoki Dogu/ Collection of Tatsuuma Archaeology Museum

Kokeshi wooden doll

A traditional Japanese figurine form which was used as a plaything for children. Modern kokeshi dolls

Licca-chan

Japan's most famous dress-up doll since 1967. Licca-chan's pretty face and colorful costumes were popular with girls all over Japan. Many adults are still ardent fan of Licca-chan and continue to collect the dolls and their costumes.
The first Licca-chan/ C. TOMY / Collection of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Ultraman & Baltan Alien

A famous character from the Japanese TV program Ultra-man. The Baltan Alien appeared for the first time in a 1966 stoy and soon became a popular TV series with countless fans.
C. Tsuburaya Production
Produced by Kaiyodo
Collection of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Daimajin

The main character in the Daimajin trilogy series movie from the late 1960s. The series was shot in Kyoto.
C. 1996 Kadokawa Pictures Inc.
Produced by Kaiyodo

Kenshiro

The main character in super popular manga series Hokuto no Ken (1983 till 1989). It was a big hit and is still well-known throughout Japan.
Kenshiro Action Figure / C. Bronson, Hara Tetsuo / NSP 1983
Produced by Kaiyodo

Coathicarte Apa Lagranges

One of the main characters of popular anime series ''Polyphonica Crimson''. The setting is the imaginary world called ''Polyphonica'' where human beings and sacred spirits coexist.
C Sakaki Ichiro/ Tolubath Commandia Academy
Produced by Kaiyodo

Experience the world of Manga!
World-class manga collection: 300,000 classic manga books and magazines, picture books, international manga, and more.

Old-style picture-story theatre show & workshops and other fun events open to all! Come and visit the museum and enjoy the fascinating world of manga!

On the west side of Karasuma, north of Oike (in the old Tatsuike Elementary School) #2 exit Karasuma Oike subway station Tel: 075-254-7414

July 14-Aug. 31:s ummer special opening Open: 10:00-20:00 (entry until 19:30) Closed Wed.