Japan is full of national treasures, from beautiful nature spots to old architecture, but one of the most interesting classes of national treasures is the living kind. Masters of their crafts, these national treasures often represent the heights of Japanese arts — including doll making! But we’re not talking about G.I. Joe figures or Barbie dolls, we’re talking about works of art that look less like toys and more like real people frozen in time.
Goyo Hirata was exactly that kind of artist, and once you see some of his creations, you’ll agree that he was definitely deserving of the status of Living National Treasure. Though Hirata passed away in 1981, his work is still celebrated today and no less amazing.
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Japanese hotel offering sports car touge tours, no Japanese-language ability required
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And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
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Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
The five least stressful jobs, as ranked by Japanese working people
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Domino’s Pizza is offering a Sakura Pizza for cherry blossom season
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
We taste-tested 10 convenience store roll cakes for Roll Cake Day!
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The top 10 poses trending with Japanese teens, as demonstrated by a couple of ossan
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day