Private House Transformed into Unique Doll Museum
Located just outside of Tokyo, specifically in the city of Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, Yashio Hihokan (translated as Yashio Doll Museum in English) showcases a unique collection of “beloved dolls” by Yoshitaka Hyodo, with each room in the house meticulously arranged down to the smallest detail.
This is a private home of a 49-year-old man with a special passion. The museum not only houses dolls from various collections and different styles but also features many dioramas that are elaborately crafted and deeply engaging to those who are fascinated by them.
“Since I was young, I have been captivated by machines and artificial life forms. Before I realized it, my house had become a treasure trove filled with such things,” Hyodo wrote on his blog.
Hyodo has been cultivating his doll collection for over 20 years, starting when he discovered a haunting doll in a trash pile. It sparked his deep desire to surround himself with dolls. Currently, he owns around 50 dolls, including unique dolls, haunting figures, and many other fascinating models.
Hyodo mentioned that about half of his doll collection has been purchased with his own funds, while the rest have been gifted by friends who do not want to keep them due to personal reasons, such as marriage, caring for parents, or other individual circumstances.
Most of Hyodo’s unique dolls are sourced from Orient Industry, a company based in Tokyo that has been producing high-quality dolls since 1977. The company is renowned for creating lifelike figures and is known to have a price range of around 700,000 yen ($4,780).
A Passionate Collector with Unique Interests
Hyodo is more than just a typical doll enthusiast. He is a photographer specializing in unique dolls, often creating scenes for them in various locations and different settings to capture stunning photographs. His works have been exhibited in galleries in Paris and Tokyo. He even has a documentary film chronicling his life, showcased in select theaters across Japan in September 2022.
In 2021, Hyodo established Dai Nippon Rabu Dooru To (Great Japan Doll Lovers) to combat negative perceptions of Tokyo, a website he believes raises awareness about Yashio and connects with those who share similar interests, culminating in a documentary film he is creating about his experiences.
The experience has made Hyodo more sensitive to the broadcasting industry. He also empathizes with Hana Kimura, a contestant from the reality show Terrace House who tragically took her own life in 2020 after being bullied online.
“I feel that if I were to confront this situation more strongly (to combat online bullying), the outcome could have been different. Because seven years ago, I warned that the Japanese broadcasting industry would eventually lead to someone’s death,” Hyodo shared with SCMP.
Hyodo has often confronted death. At 14, he became embroiled in a conflict with a yakuza organization in the mountainous region of Shikoku, western Japan. As an adult, he has faced severe health challenges after a tumor diagnosis ten years ago.
However, the photographer noted that his life has taken a beautiful turn since opening the museum in 2015. Yashio Hihokan has increasingly attracted interest from visitors. He expects to host around 300 tourists this year.
“I can interact with people from all over the world. As a result, I participate in more events and different activities. My life has many ups and downs, but now it’s getting better,” he stated.
According to the doll museum, the number of foreign tourists visiting Yashio Hihokan has significantly increased since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. He has welcomed many individuals from various countries such as the U.S., China, Antigua and Barbuda, and Ukraine… A television program from Hong Kong (China) has even approached him for filming.
Hyodo warmly welcomes international guests. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to connect with people from around the globe, as he cannot travel outside due to his unique circumstances.
Joe McReynolds (37), a graduate student studying in Japan at Keio University, first visited the unique doll museum in November 2019 during the release anniversary of Blade Runner, the famous science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott in 1982. This cinematic work has been a significant source of inspiration for Hyodo in designing his museum.
“I feel a thrill when I am in a space that reflects a distinct vision and the entire atmosphere of a unique doll collector,” McReynolds remarked.
Experts suggest that although Hyodo’s “quirky art style” may not appeal to everyone, the existence of the museum carries significant meaning. It showcases Tokyo as a city that embraces individuals with different perspectives, bringing unique styles and personal expressions to each visitor through the museum’s distinctive collection.
