Private Museum Transformed into Unique Bizarre Doll Museum
Located just outside Tokyo, specifically in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, the Yashio Hihokan (translating to Yashio Grand Museum of Bizarre Dolls in English) displays an impressive collection of “bizarre dolls,” curated by Yoshitaka Hyodo, with each piece meticulously arranged in the house.
This is the personal residence of the 49-year-old curator. The museum not only houses various bizarre dolls from different cultures and styles but also features numerous themed exhibitions that evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity among visitors.
“Since childhood, I have been fascinated by machinery and artificial beings. Before I realized it, my obsession with these elements had transformed my house into a treasure trove,” Hyodo shared on his blog.
Hyodo began collecting bizarre dolls over 20 years ago after discovering a doll in a garbage dump. It ignited a desire to surround himself with such fascinating creations. Currently, he owns around 50 unique dolls, including bizarre dolls, ghostly figures, and various other artistic interpretations.
Hyodo mentioned that about half of the bizarre dolls in his collection were self-purchased, while the rest were gifted by friends who felt compelled to contribute to his collection due to personal reasons, including family obligations or other individual circumstances.
Most of Hyodo’s unique bizarre dolls come from Orient Industry, a company based in Tokyo that has been producing high-quality dolls since 1977. The company is renowned for creating intricate, life-like models, with prices that can reach as high as 700,000 yen (approximately $4,780).
The Unique Collector with Different Passions
Hyodo is not just a typical collector of bizarre dolls. He is also a photographer who specializes in capturing these dolls in unique settings across various locations. His works have been exhibited in galleries in Paris and Tokyo. He even produced a documentary film about his life, which was screened at select theaters across Japan in September 2022.
In 2021, Hyodo established Dai Nippon Rabu Dooru To (the Japanese Bizarre Dolls Association) to promote Tokyo Deep Annai, a website he believes raises awareness about the distinctive city of Yashio, with its quirky and unusual characters, and a documentary series that he personally created after experiencing a setback in his film career.
His experiences have made Hyodo sensitive to the broadcasting industry. He 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 have a strong feeling that if I were to confront this issue head-on (to counteract online bullying), the outcome would not be favorable. 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 been confronted by death. At the age of 14, he was drawn into a yakuza confrontation in the deep mountains of Shikoku, western Japan. As an adult, he has faced heartache and has encountered severe mental health issues due to a brain tumor diagnosed a decade ago.
However, the photographer states that his life has taken a significant turn for the better since opening his personal museum in 2015. Yashio Hihokan is increasingly attracting interest from visitors, and he expects around 300 guests this year.
“I can interact with people from all over the world. As a result, I participate in numerous events and various activities. My life often has its ups and downs, but now it’s rising more than ever,” he noted.
According to the curator of the unique bizarre dolls, the influx of international tourists at Yashio Hihokan has significantly increased since the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. He has welcomed people from different countries such as the US, China, Antigua and Barbuda, and Ukraine. A television program from Hong Kong has also approached him for filming.
Hyodo is always welcoming to international guests. He is grateful for the opportunity to engage with people from around the world, as he cannot travel abroad due to his unique circumstances.
Joe McReynolds (37), an American graduate student at Keio University in Japan, first visited the bizarre doll museum in November 2019 during the 37th anniversary of the release of Blade Runner, the iconic science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott in 1982. This film has been a significant source of inspiration for Hyodo in designing his museum.
“I feel thrilled to be in a space that reflects a unique and special perspective of a person dedicated to their craft,” McReynolds remarked.
Experts suggest that Hyodo’s “quirky artistry” may not appeal to everyone, but the existence of the museum carries profound significance. It showcases Tokyo as a city that embraces distinctive individual perspectives, bringing a unique style and personality to each visitor through the unique bizarre dolls.
