The Magnificence of the Friendship Doll "Miss Akita Fukiko"

In 1927, Japanese Friendship Dolls (答礼人形, yūjō ningyō) and American “Blue-Eyed Dolls” (青い目の人形, aoi me no ningyō) were exchanged as a gesture of goodwill between children in Japan and the United States. American schoolchildren raised money to send dolls overseas, and in return Japan created 58 handcrafted Friendship Dolls, each representing a different region of the country. These dolls were symbols of cultural understanding and international friendship during a time of strained relations. At this lecture with Mr. Masaru Aoki, one of the original dolls—Miss Akita—will make a rare and special appearance, offering a unique opportunity to see this historic ambassador of peace up close. A lecture by Mr. Masaru Aoki in conjunction with JBSD, Detroit Children's Museum and JCS. Please note: this event takes place at the City of Novi Council Chambers