U.S. Japan Friendship Dolls Lecture

In 1927, Japanese Friendship Dolls (友情人形, yūjō ningyō) and American “Blue-Eyed Dolls” (青い目の人形, aoi me no ningyō) were exchanged between Japan and the U.S. to ease tensions caused by the 1924 Immigration Act, which banned Japanese immigration. Initiated by Reverend Sydney Gulick, American children raised money to send dolls to Japan as a gesture of peace, and in return, Japan crafted 58 unique dolls representing its regions. The exchange aimed to build cultural understanding and inspire friendship among children rather than drive political change.  Please note: this event takes place at the City of Novi Council Chambers