40th Anniversary Exhibition: Eiko Ohno and the Yokohama Doll Museum

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Yokohama Doll Museum, a mini exhibition titled "Eiko Ohno and the Yokohama Doll Museum" will be held. This exhibition introduces Eiko Ohno, whose collection formed the basis of the museum's holdings, and her dolls. After serving as a secretary and interpreter for pearl king Kokichi Mikimoto, Ohno became independent and managed the Ohno Pearl Shop in Yokohama's Motomachi district, earning the nickname "Queen of Pearls of Yokohama." She also actively engaged in private diplomacy, inviting overseas travelers to her home. Alongside her work, she developed a hobby of collecting dolls and, through experiences of deepening connections via dolls, came to wish for a facility in Yokohama to display them. Unfortunately, this dream did not come true during her lifetime, but her will led to the donation of her doll collection to the city of Yokohama, which contributed to the opening of the Yokohama Doll Museum. The dolls donated by Ohno number 1,981 from 74 countries and regions. Many of the handmade dolls have a somewhat humorous impression, reflecting Ohno's personality. This exhibition will display photographs from the time of the museum's opening, paintings by Ohno, and the dolls she collected, looking back at the opening exhibition and introducing the relationship between Ohno and the Doll Museum. The exhibition runs from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. Hours are 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). The venue is the 3rd-floor permanent exhibition hall of the Yokohama Doll Museum. Admission is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Preschool children are free, and admission is also free for the visitor and one caregiver with a disability certificate. The museum is closed every Monday (if Monday is a holiday, the museum will be open and closed the following Tuesday). Gallery talks will be held on June 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, and October 4, at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Participation is free, but an admission ticket is required.