Usa Rotary Club very generously gave each Morialta Rotarian a special gift, wall hanger with a Sumo wrestler, during Morialta Delegation’s visit to Japan. Here is the English translation of the information leaflet which came with the gift.
Yokkaichi Doll, from Usa City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Clay dolls made by local craftsmen in Yokkaichi (part of Usa) were called Yokkaichi Dolls. The production started at the beginning of Meiji Era (1868-1912) and continued to Showa 20 (1945) . Yokkaichi was once a lively area with worshippers coming to visit East Honganji and West Honganji Buddhist Temples. The clay dolls were popular merchandise near those two temples.
However with the deaths of craftsmen in WW2, the art went on decline and ceased totally soon after the War. Many years have passed and public awareness of the tradition of Yokkaichi Dolls had waned.
Then a group was formed in 2010 to revive the Yokkaichi Dolls and revitalize the area near the temples. Their activities include making old-style dolls using historic moulds as well as creating newer types of dolls.
Please touch and feel the Yokkaichi Doll and enjoy this art.
Theme of the wall hanger picture:
Centenary of the birth of Futabayama, Sumo Grand Champion born in Usa. Futabayama, a national hero, kept winning for 69 successive bouts and this record has not been broken to this date. More details here
