By YOSHINOBU MATSUNAGA/ Staff Writer
April 16, 2025 at 18:24 JST
SETO, Aichi Prefecture—As Japan prepares to celebrate Children's Day on May 5, one of its long-standing traditions is taking on a modern twist and gaining international appeal.
At ceramic manufacturer Chugai Toen Co. here, shipments are reaching their annual peak for samurai dolls and decorative helmets that are typically displayed in households for the holiday.
This year, the company is offering more than 80 types of items, including four new designs.
With the growing number of tourists visiting Japan, decorations modeled after "kabuto"—traditional samurai helmets—are becoming popular year-round as souvenirs.
While the dolls were once known for their brave expressions depicting young samurai commanders, some of the latest figures now feature "kawaii," or cute, faces.
Other popular items include dolls themed around classic Japanese folktales.
Prices range from 715 yen to 27,500 yen ($5 to $193), tax included, offering options from casual gifts to elaborate pieces of art.
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Porcelain samurai helmet ornaments are ready to be shipped from a manufacturer in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, on April 13. (Yoshinobu Matsunaga)
