“The World of the Kappadō Collection: Lucky Papier-mâché Figures”
September 17 (Wed) – September 29 (Mon), 2025
Free Admission
Exhibition Overview
Papier-mâché figures, such as Daruma dolls, dogs, and tigers, were first introduced to Japan around the Muromachi period. With the spread of paper, they became widely loved as toys for children, part of bridal trousseaus, and above all as good-luck charms—believed to ward off misfortune, ensure healthy growth, and bring happiness and prosperity.
This exhibition will showcase nearly 170 papier-mâché figures—including oxen (beko), tigers, and Daruma dolls—selected from the Kappadō Collection of about 1,200 works held by the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum. Through these charming figures, visitors can discover the deep connections between folk crafts, everyday life, and culture in Japan.
Enjoy the warmth and nostalgic charm of papier-mâché folk toys!
What is the Kappadō Collection?
The Kappadō Collection began with the folk craft studies of Noboru Yamanaka, later expanded by Kazuyuki Kuribayashi, who personally collected folk toys from all over Japan. With more than 1,000 items in total, the collection was originally displayed at “Kappadō,” a small exhibition space next to Kuribayashi’s home, where it became beloved by folk toy enthusiasts nationwide.
In 2009, the collection was donated to Yonezawa City and is now preserved at the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum.
Exhibition Information
Exhibition Period
- September 17 (Wed) – September 29 (Mon), 2025
Opening Hours
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed
- September 23 (Tue)
Collaborative Programs
● Make Your Own Papier-mâché Figure
Workshop hosted by Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
- Date & Time: September 21 (Sun), 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Eligibility / Capacity: Elementary school students and above, up to 20 participants
- Participation Fee: ¥500
- Venue: Learning & Experience Room, Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
- Registration opens: August 20 (Wed), 9:00 AM
● Enjoying Folk Toys
Open Gallery Exhibition in collaboration with the Civic Gallery
- The World of Folk Toys from the Kappadō Collection I
- Period: October 25 (Fri), 2025 – January 22 (Thu), 2026
- The World of Folk Toys from the Kappadō Collection II
- Period: January 23 (Fri), 2026 – April 22 (Wed), 2026
- Venue: Yonezawa Civic Gallery (NaseBA 1F, Elevator Hall & Entrance Space)
Contact Information
- For facility inquiries:
Za Cultural Tradition Hall (Yonezawa City)
Tel: +81-238-23-8009 - For exhibition inquiries:
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
Tel: +81-238-26-8001
👉 For details, please check the official website of the Za Cultural Tradition Hall (Yonezawa City).
