Goto Hakata Ningyo
Goto Ushinosuke created in 1905 in Fukuoka its obi (kimono belt) factory and shop named Goto Ushinosuke Shop. He was selling not only in Fukuoka, in the south of Japan, but also in Osaka and up to Tokyo.
However due to the Pacific war which started around 1935, the raw material became difficult to find and at the same time the demand for obi had decreased, forcing Goto to close his business.
At the end of the war, he restarted the woven business. His fourth son, Genzou, who repatriated in November 1945, started the production of traditional dolls with two employees who had dolls manufacturing experience. He created Goto Manufacturing.
In 1974, the company was renamed Goto Hakata Ningyo (Ningyo meaning Doll in Japanese) and they are now producing dolls, including some with modern design.
Their dolls collection.
However due to the Pacific war which started around 1935, the raw material became difficult to find and at the same time the demand for obi had decreased, forcing Goto to close his business.
At the end of the war, he restarted the woven business. His fourth son, Genzou, who repatriated in November 1945, started the production of traditional dolls with two employees who had dolls manufacturing experience. He created Goto Manufacturing.
In 1974, the company was renamed Goto Hakata Ningyo (Ningyo meaning Doll in Japanese) and they are now producing dolls, including some with modern design.
Their dolls collection.