Exploring the Timeless Charm of Wooden Hina Dolls by Nichigan Inc.

Founded in 1929, Nichigan Inc., a renowned wooden toy manufacturer based in Komagome, Tokyo, has been dedicated to enriching daily lives with the warmth of wood. Their overarching motto, "Enriching Everyday Life with the Warmth of Wood," encapsulates their commitment to creating high-quality wooden toys and crafts. Recently, they expanded into the OEM market, working with notable partners across various industries, including department stores, baby manufacturers, and design firms.

Most recently, Nichigan received a production request from Furacoco Inc., led by CEO Hara Hidehira, to develop a new style of traditional Japanese Hina dolls that reflect contemporary living spaces. The resulting product, named 'Koron,' is a compact, adorable wooden Hina doll that brings a fresh twist to age-old traditions.

Product Overview

The 'Koron' Hina doll takes inspiration from the classic designs while ensuring it appeals to modern sensibilities. This innovative product marks the first release from Furacoco's line of wooden Hina dolls and aims to attract a wide audience, particularly in a shrinking market due to declining birth rates in Japan. Nichigan's dedicated craftsmanship and knowledge base have merged to produce this delightful doll, which captivates a growing female fan base.

CE Certified for Safety

Nichigan ensures safety compliance with the CE toy safety standard recognized in Europe. The 'Koron' dolls are designed to be interacted with, stored, and displayed effortlessly, making them perfect for festive celebrations. The storage box also doubles as a display stand, simplifying the experience of enjoying these beautiful dolls.

Adorable Aesthetic

The rounded shape and soft pastel hues of the Koron dolls allow them to blend seamlessly into any room's decor. They represent a perfect equilibrium of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic, resulting in a playful yet elegant piece of art.

Crafting with Heritage

Born into a family of renowned doll makers, Furacoco’s founder, Hara Hidehira, carries the legacy of his grandfather, a Human National Treasure doll maker. After gaining years of experience and study, he decided to create something special aimed at modern parents with the establishment of his workshop in 2008.

The design of 'Koron' reflects a vision where children can engage with the dolls meaningfully. Recognizing the high costs typically associated with Hina dolls that often lead to them being displayed rather than interacted with, the focus has shifted to creating pieces that invite play and family bonding.

Embracing Tradition

The concept draws inspiration from the Heian period's 'Hina Asobi,' or doll play. By crafting modern wooden Hina dolls, the aim is to encourage families to enjoy hands-on experiences together—touching, playing, and decorating with the dolls. This interaction not only helps distinguish them from mere ornamental pieces but also injects the joy of play back into traditional customs.

Promoting Sustainable Playing

Adopting a playful mindset, the wooden Hina dolls serve as excellent alternatives to conventional dolls that often discourage physical interaction. The wooden design encourages curiosity and tactile exploration among children, offering a nurturing way for them to engage with cultural heritage while bringing a touch of warmth and cheer

Looking Ahead

Furacoco plans to introduce wooden May dolls (Kabuto) in the future to diversify their offerings and extend this unique play design further into the seasonal celebrations.

Collaborating with Nichigan

Furacoco expresses gratitude for partnering with Nichigan. The ability to request multiple prototypes allowed them to refine their product, ensuring satisfaction and a collaborative spirit throughout the process. The results reflect a shared commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering creativity.

Message to Aspiring Developers

For those contemplating entering the wooden product market, Nichigan stands out as a genuine and proactive partner, making them an excellent choice for collaboration.

With a charming round form that brings smiles to all who touch them, the wooden Hina dolls 'Koron' invite families to create lasting memories steeped in tradition and warmth.