Dōshin: The Charms of Japanese Toys
More than a hundred pieces that outline a complex and simple panorama of play in Japan.
Children Observing Small Toys (2023-07-27/2023-11-12) by Japan House São PauloJAPAN HOUSE São Paulo
Dōshin
This exhibition seeks to explore the culture and characteristics of Japan through an extensive selection of toys.
The show, supported by the 'ToyJournal' magazine, published by the Tokyo Toy & Doll Cooperative Association, features a selection of 126 items, including some that emerged half a century ago and remain popular; toys developed from a perspective that highlights safety and practicality;
games and characters originating from Japan that have conquered the world - in addition to a timeline narrating the history of toys from Japan's post-war period.
The complexity of simplicity
In 'Dōshin: The Charms of Japanese Toys', there is an opportunity to observe how Japanese toys reflect the historical context and Japanese lifestyle, thus discovering the differences and similarities between Japanese and Brazilian toys.
Like other elements, toys go beyond simple objects, helping children develop imagination and social skills through the notion of sharing and cooperation; they constantly evolve, reflecting the culture and lifestyles of society. Manufacturers draw inspiration from everyday life to help children understand and relate to their environment.
The global relevance of the Japanese toy industry
Given the global relevance of the Japanese toy industry, the exhibition focuses on toys originating in Japan and known worldwide - yet, they hold some surprises, such as recognizing characters and games that are part of Brazilian childhood.
Detail of Toys in the Exhibition (2023-07-27/2023-11-12) by Japan House São PauloJAPAN HOUSE São Paulo
Special environment for the play experience
"Play is fundamental to children's personal and social development. Toys stimulate imagination, improve cognitive and motor skills, and teach the importance of sharing, cooperating, and communicating," explains the curator and cultural director of Japan House São Paulo, Natasha Barzaghi Geenen.
"The word dōshin refers to the child's heart, and our idea is to awaken the feeling of identification and empathy through toys that have been successful worldwide, while still bringing references from Japanese daily life in some models that are only found and sold in Japan. This kind of recognition of the 'other' and their customs is essential for creating empathy, both in the world of adults and children," says Natasha.
Children's Day in Brazil | Oct 12 Kodomo no hi | May 5"
Shinkansen Train Miniatures (2023-07-27/2023-11-12) by Japan House São PauloJAPAN HOUSE São Paulo
JHSP held the lecture 'Japanese Toys:
Culture as a Diplomatic Instrument' to address characteristics of Japanese pastimes and the potential of these toys as instruments of cultural transmission.
Press play and see how it went:
Japan House São Paulo
Paulista Avenue, 52 Bela Vista
São Paulo/SP
Phone: +55 11 3090-8900
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.