On March 3, the day known as the Doll's Festival, many people visited the spring doll exhibition, at Hokyoji Imperial Convent, which is known as the temple of dolls, in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto. Visitors gazed with fascination at the elegance of the Imperial Court in the display of "Yusoku-bina" dolls, which the Emperor bestowed on "Monzeki," or a priestess-princess of the temple, at that time, and Emperor Komei's favorite dolls.

Hokyoji Imperial Convent, a former nunnery, has a history of welcoming imperial princesses to be its chief priestesses, and has kept many of their belongings, including dolls, bestowed on each Monzeki for generations by the Emperors.

Yusoku-bina dolls have been verified by historical evidence based on the social manners of the Imperial Court, including the style of clothing and use of color. The Yusoku-bina dolls, which were bestowed upon the 24th Monzeki by Emperor Kokaku, reproduce the costumes of the Imperial Court faithfully. The emperor doll is dressed in "Kariginu," or formal clothes worn by Court nobles and samurai warriors. The empress doll is dressed in "Uchigihakama," or formal pleated skirt with a short coat worn over kimono, and their faces are depicted with "Okimayu," or painted eyebrows, and "Ohaguro," or teeth painted black.

Associated with the origin of the Doll Festival, "Tachi-bina," or standing dolls, thought to be the dolls' origin, and "Kyoho-bina" and "Kokin-bina," which are seated dolls rising from the daily life of the Edo Period, are introduced with the styles of the times.

In addition, the display includes items such as the painting "Shiki Kacho-zu Emaki," depicting seasonal flowers and birds by Oritsu Maruyama, and the belongings of the princess Kazunomiya who is associated closely with Hokyoji Imperial Convent. The exhibition will be held from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. until April 3. There is an admission fee.