Michiko and Kanko Japanese Friendship Doll Certificate

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

The image shows a certificate framed in a wooden border with a message promoting friendship between Japan and the United States. On the left side, there is a heartfelt letter from a traditional Japanese doll named Michiko and Kanko, intended to serve as an ambassador of friendship. The letter is addressed to "Dear American Friends" and expresses a desire to promote understanding and peace. The right side of the certificate officially states that Michiko and Kanko are recognized as “Ambassdors of Friendship” and have been presented to Bode Middle School. It is signed by Akira Kusaka, dated March 3, 1998, and includes an emblem for authenticity.

The image shows a certificate framed in a wooden border with a message promoting friendship between Japan and the United States. On the left side, there is a heartfelt letter from a traditional Japanese doll named Michiko and Kanko, intended to serve as an ambassador of friendship. The letter is addressed to "Dear American Friends" and expresses a desire to promote understanding and peace. The right side of the certificate officially states that Michiko and Kanko are recognized as “Ambassdors of Friendship” and have been presented to Bode Middle School. It is signed by Akira Kusaka, dated March 3, 1998, and includes an emblem for authenticity.

Name/Title

Michiko and Kanko Japanese Friendship Doll Certificate

Entry/Object ID

2021.42.2

Description

Framed certificate of the Japanese Friendship Dolls, Michiko and Kanko. Certificate certifies that the dolls were donated by the citizens of Japan through Mukogawa Gakuin as ambassadors of friendship to Bode Middle School on March 3, 1998 and overseen by Akira Kusaka. Also included is a letter from the two dolls and information regarding the donors, Ms. Yoko Ando and Ms. Fumiko Yamagishi.

Context

Japanese Friendship Dolls served to promote peace and friendship between America and Japan in the aftermath of WW2. Their use as a gift to Bode Middle School is of historical importance to the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Made/Created

Artist

Akira Kusaka

Place

Country

Japan

Dimensions

Height

10 in

Width

11-1/2 in

Parts

Count

1

Material

Wood, Glass, Paper

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Akira Kusaka, Yoko Ando, Fumkio Yamagishi

Related Places

Place

City

St. Joseph, Spokane

State/Province

Missouri, Washington

Country

Japan