We have already reported that a mobile exhibition “NINGYO: the art and beauty of Japanese dolls” was officially opened in Ashgabat on February 26.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan Mr. Yamamoto addressed the opening ceremony of the exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. In particular, the Ambassador said:

“Dear Director of the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan Mr. Orazov, ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Yamamoto. I arrived in Turkmenistan as Ambassador of Japan in October last year.

First of all, let me convey many thanks for visiting the Japanese Dolls Opening Ceremony.

I am very pleased that in such a difficult situation related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we can hold an exhibition of Japanese dolls, which are the traditional culture of Japan. On this occasion, we would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, as well as the management and staff of the museum for their assistance in carrying out this cultural event.

To date, our Embassy has hosted a variety of events to promote Japanese culture in Turkmenistan, such as an introduction to Japanese cuisine, a Japanese film festival, the Ikebana art show, the Tea Ceremony, and Kimono.

This year, Turkmenistan will celebrate its 30th anniversary of independence, and next year will be an important year for our countries in connection with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkmenistan. At such important moments, we intend to further intensify cultural exchanges that promote mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and Turkmenistan.

The show featured 67 Japanese dolls. The four sections of the exhibition will introduce you to the historical depth and wide range of modeling of Japanese dolls and their cultures, which developed in Japanese history and folklore.

The first is the “Ningyo for Children's Prayer” section used for seasonal celebrations, the second is the “Ningyo as Fine Art” section for the love of dolls, which were made using various techniques and styles, the third is the “Ningyo as a folk section art”, which focuses on the typical dolls of each region and the fourth is the “Ningbo Culture Dissemination” which covers a variety of dolls.

On March 3, Japan celebrates the day of the “Hina Ningyo” doll girls, who are also present at the exhibition.

The exhibition will take place from today until March 9, so we would be grateful if you could tell about it to your relatives and friends, so that as many people as possible would come here.

In conclusion, we would like to express our hope that through our event your interest in Japanese culture and traditions will be further enhanced and deepened.

Thank you for your attention.”

We remind you that Japan's new ambassador, Yamamoto Hiroyuki, presented credentials to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on November 24, 2020.