What are Hina Dolls? Hina ningyo?

Hina dolls are typically displayed around early February, after the seasonal festival of Setsubun, in preparation for a girl’s first Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day). However, there’s no strict rule—many families begin even earlier, especially if they’re eager to celebrate.

Customers often ask, “Until when should we display them?” or “Until what age are Hina dolls meant for?” We usually answer, “After March 3rd, feel free to put them away when the weather and your schedule allow.” As for the age limit, we say, “They’re your child’s personal dolls, so she can decide for herself when to stop displaying them.”

Hina dolls are displayed to wish for a girl’s healthy growth and happiness. Please enjoy them in a way that best suits your home and family.

Seven-Tier Hina Doll Display

When people think of “traditional Hina dolls,” the full seven-tier display often comes to mind. Although such full sets are less commonly seen in stores nowadays, some of their elements continue to be featured in modern Hina displays.

Three-Tier Hina Doll Display

This arrangement includes the Emperor and Empress dolls, three court ladies, and select accessories displayed on three tiers. Nowadays, you can find compact versions and storage-type displays where everything fits neatly into the platform.

Flat-Platform Hina Doll Display

The example shown here is a classic style. Recently, many modern designs have emerged, especially compact ones, offering variations in color, form, and style.

In addition, there are Hina dolls in display cases, Kimekomi dolls, and items made of ceramic, glass, or wood. However, we’ll skip those details here.