An intriguing exhibition "The Dolls of Japan, Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love" has arrived in Tonga and will be on show for two weeks until August 16, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich culture and history.

The 70 hand-crafted dolls on display are exquisitely dressed in colourful traditional costumes and feature warriors in armour, sumo wrestlers, princesses and mythical figures created with the finest attention to detail.

The exhibition at the Catholic Basilica in central Nuku'alofa was opened by the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and the Japanese Ambassador in Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase, this morning, July 28.

Lord Tu'ivakano in his address said, the making of dolls in Japanese culture is an art that explains the history of Japanese life. Japanese dolls had long traditions and are still made today for households, shrines and dolls festivals or children's days.

"The ones I admire are the good luck dolls that symbolise preserving and resilience," he said.

Introduction

The Japanese Ambassador was glad that the exhibition is being held to support the Heilala Festival 2011 and said the exhibition was travelling around the world. It had been in New Delhi and Kazakhstan and from Tonga it would travel to Bangkok.

He explained the exhibition introduces Japan's traditional dolls and from a long time ago Japanese people had appreciated dolls and believed that dolls protect them from bad luck.

"Japanese people display dolls in special occasions to celebrate and pray for their health and a rich harvest. Dolls are part of everyday life and reflect the customs and traditions of Japanese people and distinctive regional attributes."

He also highlighted the craftsman's important role in providing a rich showcase for traditional Japanese craft products. "We hope that it is a good introduction of Japanese culture and arts to Tonga,' he said.

The exhibition, a collaboration between the Japanese Embassy and the Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture, was made possible by the cooperation of the Japan Foundation, that promotes arts and cultural exchange with over 130 countries worldwide.