Historical survey of the history of the Japanese Friendship Doll exchange of 1927, with photographic documentation of the dolls in both history and as they appear today. Details the origins of the exchange, the initial gift of 12,739 American dolls of goodwill sent in early 1927 and the Japanese response in the sending of 58 large-scale traditional ichimatsu dolls each complete with lacquer trousseau. Discusses events surrounding their production in Japan, transit to the US, tours of the US as well as final placement in American institutions. Chronicles their fates during the war years and their re-habilitation, as well as their on-going activities and mission as Ambassadors of Goodwill. - from Amzon