Reviews (2)

KIMONO EDUCATION
This is the first American toy company who didn't make the kimono look like a T'ang period Chinese dress. In which many American Companies do in which shows their lack of education in that department. This kimono is actually a kimono. Different kimono are classified by the type of sleeve on it. In this case this kimono is called a "furisode" (furi- blowing/flowing sode- sleeve) that is still worn by unwed girls/young women today for formal functions. Now since she is going to a public garden and wearing furisode. That means it's New Years or to view the blossoming of cherry or plum blossoms at the beginning of Spring. In which is a formal event. Only during the Meiji Period that the women of the Imperial Family wore Junihitoe on a daily basis. Only time the junihitoe is worn today is during the coronation of a new emperor or the wedding of the emperor or crown prince.

Nice, But More of the Same...
I own two previous Japanese Barbies that also wear traditional kimonos:A "Doll of the World" Japanese Doll that was made around 1996 or 1997; and the New Year's "Oshogatsu" Barbie from 1994 (I think), that was originally produced for sale in Japan only.This new "Princess of Japan" is equal in quality to these older dolls, but there's nothing outstanding about "Princess" in its own right.

Since the doll is mass-produced, the designs on Barbie's kimono are printed (with a rather dull finish), rather than embroidered or brocaded (as would be the case with a real kimono).Of course, to create such designs in an authentic manner would triple or quadruple the price of the doll.You may recognize Barbie's face on the doll; for the past several years Mattel has used this mold repeatedly on many "collectors" dolls to depict Barbies of various ethnicities.I liked it originally, but I've seen it way too many times now!I didn't care for the extremely pale face, either

What we think of today as the kimono is really the final development of centuries of traditional Japanese clothing.There were many other styles of dress available to Japanese women prior to the 20th century; I wish the doll's designers would have chosen one of those alternate outfits (read Liza Dalby's infomative book, "Kimono" for more historical info).

In fact, on the back of "Princess of Japan's" box is a description and illustration of one of those earlier garments, called a "junihitoe" or "twelve layer dress," a rather beatiful and elaborate garment that is still worn today by female members of the Japanese royal family during certain formal occasions.I wish Barbie was wearing one of those!

If "Princess of Japan" Barbie is your first Japanese-themed doll, then I would recommend it.But as a long-time Barbie collector, I want something more outstanding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dolls    2. Fashion Dolls    3. Collectible Dolls    4. Ethnic