Miyake Doll Company
Hariko Tiger: A Symbol of Strength and Blessing
The Hariko Tiger is said to have originated in Japan as a result of the Chinese tradition of tiger king worship. Revered for the tiger’s courage and strength, it has long been cherished as a decorative item for seasonal celebrations such as Tango no Sekku (Boys' Day) and Hassaku Festival, symbolizing wishes for a child’s healthy and vigorous growth.
Our workshop produces Hariko Tigers in eight sizes, ranging from 90 cm to 20 cm, all made using traditional methods. Layers of washi paper are applied to a mold and finished with gofun (white shell powder), creating a piece so durable that even large sizes can withstand the weight of a child sitting on top. With stiff whiskers and a gently swaying head, the Hariko Tiger has a humorous and charming appearance. Its distinctive form, colors, and hand-painted stripes evoke the warmth of true craftsmanship—an enduring traditional art form.
The History of Miyake Doll Workshop
Miyake Doll Workshop traces its roots back to around 1897 (Meiji 30), when the founder Nagamatsu invited artisans from Osaka to produce Hariko works. Initially focused on sales only, the business expanded under the second generation, Eizaburō, who began both manufacturing and retail. In addition to Hariko Tigers, the workshop also produced Ichimatsudolls. Craftspeople were employed, and local makers were commissioned to create molds. Sadly, some artisans lost their lives during the Pacific War.
At the time, about five different sizes of Hariko Tigers were made. In the mid-1970s (Shōwa 50s), the workshop introduced its largest-ever size—the “Zunashi” model, approximately 90 cm in length. Under the third-generation successor Osamu, the workshop began specializing solely in Hariko Tigers. In recent years, to suit modern homes, the lineup has expanded to include smaller sizes, white tigers, and gold-painted “beckoning tigers” (maneki tora). Despite these variations, all pieces are still handmade using traditional techniques.
A Tradition Rooted in Western Kagawa
Western Kagawa, especially the town of Nio in Mitoyo City, has been a hub for doll-making since the Edo period. Many doll artisans from the Kansai region settled in the area, leading to the development of diverse styles—including the Hariko Tiger.
In this region, it became customary to give a Hariko Tiger as a gift to celebrate the birth of a baby boy. At its peak, the area hosted many workshops. Today, however, due to a lack of successors, only two studios continue to uphold this tradition, making the Hariko Tiger an increasingly rare cultural treasure.
• 1986: Hariko Tiger designated a Traditional Craft of Kagawa Prefecture
• 2006: Third-generation artisan Osamu recognized as a Traditional Craftsperson of Kagawa
• 2020: Hariko Tiger re-designated as a Traditional Craft of Kagawa Prefecture