‘Tadaima: I’m Home’ at MOHAI

After more than 80 years, a treasured collection returns “home” to Seattle’s Japanese American community. In 1942 dozens of traditional Boys’ and Girls’ Day dolls were entrusted to Bailey Gatzert Elementary School by Japanese American families facing forced incarceration. Most were never reclaimed after the war. Artist Miya Sukune uses recent research in MOHAI’s collection, as well as interviews with Japanese American survivors and their descendants, to create an installation called “Tadaima,” meaning “I’m home.”

“Tadaima: I’m Home! Bringing Seattle’s Girls’ and Boys’ Day Dolls Home” reconnects the dolls with their traditional role of protecting and blessing children. It invites visitors to celebrate the resilience, memory, and enduring traditions of the Japanese American Community.

Image sourced from event organizer.