The Blue-eyed Doll Mary

The "Blue-eyed Dolls" were given in 1927 by the USA, under the leadership of Dr. Gulick, to Japanese elementary schools and kindergartens for the purpose of Japanese-American friendship.

About 12,000 "Blue-eyed Dolls" were given by the USA. However, with the outbreak of the Pacific War (World War II), a great number of the "Blue-eyed Dolls," who were considered to be "dolls of the enemy country," were disposed of by being burned or by being stabbed with bamboo spears. Now they say that about 280 "Blue-eyed Dolls" have been preserved in the entire country of Japan. In Kyoto, Takakura Elementary School's Mary and two other dolls are remaining. Even now after 70 years have passed, it is said that Takakura Elementary School's Mary is the only one that still cries out "Mama."

At Takakura Elementary School, we want to learn about international exchange and peace through the "Blue-eyed Doll Mary."


Special thanks to Takakura Elementary School for permission to publish this web page.
This is an English translation of a Japanese web page.

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