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Phoenix Museum of History (Arizona)

Miss Kagoshima arrived in Phoenix in 1928 when the 58 Ambassadors Dolls received from Japan were distributed to museums and libraries across the U.S.  However, the doll remained in storage for over 50 years.

In 1996, Miss Kagoshima appeared again in public and has been displayed for several years at the annual Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri).  In 2002, the doll returned to Kagoshima Prefecture for a homecoming exhibit at the Yamakataya Department Store.

Links

• Akiko Satsuma Returns Home - Translation of newspaper article of Miss Kagoshima's return to Japan. Akiko Satsuma is the Japanese name for Miss Kagoshima.

Letters

The following two thank-you letters were sent to the Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture by the Governor of Arizona and by the Director of the Arizona Museum (former name of the Phoenix Museum of History). These letters 

Excellency:

The children of Arizona are delighted to have the beautiful Japanese doll, Miss Kagoshima, for their very own, and her handsome accessories have delighted them all. She seems to enjoy her permanent home which is located in the Arizona Museum, in a recreational park, and is visited by many children of our state.

Miss Kagoshima seems to be enjoying her stay in Arizona. A number of parties have been given for her and she is always the center of interest.

This idea which has for its object the promotion of friendship between the children of America and the children of Japan is a splendid one. Please tell the children of Kagoshima that the children of Arizona send them their hearty greetings and sincere thanks for the beautiful doll which they are enjoying so much.

With assurances of my high regard, I remain

Respectfully yours,
John C. Phillips (signed)
Governor

Honorable Hanabu Matsumoto
Governor of the Prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan

May 10, 1930

Honorable Hanabu Matsumoto
Governor of the Prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan

I think it is indeed a beautiful idea to promote friendship between the children of America and the children of Japan.

I am sure the children of Arizona are delighted to have the beautiful doll, Miss Kagoshima, for their very own, and her handsome accessories are a delight to them all.

She is beautifully located in a case all her own in our Arizona Museum. This is a good place for her permanent home as it is located in a recreational park which is visited by many children.

She has been enjoying her stay with us in Arizona we think for she has had a number of parties given for her at which she is always the center of interest.

Please tell the children of Kagoshima that the children of Arizona through me send them their hearty greetings and sincerest thanks for the lovely doll which they are enjoying so very much.

E. E. Oldaker (signed)
(Arizona Museum Director)