The Home of the Heart is Here —
Doll Art by Mayumi Takahashi
A couple talking together in one place, walking home holding hands, a secret hideout with friends... Mayumi Takahashi's dolls evoke a sense of nostalgia as if they had met before, and the warmth of human contact. Living in the rich natural environment of Nagano Prefecture, where the four seasons are abundant, she creates dolls based on motifs such as the everyday life of her family and the people living in her community.
Mayumi Takahashi has continued to create dolls with the desire to "not forget, to leave behind precious things." "Hometown" is one of them. It could be the place of one's birth, a place encountered on a trip, or even the home of one's heart. We hope you will spend some time thinking about the various "hometowns" through Mayumi Takahashi's dolls.
Outline
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Admission fee
Adults and university students: 1,300 yen; elementary, middle and high school students: 650 yen
*Free admission for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays
*20% discount for groups of 15 or more -
Advance tickets (until January 8, 2026)
Adults and university students: 1,000 yen / High, junior high & elementary school students: 500 yen
Sales point:
○ Sano Art Museum (until December 21, 2025)
○ Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia/P Code: 687-344)
○ Family Mart (please purchase directly at CN Play Guide [multi-copy machine]) -
Discount tickets (during the exhibition period)
Adults and university students: 1,170 yen / High, junior high & elementary school students: 590 yen
Sales point:
○ Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line manned station
○ Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia/P Code: 687-344)
○ Family Mart (please purchase directly at CN Play Guide [multi-copy machine]) -
Opening hours
10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) -
Closed
Thursdays, February 16 (Monday) to February 20 (Friday) -
Organizer
Sano Art Museum, Mishima City, Mishima City Board of Education, Shizuoka Shimbun, Shizuoka Broadcasting System -
Supported by
Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education -
Grant
Mishima Shinkin Bank -
Sponsorship
Izuhakone Railway Co., Ltd. -
Special Support
Mayumi Takahashi Museum of Doll Art -
Cooperation
Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.
Profile
Mayumi Takahashi
She lives in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. She learned the basics of doll making through correspondence courses and, through trial and error, developed the style of dolls she creates today. She has won various awards, including the Grand Prize in her category at the 1998 Yuzawaya Creative Awards. Since 2003, she has been running a national traveling exhibition produced by the Executive Committee for "Gifts from Back Home." By spring 2010, her works had been exhibited in 95 locations across Japan, attracting 1.8 million visitors and receiving rave reviews at each venue.
In 2010, Mayumi Takahashi Museum of Doll Art opened in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. Her work has quietly found its way into various fields, including appearances in television commercials and on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.”
Main exhibits
"Two People at Dusk" 2001
"Prayer" 2001
"On the Way Home" 2002
"Mother's Hands" 2002
"Morning Exercises I" 2004
"Hide and Seek" 2016
"Hana-chan" 2023
Art Dolls by Mayumi Takahashi
Photography by Yutaka Minemura (member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society)
Simultaneous Exhibition
Yutaka Murakami and Takashi Takada, "Kiginden: Oni no Maki" (published by Kodansha on January 30, 2004) Original cover art, Sano Museum of Art
A Retrospective of the Artwork of Yutaka Murakami and Regional Artists from Eastern Shizuoka
This exhibition highlights the original illustrations of Yutaka Murakami, a painter from Mishima City in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture. Alongside Murakami’s works, we will also present pieces by artists from the same region, including Hansei Hosoi and Chuji Kurihara.
Kyoho Hina Dolls, Edo period, private collection
The Hina Dolls Collection of the Sano Art Museum
The Hina Matsuri, or Doll Festival, is a traditional celebration wishing for the healthy growth and well-being of young girls. On a spring day, we invite you to enjoy the splendid world of hina dolls at the Sano Art Museum.
Related Events
Mayumi Takahashi Visit Commemoration Event – Gallery Talk
Mayumi Takahashi, renowned doll artist, will visit the Sano Art Museum!
In the exhibition Room, she will share stories behind the creation of her works and explain her methods of production.
We invite you to enjoy this special opportunity.
Notice: As large crowds are expected, we recommend using public transportation on the day of the event.
Mayumi Takahashi Visit Commemoration Event – Signing Session
Mayumi Takahashi, renowned doll artist, will visit the Sano Art Museum!
Don’t miss the chance to obtain a book personally signed by her—a special treasure to keep.
Notice: As large crowds are expected, we recommend using public transportation on the day of the event.
For Elementary and Junior High School Students –First Steps in Oil Painting
What is Oil Painting?
Oil painting is created on a canvas—linen cloth coated with white ground—using paints mixed with special oils and applied with slightly stiff, long brushes and uniquely shaped painting knives.
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience materials not often taught in schools.
Get in touch with art supplies that you don't often get the chance to learn about in school.
Jiun-kai Tea Gathering
At the beginning of the New Year, the hanging scroll “Shinshin” written by Jiun Sonja (from the Sano Art Museum collection) will be displayed in the alcove.
Guests will enjoy tea prepared by two hosts in a session lasting about 90 minutes.
Please contact the Jiun-kai Office at the Sano Art Museum by phone (055-975-7278).
Closed on Thursdays (except holidays), during exhibition changes, and at year-end/New Year holidays.
Details of the application procedure will be explained upon inquiry.
We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to apply.
[Seating time]
1st seating: 8:50
2nd seating: 9:30
3rd seating: 10:10
4th seating: 10:50
5th seating: 11:30
6th seating: 12:10
7th seating: 12:50
8th seating: 13:30
*Please check in at least 10 minutes before your seating time.
*Each seat is expected to accommodate approximately 21 people.
*Approx. 21 participants per seating.
*Guests will first attend the Koicha (thick tea) ceremony, followed by Usucha (thin tea).
*Seating requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Koicha will be shared among participants.
*A light meal (tenshin) will be provided as a boxed lunch. Guests may eat at their seating between 10:30–14:00 or take it home.
*For visitors arriving by car, please use the Ryusen-en parking lots (North Gate, Parking 1 & 2).
The Home of the Heart is Here — Doll Art by Mayumi Takahashi
