The Hina dolls of Sakata

The Shonai area located in Yamagata is formed up of Sakata and Tsuruoka City. In the past, Sakata flourished as a port for Kitamaebune ships, and as a result became a melting pot for many cultures and fostered a spirit of open-mindedness. When winter melts into spring every year (around late February or early March to early April), Sakata City showcases a wide variety of Hina dolls contributed by families that came from generations of maritime traders both from the business and political world.

In 1786, a wealthy local merchant family called Honma commissioned a building for members of the shogunate visiting from Edo. The grand building later became known by many as the Honma residence and was eventually made open to the public. It served as a historic site displaying Kitamaebune artefacts, Hina doll dowries and miniature lacquer tableware made using maki-e techniques (a form of Japanese lacquer art where designs are sprinkled with gold and silver powder).

 

Hina-matsuri confectionery is a local treat that is hard to come by in major cities like Tokyo.

One such specialist is Komatsuya, who has been in the wagashi business for decades, selling exquisite Hina related sweets in different forms and shapes. The owner mentioned that the production of such confectionery came to a halt during war and was only revived upon request from the influential Honma family.