Epi.9-Note: Dry Cleaning — The Japanese Way of Caring for Dolls

I think in many parts of the world there are cultures where people dress dolls in traditional costumes, display them, or play by changing their outfits.

It’s the same in Japan, but some dolls have clothes made from the same materials as human garments, and there are even businesses that provide cleaning services for them.
This is thought to come from the idea that dolls are respected as individual beings.

Of course, when it comes to most children’s dolls—mass-produced ones—it’s normal to throw them away and buy new ones when they get dirty or torn.

So, examples of dolls maintained with the help of professionals usually refer to traditional Japanese dolls that have long been cherished.
But that’s not where the story ends.

There’s one hobby I believe I must never get into.
Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but because I can already see myself falling so deep into it that my life would fall apart.

That hobby is—dolls.
Specifically, the Dollfie Series released by the Japanese company Volks.
They’re what you might call “pretty dolls,” but you can customize them however you like—make them resemble your favorite character, or make them closer to your ideal type of girl.
Some people create their own parts or sew their own dresses, while others commission skilled creators to bring their dolls closer to perfection.

In Japan, it’s long been said that “even objects possess a soul,” and I think this series truly carries that philosophy into the modern day.
In some ways, people may even be pouring more love into their dolls now than in the past.

Earlier I mentioned the existence of businesses that clean kimono for traditional dolls, but things are a bit different today.
Because doll dresses now come in such a wide variety of materials, not everything can be handled by the same service.

Of course, there are cleaning shops that specialize in certain types of clothing, but it’s difficult to process complex outfits made from multiple materials.

In many cases, owners themselves handle maintenance.
That too, I think, is a form of affection.

By the way, if I were to dive into such a hobby, there’s no way I could stop at just one girl, right?
You might say, “Don’t cheat on her,” but that’s not it.
They need friends too—you can’t let them get lonely.

…

I’m sorry.
My geeky side slipped out for a moment.

For all these reasons, I consider this hobby a forbidden one—for me, at least.

Please, do look it up for yourselves.
You might just find one that grabs your heart so hard it won’t let go.

Just to be clear—proceed at your own risk.

Until next time, I look forward to seeing you again.