News Discussion

Shohei Ohtani Stars in New Children's Day Doll Lineup

Celebrating the upcoming Children's Day, Asakusa-based doll manufacturer Kyugetsu recently unveiled its "Kotoshi no Kitaibina" ("This Year's Shining Hopes") collection of Gogatsu Ningyo ("May dolls"). In Japan, these dolls are displayed on Children's Day on May 5 to wish for the happiness and health of boys. The 2024 lineup featured likenesses of Major League Baseball players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As Los Angeles Dodgers players, Ohtani and Yamamoto are set to shine in 2024.

In a show of support for the earthquake-affected regions of the Noto Peninsula, Kyugetsu also included three local sumo wrestlers. Onosato Daiki, Endo Shota, and Kagayaki Taishi are all natives of Ishikawa Prefecture.

Ohtani's fifth consecutive selection sees him donning armor in the Dodgers' signature blue, holding a bat. His beloved dog, Dekopin, sits by his side. All three sumo wrestlers are shown carrying a Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train loaded with regional delicacies such as shrimp and crab. Their inclusion also celebrates the recent extension of the line between Kanazawa and Tsuruga.

Kyugetsu President Kyukichiro Yokoyama commented, "We hope to bring a sense of normalcy back to the lives of earthquake victims. We also wish for the Japanese duo in Major League Baseball to excel and uplift spirits at home."

Kyugetsu will showcase the dolls at company stores across various locations and department stores in Kanazawa City.

1. 1. likeness 肖像、似顔絵、画像、類似、見せかけ・うわべ
   The coin had the king’s likeness on one side.
2. 2. region （地理的・政治的・文化的に区別された）地域、地方、（行政上の）区、領域、（変動する数値などの）域・幅
   They moved to a different region for better job opportunities.
3. 3. consecutive 連続した、継続的な、一貫した
   She won the championship for three consecutive years.
4. 4. signature 特徴的な、デザイナーの名前入りの
   The bartender prepared their signature cocktail with fresh ingredients.
5. 5. sense of normalcy 正常感、日常
   Attending public events helped the community feel a sense of normalcy again.

1. 1. What is the main purpose of displaying Gogatsu Ningyo dolls on Children's Day in Japan?
2. 2. How many times has Shohei Ohtani been selected for the "Kotoshi no Kitaibina" collection?
3. 3. How do people typically celebrate Children's Day in Japan?
4. 4. In your opinion, how important is it to preserve traditions like the Children's Day celebration?
5. 5. How might the inclusion of local sumo wrestlers in the doll collection support earthquake-affected regions?

５月５日の端午の節句を前に、東京・浅草橋の人形メーカー「久月」が、令和６年に活躍が期待される人物として、米大リーグ・ドジャースの大谷翔平選手と山本由伸選手がモデルの五月人形「今年の期待大将」を公開した。能登半島地震の被災地を応援しようと、いずれも石川県出身の力士、大の里関、遠藤関、輝関も並んだ。

大谷選手の選出は３年連続５回目。今年は移籍したドジャースのチームカラーの青を基調としたよろいをまとい、バットを持つ。傍らには愛犬デコピンの姿も。北陸新幹線の金沢―敦賀間の延伸開業を記念し、力士３人は、エビやカニなど北陸の海の幸を載せた新幹線を脇に抱えている。

久月の横山久俊社長は「地震の被災者に日常を取り戻してほしいという願いを込めた。米大リーグの日本人コンビも活躍し、お茶の間に元気を届けてほしい」と話した。