MOMOTARO HARIKO
Born from the Papier-Mâché Dolls of Okayama
Hariko dolls have long been cherished throughout Japan as good-luck charms and beloved folk toys. There's something irresistibly charming about their endearing figures—a warmth that draws you in at first glance.
As a form of folk craft shaped by the unique climate and culture of each region, hariko dolls carry a rich tradition of handwork. Out of deep respect for that heritage, MOMOTARO JEANS partnered with a hariko artisan based in Okayama to create MOMOTARO HARIKO—an original papier-mâché figure inspired by "Momotaro," the iconic symbol at the heart of the brand.
Hariko Dolls: Shaped by Layer upon Layer of Time
Hariko dolls are figures made by layering sheets of washi paper one on top of another. The name "hariko" is said to come from the word "haru," meaning "to paste"—a reference to this essential step in the process.
Hariko dolls are crafted from washi paper, coated in a white base of nikawa (animal glue) and gofun (crushed shell pigment), then finished with hand-painted facial expressions and decorative patterns.
Sheets of washi are carefully layered over a mold and left to dry. Once hardened, the form is split open, the mold removed, and the halves are bonded back together to shape the figure. A base coat of nikawa (animal glue) and gofun (crushed shell pigment) is then applied to create a smooth white surface, onto which the face and body are painted by hand.
Because every step is carried out entirely by hand, the process is deeply influenced by changes in temperature and humidity. From mold-making to final painting, each piece takes several months to complete—a testament to the extraordinary patience and care behind every doll.
Crafting MOMOTARO HARIKO with Bitchu Hariko
The MOMOTARO JEANS hariko doll was brought to life by the artisans of Bitchu Hariko Club, a group based in Kurashiki that continues to craft papier-mâché figures rooted in Okayama's regional traditions.
Bitchu hariko is a style of papier-mâché made primarily from Bitchu washi—a traditional handmade paper native to Okayama—using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Together with these skilled artisans, we created an original hariko doll inspired by "Momotaro," the legendary figure that also lends its name to our brand.
The MOMOTARO HARIKO juban features the MOMOTARO JEANS symbol subtly incorporated into its design.
Drawing on folk toys and classic folktale references, the design strikes a balance between warmth and strength without veering too modern. After countless rounds of prototyping and refinement, MOMOTARO HARIKO was born.
The subtle irregularities and gentle imperfections that only handcraft can produce—these are not flaws, but marks of character to be savored. MOMOTARO HARIKO is a piece made for those who share that appreciation, designed to quietly enrich everyday life.
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※Available only at domestic online stores and directly operated stores in Japan.
Bitchu Hariko Club
Based in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Bitchu Hariko Club carries forward a distinctive tradition of papier-mâché craft. In 1975, artist Yoshio Manabe—inspired by the traditional hariko dolls of Takamatsu—pioneered the use of Bitchu washi to create what became known as Bitchu hariko. A group of dedicated students from Manabe's hariko workshop later came together to establish Bitchu Hariko Club. Today, the group continues its work from Kurashiki, dedicated to sharing the soft, warm character of handmade washi papier-mâché with a wider audience.
