The project “Okiahari Koboshi” is an idea of the world-famous Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, who for the many years lives and works away from home - in France. It is initiated to support the victims at the time of the Great Tohogu earthquake and of the accident in the nuclear power plant “Fukushima-1” March 11, 2011. The essence of the project initially was that the famous French figures with the wishes of speedy recovery of Japan by the disaster and Japanese artists with a prayer for the quick rebuilding their country inflicted symbolic pictures of toys “Okiahari Koboshi” on white base which was created by the craftsmen of the region Aizu. Later, the project was expanded, and to the action joined the known designers, musicians, athletes, artists in Europe and Japan. They convey their messages in support of the residents of Fukushima Prefecture with decorated Okiahara Koboshi dolls. Participants of the action have become such outstanding personalities as Jean Paul Gaultier, Michel Klein, Lady Gaga, Alain Delon, Pierre Richard, Jean Reno, Zhuzeppe Tornatore, Ivry Hitlis, Pastora Soler, Manolo Sanlucar, Dominique Boucher, Paul Bokyuz etc.
In 2017 Kenzo Takada requested to Ukrainian to support the campaign:
“31 years ago Ukrainians survived the Chernobyl tragedy and they are still working on the elimination of its consequences. There are many people in Ukraine, and in Japan, whom nuclear disaster has entered into a deep despair and radically changed their life. During many years we will continuously fight the enemy-radiation that does not go away after a decade. I decide that we can not forget the thousands of people, who day and night, tirelessly continue to work hard to eliminate the consequences of the accident and recovery power plant. I hope that Ukraine and Japan which are share the same pain, will support each other and with the wisdom to solve the problems which they found, in order that such terrible accidents will not repeated.
Kenzo Takada appealed to the Ukrainians and its prominent representatives as creative people, scientists and athletes - to join the project and convey their message to the victims of the terrible disaster of nuclear accident in Japan, he want them to paint the doll with the hope that people who are experiencing difficulties will rise just like this japanese toy. The project was attended by celebrities such as Jamala, Andriy Shevchenko, Vitali Klitschko, Oleg Skripka etc.
February 28 Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute is joined to the rally in support of the victims. Rector Michail Zgurovsky painted okiahari koboshi on his own. Our invincibility character wore national colors - blue suit with a yellow bow.
The exhibition of dolls was decorated by famous personalities were held in many cities of Japan, France, Spain, Italy and Ukraine.
In the future okiahari koboshi dolls will be donated to the residents of Fukushima Prefecture from Europe as the voice of encouragement. In Ukraine an exhibition is held at the National Museum “Chornobyl” up to 1 September. For participation in the opening ceremony, which was held at the 6th anniversary of the tragedy in Japan - March 11, an initiator Kenzo Takada came to Ukraine personally with the representatives of the Association of Japanese manga.
The exhibition is supported by the Kyiv City State Administration and Ukrainian-Japanese Center of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.