Japan, too, has traditional dolls such as kokeshi, kimekomi, and ittobori carvings. I also had a pair of Hakata dolls at my house in Higashikagura, but I could not bring them into my apartment in Sapporo, so I gave them to my primary physician, who had expressed interest in them. It saddens me that today’s world is dominated almost entirely by figurines and mascot characters. Japan is, fundamentally, one of the world’s leading countries in craftsmanship. As demonstrated by the exhibition Learning from Japan, which was held for three years at the Denmark Design Museum, Japanese craftsmanship has had a profound influence throughout Europe. Likewise, in the fashion industry, Japan has produced many brands recognized around the world. Honest, careful craftsmanship without compromise is something Japan can truly take pride in as part of its culture. Yet such traditions can easily disappear if people stop using them. Even in Finland, there was a period when corporate acquisitions increased and manufacturing shifted overseas in search of lower labor costs, leading to the slogan: “Use one domestic product a day.” Japan has neither that awareness nor such a movement, but I hope that at least those who recognize the issue will take action. Rather than treating fast fashion as disposable, I hope people will make the effort to buy high-quality items — even if it means stretching themselves a little — cherish them for many years, and support excellent Japanese companies. Recently, I myself bought a pair of red leather sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger, Japan’s internationally recognized brand. With them, I plan to continue walking energetically around the streets of Sapporo this year as well.