[2025 Edition] The Difference Between Kabuto and May Dolls and How to Choose | Basic Knowledge Guide for First Doll Festival

Introduction: The first Doll Festival is a day to give shape to the family's "feelings."

When the spring breeze gently caresses your cheeks.

At the moment when the whole family celebrates your child's first seasonal festival,

It is sure to be filled with love and wishes that cannot be expressed in words.

"I don't know which to choose, a helmet or a May doll."

"Even with limited space, I want to display things that have meaning."

"Should we prioritize modern design or tradition?"

This article goes beyond just explaining the origins and knowledge.


Families living in the present,

It especially fits the lifestyle of mothers in their 30s.

We will explain in an easy-to-understand and thorough manner how to choose, decorate, and think about products.

By the time you finish reading,

"This is perfect for my child,"

You're sure to find a choice that satisfies your heart.

[Basic knowledge] What is the difference between a Kabuto and a May doll? |

Differences in meaning, origin, and symbolism

As we approach the first festival,

Many people are unsure, "Which should I choose, a helmet or a May doll?"


Even though they look similar,

In fact, each one has a different meaning and wish .

■ What is a May Doll? A Boy's Festival Decoration for Protection and Growth

First of all, May dolls are displayed in hopes of the healthy growth of boys.

There are several types of it.

for example…

・"Yoroi-kazari" (armor decorations) that decorate the entire body

・"Kabuto decoration" is a decoration that only includes the helmet worn on the head.

・"Child General Decoration" - a doll with a cute face wearing armor


These are collectively called "May Dolls."

Each of them wished the boy "to grow up healthy and well."

This is the family's wish.

■ What is a helmet? It's like a talisman to protect your head.

On the other hand, "Kabuto" (helmet)

This is head armor worn by warlords during the Sengoku period.


Because it was an important tool for protecting life, it is often used as a seasonal decoration.

It means "May it protect the head (= life) of your precious child."

Kabuto ornaments are the simplest and easiest type of May doll to display .


For homes with limited space,

It is often chosen by those who want to keep their interiors neat and tidy.

■ Before you choose, you should know the differences in their thoughts.

May dolls are great for expressing your wishes for your child's appearance and way of life .


The helmet is like a talisman that protects the lives and health of children.

Both have the same "feelings for children,"

The decorations you choose will depend on what you most wish for .

■ To avoid regretting your choice without knowing

If you choose only based on how cute it looks or how easy it is to decorate, you may end up with a


Some people feel a little regretful, thinking, "Actually, there was a different meaning behind it."


But if you know the difference in meaning beforehand,

"This is perfect for this child,"

You can make a choice that you can be completely satisfied with.

The decorations chosen are filled with the family's thoughts ,

This will become a warm memory of the festival for the child.

[How to Choose] When choosing a May doll

Five criteria you need to know

"I don't know what kind of May doll I should choose..."

Many mothers face the same worries when celebrating their child's first seasonal festival.

There is no right answer when it comes to choosing,

There are some guidelines to help you find the perfect item for your child .


Here's what you need to know to avoid regrets

We will introduce five easy-to-understand points to consider when choosing .

① Does it fit the space you want to display it in?

First, think about where you want to display it.

In the living room, entrance, Japanese-style room, on the TV stand, etc.

Once you decide where to display it, you will naturally get an idea of the size.


Recently, compact types with a width of 40 to 50 cm have also become popular.

Even in limited space, you can decorate it with your wishes in mind.

② Does it suit your lifestyle?

Some people want to decorate properly every year,

Some people say, "I want to enjoy it easily even on busy days."


We recommend this for families like this:

✔ Easy to assemble storage decoration type

✔ Comes in a case for easy access

✔ Compact helmet for those with limited space



Especially if you have siblings

More and more families are giving each child a smaller helmet .


✔ Compact helmets that are easy to give to each sibling are also popular.

For example, if you have siblings,

More and more families are saying, "I want to give each child a helmet."


In such cases, a simple, compact helmet is the perfect choice.


It doesn't take up much space to display and is relatively affordable,

You can give it to each of your siblings with your wishes .

③ What kind of “wish” do you want to make?

Each decoration has a meaning.


・Kabuto ornaments are like amulets that protect children from disaster.

・The armor decoration represents the wish that the child will grow up to be strong and resilient.

- The child general decoration is meant to express the wish that the child will grow up to be a kind and fine person.



How do you want this child to grow up?

This will help you decide how to choose.

④ Does it match the atmosphere of the room?

Recently, it has become popular to blend in with interior design.

There are also more and more stylish May dolls.


✔ Wooden or natural color base

✔ Modern designs and simple helmets with subdued colors


There's no need to hesitate, thinking, "There's no Japanese-style room..."

If you choose something that suits your current home, you'll naturally find a piece that you'll want to display every year.

⑤ Is it of a quality that can be cherished for a long time?

Festival decorations are not just for this year.


So that you can treasure it for years to come,
It's also important to check the materials and craftsmanship .


In addition, some types come in cases that are dustproof and insect-proof ,

It is also easy to clean and store.

Don't just decide based on appearance or price,

If you think about what wishes you want to pass on to your child , the answer will naturally become clear.



Because it is a gift for your precious child,

The time you choose will surely become a fond memory for your family.

[For modern families] "Is just the helmet enough?"

Things to consider when you're in doubt

"May dolls are gorgeous, with armor and dolls, but...

Will just the Uchiha Kabuto be enough?"



The number of people who feel this way has been increasing recently.

And to conclude, yes, a helmet alone is "enough."

■ What is the meaning of displaying a helmet in the first place?

Among May dolls, the helmet symbolizes "protecting the head (= life)."


Helmets were worn by warlords during the Sengoku period to protect their lives.


Now it has become, "May God protect my child from disaster."

It is shaped as a wish.

In other words, it is like a "charm" that family members give with their wishes .


Even without armor or dolls, the meaning can be conveyed as long as the feelings are put into it.

■ The choice of "only a helmet" that fits into modern life

Recently, there has been an increase in dual-income households, apartment living, and space-saving lifestyles.

Lifestyles are becoming more diverse.



✔ Limited space for display

✔ You don't want to have to take it out or put it away

✔ I like a clean and simple look



For these reasons,

It is also true that an increasing number of households are choosing the helmet-only type, which is compact and easy to display .

In recent years in particular, many modern helmets with highly designed designs have appeared.

It blends naturally into the living room or Western-style room.

Another attractive feature is that it can be enjoyed as part of the interior .

■ "Kabuto Dake" is recommended for families like this.

• For families who want to start off by preparing something simple for their first seasonal festival.
  
• Apartment dwellers with limited space and storage
  
• Those who want a simple and minimalist interior
  
• For families who want to give one to each sibling (compact helmets are great)
  

■ What's important is not luxury, but whether it's "filled with thought"

For example, in the time of our grandparents

It may have been common practice to have magnificent armor decorations.



But now, "whatever the form, choose with all your heart"

It is more important than anything.

It's not luxury,

"This helmet is meant to protect you."


Perhaps the true meaning of a gift is being able to pass it on to your child.

If you are wondering, "Is a helmet enough?"

It is an expression of love , wanting to give something that has real meaning.



That's why we cherish that feeling,

Let's choose the perfect shape for your home .

[Recommended for those who want to save space]

How to choose a compact and stylish May doll

"I want to display a May doll, but I don't have the space..."

"It's going to be difficult to store..."


I hear such voices often.


Especially in apartments and dual-income households,

Ease of display and ease of cleaning are very important points.

But, because it's so small, you can pour lots of love into it .

This is the appeal of compact May dolls .

■ Why compact types are popular

• It is about 40cm wide and can be placed on a shelf or TV stand.
  
• Space-saving yet packed with meaning
  
• Available in a wide range of colors, including wood grain and gray, to match any interior.
  
• Easy to put away and take out, making it easy to decorate every year.
  

■ Perfect for places like this

✔ On top of a chest or TV stand in the living room

✔ Compact Japanese-style room alcove

✔ Counter next to the kitchen or entrance space


If you display it in a place where your child can see it every day,

Children will naturally develop a sense of attachment to their helmet, thinking, "This is my helmet!"

■ There are many ways to decorate it stylishly.

Recently, wooden display stands, cases with indirect lighting, and cloth-covered folding screens have become popular .


There are also plenty of designs that soften the "festival feel."



It doesn't stand out even when placed in the living room.

It is also popular because it allows people to naturally feel the seasons in their daily lives .

■ Compact, but with big wishes

"If it's small, won't it lose its meaning?"

There may be some concern,

That's not true.

The important thing is to "choose with care."



Compact helmets and dolls,

"I want my child to grow up strong and healthy" "I want my child to live each day healthily"


That feeling is firmly rooted.

Space-saving and simple in appearance,

My feelings for my child haven't changed .



Just right for our lifestyle,

And by choosing a May doll that you can easily display every year ,

Every time a festival comes around, the hearts of the family are warmed with joy.

This form of celebration may become the new standard in the future.

[As a gift from grandparents] How to choose a May doll that will be appreciated and you won't regret it

"I would like to give a May doll as a gift to celebrate the first festival."


The feelings of grandparents like that are very warm and special.


But on the other hand,

For the moms and dads who receive gifts, there are some worries and anxieties .

To be honest.

■What are the common reasons for misunderstandings?

Grandparents: "If we're going to do it, we might as well make it something nice."

Mommy and Daddy: "We might have trouble with storage and space..."



In this way,

The things I chose with good intentions actually didn't quite suit me...

There are many cases like this.

■ It's a good idea to make three adjustments before giving a gift

1. Display location : "Where do you plan to put it? What size do you want?"

② Family preferences : "Simple? Luxurious? Japanese? Modern?"

3. Who will buy it ? "The grandparents will buy it in full? Will they split it in half? What name will it be in?"



Just a little discussion beforehand

Both the giver and the receiver can celebrate with joy .

■What types are popular as gifts?

✔ Easy to display and store away

✔ A compact helmet ornament with a high level of design that suits Western-style rooms.

✔ A luxurious, authentic wooden type suitable for special occasions


All types have been well received, with people saying that they are "happy to receive and convey the feelings."

■ Adding a message or name makes it even more special

Recently, we have been selling name plates and embroidered flags for festivals .

There are also many options available to add a special touch.


The giver's feelings are clearly expressed in the gift,

It will be a gift that your grandchild will remember forever.

■ The most important thing to make someone happy is to share your heart

"What to choose" is also important,

What feelings are put into the gift?

By sharing it with your parents, you will receive a heartfelt thank you in return.

Both the giver and the receiver,

The feeling is the same: "For my children and grandchildren."


That's why it would be great if you could choose a dish that naturally conveys your feelings to each other .

The first festival will be a special and memorable day for the whole family.

■ Etiquette to know when giving gifts from grandparents

May dolls are given as a celebratory gift.

However, even a little consideration will be appreciated so as not to burden the other person's family.

✔ Timing of celebration: Best to give by mid-April at the latest .

✔ Check before purchasing: It's great if you can casually ask about what kind of product you would like.

✔ Gift format: If you are sending it by mail, adding a message card or name inscription will make a bigger impression.

■ Examples of warm messages to include with your message

Just by attaching a letter like this to your May doll,

Your feelings will be conveyed clearly to mom, dad, and your grandchildren.

🎁 Example 1: A classic message that is gentle and empathetic

Congratulations on your first Doll Festival.

○○-kun (chan) is a small boy whose body is filled with dreams and possibilities.

This helmet is engraved with the wish that the child will grow up healthy, happy, and energetic.

I present this with that wish in mind.

I hope the whole family has a warm and happy festival day.

🎁 Example 2: A little more casual, using words that grandparents might use

Congratulations on your first Children's Day, ○○-kun(chan).

This helmet was worn by warlords in the past to protect their precious heads.

I'm sure she will continue to protect you, ○○-kun, from now on.

When you grow up, look at this decoration and remember at least a little of your grandparents.

🎁 Example 3 | A short message to accompany a personalized plate or embroidered flag

I sincerely hope that ○○-kun will grow up healthy and happy.

I hope this decoration will bring smiles to the family's faces every year.

■ Gifts convey not only "things" but also "feelings"

The first Doll Festival is an irreplaceable milestone for your family.

That's why, by gently expressing the meaning and feelings behind the gift ,

It's not just a gift, it's a family bond .

It doesn't have to be grand or luxurious,

Just the words "I chose this with you in mind"

This gift will be a memorable holiday memory that will stay with them forever .

[When to display and how to take down] When should you display your May dolls?

The right timing and precautions

"When should I put out my May doll?"

"Is it better to clean up quickly?"


Many people have such questions.

But don't worry.

There are no difficult rules as long as you keep a few points in mind.

■ When should I start decorating?

Generally, most homes decorate between the spring equinox (around mid-March) and mid-April .

Ideally, you should put it out by the second half of April at the latest.

In some areas, there are families who are particular about "good luck" or "good weather."


The most important thing is that it is in keeping with the family's feelings .

For your first year, you can display it as soon as you receive it .


This makes it easier to take photos and keep as a keepsake with your family.

■When should you clean up?

After the Boys' Festival (May 5th), clean up as soon as possible .



There is a saying that if you leave decorations up until late, you will delay your marriage.

This is a confusion of legends surrounding Hina dolls.

There is no particular good luck associated with May dolls.

However, it is not a good idea to keep it on display while it is covered in dust.

Choose a sunny day and wipe it clean before putting it away.

You can look forward to the next year in a good mood.

■ Summary of display period guidelines

■ Important points that are often forgotten

• Before displaying, remove any desiccants or insect repellents used in storage.
  
• When cleaning up, gently remove dust with a soft cloth.
  
• Store in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight
  

■ The "annual rhythm" will become a memory for children

Every year, I decorate it at the same time and put it away in the same way.


This rhythm will remain as a "family habit" and "fond memory" for children .

"Once it's served, take a photo and have a celebratory meal."

These seasonal events will soon become familiar to your child.

It takes root as a "protected memory."

[Interior harmony type]

A modern May doll that blends in with a natural room

"If I'm going to display it, I want to put it somewhere I can see it every day."

But on the other hand,
"What if it doesn't match the interior of my home?"

Many people are confused.


Recently, natural, simple, Scandinavian style, etc.

There are an increasing number of May dolls that fit into modern homes .

■ In an era where "Japanese style" is not just about tatami rooms

Traditional May dolls were typically displayed with golden folding screens and impressive display stands.


But now,

It can be placed naturally in the living room or Western-style room.

There are many modern and stylish designs available.

✔ Natural wood base that brings out the natural wood texture

✔ Soft, muted color folding screen

✔ Compact and easy-to-place round and square base display stand



All of them are suitable for natural interiors and Nordic-style spaces.

They are all things that fit in easily.

■ Interior design + "seasonal" feel is also important

Focusing on style can sometimes lead you to stray too far from tradition.

But it's okay.


Recent May dolls are,

It strikes the perfect balance between modern beauty and festival-like qualities .

For example, a helmet in a subdued silver or ink color ,

It combines coolness and elegance,


It blends seamlessly into modern spaces.

■ Recommended "Stylish May Doll" type

• ✔ Wooden frame & fabric folding screen helmet ornament
  
• ✔ Scandinavian style monochrome helmet with white base
  
• ✔ Miniature and handmade items like interior goods
  
• ✔ Arrangement with natural colored wooden nameplates and garlands
  

■ While it is on display, "it takes on meaning because it is in your eyes"

If you decorate it in the living room or a space where the family gathers,

Your child will naturally come into contact with it every day.


"This is my helmet," he said proudly.

It will not just be a decoration, but something that will connect with family conversations and memories .

The idea that "festival decorations only look good in Japanese-style rooms" is now a thing of the past.


If you choose a May doll that is stylish and conveys your feelings ,

Each year's festival becomes more fun and more cherished.

[If you have siblings] Can you share the May doll?

Is it better for everyone to be one? The mindset and manners

"If I have siblings, is one May doll enough?"

This is a topic that many families worry about every time their child approaches the first Doll Festival.

According to traditional thinking, the basic rule is that each person should have one May doll .


This is because they were given to each child as a talisman to ward off evil spirits .

■ Sharing is now an option in today's homes

However, in today's world, there are many different types of homes, lifestyles, and values.


There are quite a few families where siblings share the room.

✔ Limited display space

✔ I treasure my oldest child's May doll as a symbol of our family.

✔ Siblings want to get along and gather around one doll


This way of thinking can be said to be a warm-hearted choice that is unique to the current era .

■ Shared or individual? ──How to think when you're unsure

Examples of households where sharing is OK:


・I want the doll to have the meaning of being a "family talisman"

- I want to cherish the time we spend together decorating one doll each year.



Examples of what each person is suited to:

・I want my child to feel attached to the item as "its own."

・Grandparents and parents want to give gifts equally to siblings

I want each of my children to have one in the future.


There is no right or wrong answer.

The most important thing is whether the family members share the same feelings .

■ "Compact type for each" becomes the new standard

Recently, small helmet ornaments that are easy to display and store have become popular .

More and more families are giving gifts to each of their siblings.

By telling each person, "This is your helmet,"

This will help the child develop a sense of pride and memories that are unique to them.

■ Create a special feeling with personalized name tags

Even if you have to share one doll due to space or budget constraints,

You can make it feel even more special by providing individual name tags or embroidered flags .

"This is a charm for the two of you. But it does have your names on it."


Just adding these words will reach the children's hearts.

Depending on the number of siblings and the family's way of thinking,

The most important thing is to choose "without stress and with care."



This becomes the "form of our family's festivals."

[For long-term use]

Proper storage and maintenance of May dolls

May dolls are irreplaceable gifts given in hopes of a child's growth.


That's why it's important to store them carefully so you can enjoy displaying them every year .

■ Things to do before tidying up

• ✔ Make sure there is no dust on the decorations or helmets
  
• ✔ Gently brush off with a soft cloth or duster
  
• ✔ If sweat or moisture is a concern, gently wipe it off with a dry cloth.
  

*Do not rub hard or wipe with water!

Be careful as this can damage the paint and materials.

■ Best timing and environment for storage

✔ After May 5th, try to clean up on a nice day if possible.


It is recommended to avoid humid or rainy days and work in a well-ventilated environment.

The ideal storage location is one that is not exposed to direct sunlight and where the temperature does not fluctuate much .

The top shelf of a closet or the back of a cupboard are ideal locations.

■ Don't forget to take measures to prevent insects and mold.

• ✔ For peace of mind, add commercially available insect repellent and desiccant.
  
• ✔ Store fabric items (folding screens, cushions) in a breathable bag.
  
• ✔ In areas where humidity is a concern , ventilate regularly.
  

■ Storage ideas that keep things looking neat forever

When storing, wrapping each part in tissue paper or cushioning material will help prevent damage.

We pack the items so that they don't move around in the box.

It's also a good idea to label what's in each container .

"If you put it away carefully, you'll feel good the next time you take it out."

These small efforts will lead to the habit of cherishing seasonal festivals .

A May doll is like a charm that travels with your child throughout their life.



So that the whole family can enjoy the same decorations for 10 or 20 years to come...

With that in mind, let's store our things carefully again this year.

[Check before purchasing] Choosing a May Doll

Checklist to avoid failure

A May doll is a precious gift that is only given once in a lifetime.


That's why everyone shares the feeling that they don't want to regret their purchase after it's been made.

Here, many people actually say, "I wish I had known..."

Based on the points I felt,

We have clearly organized 10 items you should check before purchasing .

■ 10 checklists to avoid regrets

■ The time you spend choosing will also become a memory.

Among the many options,

The joy of finding something that you think is "this"


This is a first gift for your child that will surely remain in their heart forever.

No matter how small or simple,


The wishes that are put into this piece will surely gently illuminate your child's future.

This checklist will help you and your family


We hope that you will find a May doll that you will be glad you chose.