TOKYO— Tucked inside the heart of the Harajuku area of Shibuya is a boutique called Junie Moon that sells collectible Blythe dolls.
Blythe dolls are known for their oversized heads and eyes that can look in different directions and even change color with the pull of a string on the back of the doll.
Kawaii styles
Blythe dolls come with a mixture of the kawaii styles marking today’s contemporary fashion, targeting all types of audiences. This is the perfect choice for niche collectors who are looking for modern art dolls. Blythe dolls display numerous stylish movements, representing a part of Shibuya’s culture itself.
To visit Junie Moon, head for the Harajuku Station (on the JR Yamanote Line) or insert “Junie Moon Harajuku” into the navigation of your Google maps.
Junie Moon is open every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. But always check the store’s business hours to avoid any delays or frustrations.
When you arrive at the Junie Moon shop, you will already have an outfit in mind from the displays of seasonal outfits modeled by the Blythe dolls in the display window.
A modest exterior
You will notice that the exterior building itself is modest with adequate sizing. The interior includes pastel colors as well as a unique blend of vintage and whimsical design that adds to the feeling of excitement when dressing your doll.
Each doll has three types of sizes, which are neo, petite and middie. The selection of dolls is extremely limited, and customers can only choose dolls that are on display. The Blythe dolls advertised on the shelves are limited edition with their own diorama. It provides a background for its own theme and personality to fit into your nook of a world.
For instance, the 23rd anniversary Neo Blythe “Juliet’s Choice” is inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Juliet has a snow-like skin color with neutral and flushed-looking makeup. Juliet also has a pinkish brown hair color. This set includes two Renaissance dresses, headband, earrings, shoes, a petticoat, drawers, shoes, jewelry and lastly, a doll stand.
Personally, I chose this doll because of my love for the Renaissance era and because it came with a cross pendant; it’s a symbol that I value in my life.
Accessories to pull the outfits together
When you choose your doll, an employee will give you a box that represents your doll diorama. It includes accessories together with another outfit in your package. You can also add more to your purchase by selecting outfits for each part of the body.
But outfits displayed are in-season selections, which at the time I purchased meant summer clothing that included kimonos and today’s latest fashion of dainty and Lolita-style outfits.
The shop also offers stationery, room decorations and basic souvenirs to add to your Blythe doll.
In the back of the shop, there is a monthly staircase gallery that highlights artist collaborations on seasonal designs of custom Blythe dolls. When I visited, the staircase gallery featured “Brenda’s Extraordinary Day, a vibrant showcase of her many unforgettable looks.”
Each doll is around ¥30,000, depending on the size of the Blythe doll. Because Junie Moon is a tax-free shop, using your passport will add an instant deduction to your purchase.
Whether you’re a Blythe collector or just now discovering them, a Blythe isn’t just a doll, she’s a muse to the imagination.
