Better By Nightfall

With the war between the two countries and the dissension rising, the dolls were soon forgotten in terms of sentiment and friendship almost to the point of nonexistence. It wasn't until after the WWII had ended, specifically the bombing of Hiroshima, that Japan and America came back together in the beginning of peace and understanding. Granted, the war was of an entirely different subject matter than the dolls, the fact remains that the dolls tell a history from a perspective no one else can really tell. They tell a story from both sides, not just from one side as history tends to do. However, as Takaoka-san noted, their voices can't be heard. Instead, their stories must be voiced through the actions of those who saved them and held on to them during the rough times.

After the war, some of the Japanese Ambassador dolls surfaced, but not all of them. Upon finding more information about the dolls and their history, Takaoka-san decided to make it her life's work to find out the history of these dolls and their current whereabouts. As of now, Takaoka-san has documented the recovery of 44 of the 58 dolls from Japan and estimates that the remaining 14 will be found in the coming years. Their stories, however, will take longer to be voiced. Currently, Takaoka-san has published a book about the dolls that documents their history to today and talks about the hardships they endured and their survival.

Perhaps, more important, is the fact that these dolls stand as a testament to the enduring bond that America and Japan share. These dolls, like pristine glass, have been smudged by their owners, some shattered, but for those that remain they tell of a time when America and Japan were distant to a time when America and Japan are dependent on one another in many ways and bound by the history they each share.