Born into an environment surrounded by hina doll production, Touko was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (an intractable illness) in his twenties. Through a long period of treatment, he came to realize the preciousness of life, and began to contemplate what he could accomplish while living with illness. Placing his hopes in the new lives coming into the world, he began full-scale production of hina dolls and original artistic dolls.

The hina dolls he creates are based on the traditional dressing methods of court garments passed down since the Heian period. He produces hina dolls and original dolls with a unique aesthetic style that merges naezoe, a soft dressing method that highlights the suppleness of the fabric, and kowazoe, a firmer dressing style in which every edge of the costume is carefully arranged.

For the textiles, he uses Shinnosuke Jōfu, a linen fabric that is one of Shiga Prefecture’s specialties. His hina dolls and artistic dolls—born from a refined sense of balance and beauty—have been selected as offerings to the Imperial Household and as ceremonial gifts for various foundations.

They have been exhibited at locations around the world, including at “Hyakudan Kaidan” of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a Tangible Cultural Property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, captivating numerous fans with their artistry.