The friendship doll

the long version

I am Miss Kanagawa, Master Tatsuhiko's finest -- and final -- creation. In 1927, my fifty-seven doll-sisters and I were sent to this country as ambassadors of friendship. Oh! The parties and receptions and admirers. But let me assure you, it wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. Some rice brains thought me only a plaything, unaware that I was a samurai in silk. In your hands you hold my story (well worth reading, if I do say so myself). Together we will travel from New York to Oregon during that time of troubles called the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I am, their stories will not be an unpleasant diversion. This tale will allow you to judge whether I was successful in my mission of friendship. But there is another reason I have put my story on paper. Fifty-eight doll ambassadors came from Japan, yet the whereabouts of only forty-five are known. Certainly my story will entertain and enlighten, but I hope it does even more. I know it will be a clever child who chooses this book, someone capable of solving the mystery of thirteen missing sisters. And perhaps, perhaps, that someone will be you. - Jacket flap.