At 92 years old, Kimiko Koyanagi, a third-generation doll-maker born in Tokyo, Japan, continues to create her art. Her experiences, from surviving the bombings of Tokyo during World War II to her travels around the world and eventual immigration to Canada and, much later, the U.S., have deeply influenced both her worldview and her entirely unique Japanese dolls. Listen in as Kimiko shares her wisdom on resilience, creativity, and the acceptance of life’s fortunes.

Hear her talk about:

Surviving the devastation of World War II in Tokyo
Traveling the world and then immigrating to Canada
Building a career as a female artist in a male-dominated field
Her philosophy on accepting one’s fortune and embracing creativity despite limitations
Why creativity is essential to her life, even at 92

Learn more about Kimiko’s art process and see her dolls on her website.

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Wisdom of Age is a Raine Media production. It was produced and hosted by Stacy Raine, with editing and sound design by Sandra Levy Smith. Learn more.

Kimiko Koyanagi: We Must Accept Our Fortune to Live