From eye surgery to hair transplants, Japan ‘clinic’ treats stuffed toys for injuries
- Tokyo’s Natsumi Clinic specialises in restoring much-loved teddies and other cuddly toys to their original glory
- Clients have sent toys from Hong Kong, France and Britain for treatment, and customers have had to wait up to a year for a spot
At a Tokyo clinic, a woman in a white coat carefully records the particulars of the newest patient: a sheep-shaped stuffed toy.
The Natsumi Clinic specialises in restoring much-loved teddies and other cuddly toys to their original glory, delighting deeply attached owners like Yui Kato, who brought in the sheep, Yuki-chan.
“I thought I had no choice but to throw her away as she’s absolutely worn out, but then I heard there’s a hospital that deals with this sort of thing,” the 24-year-old said.
“Maybe she won’t be exactly how she once was, but I came here hoping to see her healthy again.”
The clinic offers treatments ranging from “eye surgery” and hair transplants to stitching up injuries, explained founder Natsumi Hakozaki.
She began treating stuffed toys four years ago in her hometown, northern Sendai city, after working at a clothes alteration shop where customers often asked if she could repair their treasured toys.