TOKYO (REUTERS) - Traditional Japanese dollmaker Kyugetsu unveiled on Thursday (Jan 25) dolls of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the country's Girl's Day celebrations dedicated to the health and happiness of girls.

Standing at around 38 centimetres, Merkel and Macron dolls were displayed among other kimono-clad dolls traditionally believed to ward off troubles and bad luck.

Every year, Kyugetsu chooses influential people for inspiration for the dolls, and this year, the dollmaker said they picked leaders of the European Union countries in the hopes they would work toward achieving world peace.

Last year, a doll in the likeness of US President Donald Trump was put on display, and in 2016 the company had created a Hillary Clinton doll in the belief that she would win the US presidential election.