Japan House London Family Workshops:
Paper Ema and Uchikake
ジャパン・ハウス ロンドン 家族で楽しむワークショップ
Explore the cultures of Japan in a fun family-friendly workshop at Japan House London. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity while trying an activity using original Japan House London worksheets.
Workshop Programme
Make Your Own Paper Ema
Saturday 16 September 2023, 14:00-15:30
Ema (lit. ‘picture horses’) are palm-sized wooden tablets seen at shrines throughout Japan. Typically, shrinegoers write prayers or wishes on them and hang them at the shrine as offerings. In the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture, ema are made from paper and decorated with a picture of a horse.
Make your own paper ema using an original Japan House London activity worksheet. The worksheet features a template created by Ikemoto-ya, a famed ema-maker based in Takayama City. Decorate the horse with lucky patterns, add wishes for good fortune and good health and display the completed ema at the entrance of your home to invite in good luck. Remember to hang the ema with the horse’s head facing inwards, so as to carry good fortune inside.
Design Your Own Uchikake
Sunday 17 September 2023, 14:00-15:30
Uchikake are a type of outer kimono worn on formal occasions in Japan, for example by brides on their wedding day. They are usually heavily decorated with a rich array of images and patterns which are often inspired by nature. Take inspiration from the plants and flowers of Japan to design your own uchikake.
