Explore the cultures of Japan this Easter with a series of free family workshops at Japan House London.
During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about the cultures of Japan and unleashing their creativity with activities including origami and creating paper koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks), which are hung outside homes in Japan to celebrate Children’s Day in May.
Create Your Own Koinobori
On 5 May, in celebration of Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day, originally a celebration for boys and known as Tango-no-sekku), many families in Japan hang koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) outside their homes. Be inspired by the history and colours of koinobori and use your creativity to colour in the paper template. After completing your design, cut out the template to bring your koinobori to life.
Sunday 31 March 2024,14:30–16:30
Friday 5 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Wednesday 10 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Origami
Try your hand at origami, Japanese paper folding. Guests can make a range of designs including orizuru (folded cranes) to wish for peace and hope for the future and paper helmets (kabuto) based on those worn by Japanese warriors including samurai.
Saturday 30 March 2024,14:30–16:30
Wednesday 3 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Thursday 11 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Experience Ainu Culture through Paper Craft
Discover the culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people living mainly in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan, using activity sheets created by Upopoy – National Ainu Museum and Park. Guests can make and colour in papercraft models of Ainu clothing. These include amip robes which are often richly decorated with embroidered patterns and worn for certain ceremonies, dance performances and special occasions.
Friday 29 March 2024,14:30–16:30
Thursday 4 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Friday 12 April 2024, 14:30–16:30
Discover more papercraft activities on the Upopoy – National Ainu Museum and Park website.