Explore the cultures of Japan this May half term with a series of free family workshops at Japan House London. During each drop-in workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity.
Make Your Own Paper ‘Series N700S’ Shinkansen
Learn about rail innovation in Japan by creating your own paper ‘Series N700S’ Shinkansen using an activity sheet created by Japan House London in collaboration with Central Japan Railway Company.
The Shinkansen, ‘bullet train’, is an important symbol of Japanese technology and innovation and runs along various lines connecting the country – from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. Running at 300 kph (186 mph), the award-winning ‘Series N700S’ (‘S’ is for Supreme) Shinkansen, runs along the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen lines, connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata, and was introduced in July 2020.
Saturday 25 May 2024, 14:30–16:30
Origami
Try your hand at origami, Japanese paper folding. Guests can make a range of classic designs including orizuru (folded crane) to wish for peace and hope for the future or make a paper helmet (kabuto) based on those worn by Japanese warriors including samurai.
Sunday 26 May 2024, 14:30–16:30
Thursday 30 May 2024, 14:30–16:30
Design Your Own Kokeshi
Kokeshi are painted wooden dolls from the Tōhoku region in north-eastern Japan. It is thought they were first made in the late Edo period (1603–1868 CE) by local craftspeople as toys for children and souvenirs for visitors to hot spring towns. Today, various kokeshi have developed in the Tōhoku region, characterized by different shapes and patterns. Choose from paper templates of three different kokeshi from the Tōhoku region and design your own patterns.
Monday 27 May 2024, 14:30–16:30
Saturday 1 June 2024, 14:30–16:30