Explore the cultures of Japan this February half term with a series of free family workshops at Japan House London.
This time, guests can enjoy learning about the culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan, with a series of new workshops using papercraft resources from the Upopoy – National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido. Other activities include returning favourites such as making your own origami orizuru (folded crane) and making your own paper Hina ningyō (Hina dolls).
Experience Ainu Culture and Language through Games and Paper Craft
Discover the culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people living mainly in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan, using activity sheets and resources created by Upopoy – National Ainu Museum and Park. Guests can play card games while learning the words for living creatures and items from daily life in the Ainu language and 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.
Monday 12 February 2024, 14:00-15:00 (Ainu clothing) – The Library
Wednesday 14 February 2024, 14:30-16:00 (Ainu clothing & language) – The Hall
Friday 16 February 2024, 14:00-15:00 (Ainu clothing) – The Library
Saturday 17 February 2024, 14:30-16:00 (Ainu clothing & language) – The Hall
Discover more papercraft activities on the Upopoy – National Ainu Museum and Park website.
Create Your Own Hina Ningyō (Hina Dolls)
Hina ningyō (Hina dolls) are displayed in homes in Japan where there are daughters on the third day of the third month each year to celebrate Girls’ Day. They are often a family gift to wish for health and prosperity for the girls’ futures. Make your own paper Hina doll display and discover more about the colourful kimono worn by the dolls using an original Japan House London activity worksheet.
All sessions are in the Library.
Monday 12 February 2024,15:30-16:30
Tuesday 13 February 2024,15:30-16:30
Thursday 15 February 2024, 15:30-16:30
Sunday 18 February 2024, 14:00-15:00
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.
All sessions are in the Library.
Tuesday 13 February 2024, 14:00-15:00
Thursday 15 February 2024, 14:00-15:00
Friday 16 February 2024, 15:30-16:30
Sunday 18 February 2024, 15:30-16:30
More sessions to be added shortly.