Programs for Families

Education Programs offers a range of events that encourage children and accompanying adults to connect with Japanese culture and history through authentic, engaging experiences.

A family hangs tanzaku (paper wishes) and origami ornaments on bamboo trees, a customary activity during Tanabata (Japan’s Star Festival).

Japan's Annual Festivities

Families participate in hands-on demonstrations, crafts and performances in our series of events organized around some of Japan’s annual festivities.  These include Oshogatsu (New Year’s Day), Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival), Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day), Tanabata (Star Festival),  Shichigosan, (7-5-3 Celebration), and Exploring Japan’s Mystical Folktale Creates & Ghosts through Kamishibai (which takes place around the time of Halloween).

Art Carts

Art Carts actively explore topics such as Chanoyu (the Japanese Tea Ceremony) and ningyo joruri (traditional puppetry). A museum educator guides inquiry, helping children acquire context-building information while developing visual analysis and critical thinking skills. Families are invited to handle objects and artifacts.

Special Off-Site Event

Sadako & 1,000 Cranes Storytelling and Origami Crane Making
Sunday, August 10
Held at Kinokuniya Bookstore
1073 Avenue of the Americas (between 40th and 41st Street)
Session I (in Japanese) at 11 am; Session II (in English) at 2 pm

Upcoming Programs for Families