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 Japan Society Gallery Exhibits and other topics. 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.

Konnichiwa Friends Family Tours

Slated for the second Saturday of every month when an exhibition is on view at Japan Society Gallery, these tours engage young children ages 2 to 4 and their families in fun, interactive learning experiences. Using games, puzzles, storytelling, and other techniques for discussing art and culture, tours explore exhibition themes and include Japanese vocabulary and language acquisition activity-building skills.

Free with adult admission to the exhibition. No reservation required.
For more information, please call (212) 715-1224.

Upcoming Programs for Families