Education

K-12 School Tours and Workshops

The goal of Japan Society is to introduce and connect students to the dynamic historic and contemporary culture of Japan through rotating exhibitions and engaging workshops led by experienced museum educators and teaching artists.

Maximum group size at one time is 30 students, with a requirement of 1 chaperone per 15 students.

We recommend you submit requests at least two weeks in advance of your desired date. A one-week notice for any cancellations or changes is required to avoid fees barring extreme weather or case-by-case emergencies.

To book a tour and/or workshop, or if you have questions, please call (212) 715-1275 or email us at jseducation@japansociety.org.

Gallery Tour (60 Minutes)

Gallery Tours are 1-hour interactive experiences led by trained museum educators, who incorporate close-looking, personal connections, inquiry, and hands-on activities for K-12 students and classroom teachers.

Boro Textiles: Sustainable Aesthetics (Grades K-12)
March 6—June 14, 2020
Boro (“rags” or “tatters”) are patchwork textiles hand-pieced by peasants in Japan in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A practice born in the Northeastern region of Tohoku, these hard-used garments – reworked over generations – express essential principles of Japanese ethics and aesthetics, such as an appreciation for distinguished imperfections and the avoidance of waste. Students will explore this unique practice as both a tradition and a source of inspiration in contemporary fashion.

School	1-15 Students	16-30 Students
NCYDOE Title 1 Schools	Free	Free
NYCDOE Non-Title 1 Schools	$75	$100
NYC Private & Outside of NYC Schools	$115	$215

Arts & Culture Workshops (90 Minutes)

Workshops are longer, immersive hands-on experiences led by professional artists that connect K-12 audiences with traditional and contemporary approaches to Japanese art and culture.

Woodblock Printing (grades K-12)
Available year-round, 1-15 students
Explore woodblock prints through Japan Society’s permanent collection, including works by modern artist Shiko Munakata and 19th Century ukiyo-e prints. Learn the technique with a professional Japanese woodblock print artist and create your own unique prints using authentic materials!
Calligraphy and Sumi-e (grades K-12)
Available year-round, 1-30 students
Try your hand at the centuries old art of ink painting and calligraphy! Discover works from Japan Society’s education collection, watch a larger than life calligraphy performance, and make your own ink paintings with a professional sumi-e artist.
Art of Bonsai (grades 5-12)
Available year-round, 1-30 students (+ additional $9 per student)
Investigate the union of nature and art through a guided exploration of the Japan Society’s building and garden. Sculpt your own bonsai tree with our bonsai specialist, Julian Velasco, and take it home!