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Paper Kokeshi Bookmark and Doll Craft
The Japanese as mementos generally buys Kokeshi. In addition to being ornamental, they are also seen as charms to prevent fires or even ward off evil. Mizuki, the wood often used to make the kokeshi doll's face, literally translates as "water tree". It is a very moist wood and some Japanese believe that having a kokeshi in their home helps prevent fire.
Color and cut out a paper Kokeshi Dolls and bookmarks to take home and display.
Gyotaku
Gyotaku (Japanese, from gyo "fish" + taku "rubbing") is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing, dating from the mid 1800s, a form of nature printing used by fishermen to record their catches.
Make your own Gyotaku using rubber fish, brayer and paint.
Hachimaki Craft
Hachimaki is a stylized headband in Japanese culture, usually made of red or white cloth, worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort by the wearer.
Kikaida Masks and Coloring Pages
Kikaida A transforming super-android, on the run from an evil organization, fights its rampaging robot monsters and helps his creator's daughter & son find their lost father. Created by Shotaro Ishinomori in 1972 and started Ban Daisuke.
Cut out and wear a Kikaida Mask or one of his friends to wear at the Maui Matsuri and later at home.
Koinoburi Origami Craft
Koinoburi - meaning "carp streamer" in Japanese, are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no Sekku, a traditional calender event which is now designated a National holiday known as Children’s Day. These wind socks are made by drawing carp patterns on paper, cloth or other nonwoven fabric. They are then allowed to flutter in the wind. They are also known as satsuki-nobori.
Children's Day takes place on May 5. Landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of sons and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.
Make your own origami koinobori.
Uchiwa Fan Craft
Uchiwa, which means “wind fan”, were first introduced to Japan from China in the 5th century. The present-day Uchiwa, which is made of a rounded paper and bamboo, first appeared during in the Muromachi period in Kyoto, Japan (1338-1573). Adhering to strict traditional methods, the construction of the Uchiwa framework always begins with the strong, flexible and elegant qualities of bamboo. The fan is then carefully wrapped with a gorgeous Japanese pattern printed on organic washi paper.
Make and take home your own paper Uchiwa fan.
Sakura Craft
Sakura - A cherry blossom is the name for the flower of cherry trees known as Sakura in Japanese. In English, the word "sakura" is equivalent to the Japanese flowering cherry. Cherry fruit (known in Japanese as sakuranbo) comes from another species of tree.
Make your own Sakura tree to take home.
Temari
"Temari" means "hand ball" in Japanese. Embroidered balls may be used in hand ball games. Historically, temari were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Pieces of silk fabric would be wadded up to form a ball, and then the wad would be wrapped with strips of fabric. As time passed, traditional temari became an art, with the functional stitching becoming more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed intricate embroidery. With the introduction of rubber to Japan, the balls went from play toys to art objects, although mothers still make them for their children. Temari became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy, and noble women competed in creating increasingly beautiful and intricate objects.
Kendama Game
A kendama is a traditional Japanese toy which consists of a wooden, hammer-like object with a ball connected to it by a string. In English, kendama may be referred to as ring and pin. A number of skills are required. Flick the ball up so that it lands in the smallest cup, then the largest, then the medium-sized one, in that order. Then toss the ball so that its hole slides over the pointed tip. Next, see who can do this the fastest. To make it even more challenging, hold the ball with the hole facing up, then pitch the handle into the air and make the pointed end land in the hole. |
Kids Activities
