Children’s Day: Kodomo No Hi
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
(Theater Performance at 1 pm)
Get ready to celebrate Children’s Day! Hang up your koinobori (carp streamers), don your kabuto (samurai helmet) and join us for Japan’s special holiday where all children are stars and their happiness takes center stage. Enjoy the captivating tale of Momotaro (Peach Boy) through a thrilling theatrical performance filled with storytelling, music, dance, and lots of audience participation. Continue the adventure with fun and traditional Kodomo no Hi activities like carp streamer making, samurai helmet origami and more! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of childhood and tradition!
Japanese boxed lunches and snacks will be available for purchase on-site from BentOn. An inside picnic area is provided for eating.
Activities Include:
Momotaro – the Peach Boy Theater Performance (1pm)
Momotaro the Peach Boy leaves his parents to fight a band of marauding ogres on a distant island! Along the way, he befriends a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agree to help him. Japan Society favorites Crossing Jamaica Avenue return to present an exciting version of Momotaro: In Search of a Hero. This interactive performance puts your children at the center of Momotaro’s quest with whimsical songs, lively taiko drumming, cool dance, and audience activity!
Kamishibai Storytelling
Enjoy this traditional form of Japanese storytelling as you listen to popular folktales such as Issun-Boshi (The One-Inch Boy).
Koinobori Making
Create your own koinobori (carp streamer)! Koinobori are commonly flown above the roofs of kids’ houses on Children’s Day. They symbolize the desire for kids to become brave and strong individuals.
Origami Kabuto Helmet Making
Make your own wearable samurai kabuto origami helmet! Color and add family crests and symbols to adorn your own special kabuto!
Oni Balloon Making
Transport yourself to Oni Island by making an original wild-haired balloon monster. Create a scary, silly, happy, or serious monster—it’s your choice!
Tickets: $18/$12 Japan Society members; children ages 2 and under free. Free for Cool Culture members. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Recommended for children ages 3-10 and accompanying adults. This event will be photographed.
Top Image and Kamishibai Images © George Hirose; Kabuto © Ayumi Sakamoto.
Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Family Programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA; Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; The Masako Mera and Koichi Mera, PhD Fund for Education and the Arts; The Norinchukin Foundation; and Friends of Education and Family Programs.
- Sunday, May 5, 2024
- 12:30 pm
- In-Person Event
- Reserved Tickets
- $18 Nonmembers
- $12 Members
This event is sold out.