Children’s Day Festival: Kodomo no Hi

Sunday, May 7, 11 AM—4 PM
Theater Performances: 12 PM & 3 PM

Engage in and enjoy the modern retelling of the Japanese classic folktale Peach Boy through an interactive theater performance by Crossing Jamaica Avenue to celebrate Children’s Day! The performance of MOMOTARO the Peach Boy: A Hero’s Journey will feature whimsical songs, lively taiko drumming and active audience participation. Before and after the play, children and adults of all ages are invited to craft festival related artifacts that will serve as actual props during the performance.

Tickets: $18/$10 Japan Society members; ages 2 and under free. Ticket includes festival (11 AM—4 PM) and one theater performance at 12 or 3 PM. Advance purchase is advised.

Theater presentation is partially adapted from Momotaro, written by Tadashi Matsui, illustrated by Suekichi Akaba, published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., 1965.

Featured Crafts:

Become a Warrior Create your own samurai kabuto helmet and get a taste of what it’s like being a true warrior.

Craft your own Carp Streamer Carp symbolize strength and bravery because they swim upstream and over powerful waterfalls. Create your own carp streamer (koi-nobori) as a symbol of your strength.

Ogre Mask Making Create a double-sided ogre (oni) mask for double the scares!

Delicious Dumpling Craft Peach boy uses millet dumplings (kibi-dango) to entice his animal friends to join him on his journey. Make your own origami dumplings for use in the theater performance!

Paper Sumo Bring sumo to a table near you with Children’s Day themed paper sumo wrestlers. Test your skills against other attendees as you battle to become the next sumo champion!

This event will be photographed and videotaped. Content subject to change.

Related School Program
Children’s Day Theater Performance for School Groups
Monday, May 8, 2017, 10 AM and 2 PM

Invited elementary school groups only. For more information, contact [email protected] or 212-715-1203.

Resources:

Essay: Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Lesson Unit for Educators: Children’s Day

Healthy Japanese light meals, snacks and festival-related refreshments available for purchase by .