Children’s Day Festival: Kodomo no Hi

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 new version of Momotaro. This interactive performance puts your children at the center of Momotaro’s quest with whimsical songs, lively taiko drumming, cool dance, and audience activity!

Japanese candy art, or amezaiku, is a long-practiced craft dating back as far as the Heian period. The soft taffy-like sugar is twisted and sculpted and transformed into a one-of-a-kind work of art that is as tasty as it is beautiful. Enjoy a decorative demonstration of this classic craft with amezaiku master, Candy5! Candy sculptural art is available for purchase.

Martial Arts Demonstrations & Mini Workshops

Availability of these workshops are on a first come, first serve basis. Participants may register for one workshop on the day of the event.

Karate Demonstration & Mini Workshop
At this mini-class, Noriko Furukara, long-time black belt, will demonstrate the precision and discipline required for karate, a traditional form of Japanese martial arts. Afterwards, participants will get to try out their own moves, guided by a certified expert in the art of Shotokan Karate.

Samurai Sword Fighting Demonstrations & Mini Workshops 
Enjoy samurai sword demonstrations and Samurai Kids Action mini-classes led by Kyo Kasumi of Tate Hato-ryu NY! Kasumi is the founder of Geido Tate Hato-ryu Takase dojo NY, and has been involved as an action stunt and Japanese Sword Fighting coordinator for many productions such as action films and theater performances.

Hero or villain, which will you decided to be? Create your own haori coat and hachimaki headband complete with Momotaro’s trademark peach design and transform into the hero yourself, or create horns and a loincloth, to transform into a dastardly oni!

Decorate 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.

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!

Make your own wearable samurai kabuto origami helmet! Color and add family crests and symbols to adorn your own special kabuto!

Enjoy and take pictures with life-size samurai kabuto helmets and yoroi armor from Villagewell Japan! View incredible replicas of armor belonging to famous samurai such as Yukimura Sanada.

Healthy Japanese bento box meals, snacks and festival-related refreshments will be available for purchase by BentOn. Enjoy treats such as kashiwa-mochi, rice cakes stuffed with bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves that symbolize strength!