Children’s Day Festival: Kodomo no Hi
FAMILY
Sunday, May 5, 11 AM–4 PM
Hang the koinobori (carp streamers) and don your kabuto (samurai helmet)—Children’s Day is on its way! Come join us for Japan’s national holiday where all children are stars and their happiness is celebrated. Enjoy a performance of Peach Boy (Momotaro) featuring storytelling, music, dance, taiko drumming and lots of audience participation. Continue the adventure with other authentic Kodomo no Hi activities!
Tickets: $18/$10 Japan Society members; children ages 2 and under free. Free for Cool Culture members. Advance ticket purchase recommended. This event will be photographed. Recommended for children ages 3-10 and accompanying adults.
Activities:
 | Momotaro: In Search of A Hero Three performances: 12 PM, 1:30 PM & 3 PM Please pre-select your performance with your ticket purchase. 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: 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! |
 | Samurai Sword Fighting Demonstrations & Mini Workshops 1 PM, 2 PM & 3 PM 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. |
 | Momotaro Cosplay Create your own haori coat and hachimaki headband complete with Momotaro’s trademark peach design and transform into the hero yourself! |
 | Koinobori Making 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. |
 | 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! |
 | Origami Kabuto Making Make your own wearable samurai kabuto origami helmet! Color and add family crests and symbols to adorn your own special kabuto! |
 | Helmets & Armor from Villagewell Japan 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. |
 | Kibi-dango Craft Activity Create your own paper Kibi-dango prop to use during the interactive performance of Momotaro: In Search of A Hero! Kibi-dango is a traditional, sweet Japanese millet dumpling. It’s famous for being the snack that Momotaro shares with his animal friends! |
 | Festival Food 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! |
Education and Family Programs receive generous support from an anonymous donor, The Norinchukin Foundation, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Additional support is provided by James Read Levy.
Healthy Japanese light meals, snacks and festival-related refreshments available for purchase by Benton.
- Sunday, May 5, 2019
- 11:00 am