Explore the cultures of Japan this October half-term with a series of family-friendly workshops. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity while trying an activity using original Japan House London worksheets.

Design Your Own Uchikake

Uchikake are a type of outer kimono worn on formal occasions in Japan, for example by brides on their wedding day. They are usually heavily decorated with a rich array of images and patterns which are often inspired by nature. Take inspiration from the plants and flowers of Japan to design your own uchikake.

Six Native Dogs of Japan

Discover the six native dogs of Japan with our full series of educational and fun Japanese dog colouring-in worksheets. Learn about the origins and characteristics of each of the Japanese native dog breeds, then use your knowledge to colour in the dogs. Can you write each dog’s name in characters (kanji) in the correct stroke order?

Design Your Own Kokeshi

Kokeshi are painted wooden dolls from the Tōhoku region in north-eastern Japan. It is thought they were first made in the late Edo period (1603-1868 CE) by local craftspeople as toys for children and souvenirs for visitors to hot spring towns. Today, various kokeshi have developed in the Tōhoku region, characterized by different shapes and patterns. Choose from three different paper templates of kokeshi from the Tōhoku region and design your own patterns.

Make Your Own Origami Crane

Orizuru (lit. ‘folded crane’) is one of the best-known designs of origami, the Japanese art of paper-folding. Try making your own orizuru to wish for peace and hope for the future, with a coloured in pattern of your own design or colourful origami paper.

Design Your Own Okiagari Kobōshi

Learn about the origins of okiagari kobōshi, small folk toys from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture whose roly-poly design have made them a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Be inspired by their characteristic features and use your imagination to colour in the three paper templates. 

Workshop Timetable

Monday 24 October 2022, 14:00, 15:30 (Kokeshi, Six Native Dogs) – The Hall

Tuesday 25 October 2022, 14:30, 16:00 (Kokeshi, Uchikake) – The Hall

Wednesday 26 October 2022, 12:30, 14:00 (Uchikake, Origami) – The Hall

Thursday 27 October 2022, 14:00 (Origami) – The Library

Friday 28 October 2022, 14:00, 15:30 (Kokeshi, Okiagari Kobōshi) – The Library

Saturday 29 October 2022, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30 (Uchikake, Origami) – The Hall

Sunday 30 October 2022, 12:30, 14:00 (Six Native Dogs, Origami) – The Library

Please note that the location of the workshops within Japan House London may change at short notice. Please check this page on the day of your visit.