Encounter Japan this half term with a series of free family-friendly workshops at Japan House London. 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.

Origami: Paper Cranes and Kabuto Helmets

Try your hand at origami, Japanese paper folding. Guests can make their own orizuru (folded crane) to wish for peace and hope for the future or make a paper helmet (kabuto) based on those worn by Japanese warriors including samurai.

Make Your Own Paper Ema

Ema (lit. ‘picture horses’) are palm-sized wooden tablets seen at shrines throughout Japan. Typically, shrinegoers write prayers or wishes on them and hang them at the shrine as offerings. In the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture, ema are made from paper and decorated with a picture of a horse.

Make your own paper ema using an original Japan House London activity worksheet. The worksheet features a template created by Ikemoto-ya, a famed ema-maker based in Takayama City. Decorate the horse with lucky patterns, add wishes for good fortune and good health and display the completed ema at the entrance of your home to invite in good luck. Remember to hang the ema with the horse’s head facing inwards, so as to carry good fortune inside.  

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?

Workshop Timetable

Monday 29 May 2023, 13:00-14:00, 14:30-15:30 (Origami, Paper Ema) – The Hall

Tuesday 30 May 2023, 14:00-15:00, 15:30-16:30 (Dogs, Paper Ema) – The Hall

Wednesday 31 May 2023, 14:00-15:00, 15:30-16:30 (Uchikake, Dogs) – The Hall

Thursday 1 June 2023, 14:00-15:00, 15:30-16:30 (Uchikake, Paper Ema) – The Hall

Friday 2 June 2023, 14:00-15:00, 15:30-16:30 (Uchikake, Origami) – The Hall

Saturday 3 June 2023, 14:00-15:00, 15:30-16:30 (Paper Ema, Origami) – The Hall

Sunday 4 June 2023, 13:00-14:00, 14:30-15:30 (Origami, Dogs) – The Hall

Duration: approx. 45 mins to 1 hour

Booking Essential | Admission Free 

Children must be 6+ and accompanied by an adult.