Explore the cultures of Japan this half term with a series of free family-friendly activity workshops at Japan House London. During each workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity, with activities including making origami spinning tops.

Make your own origami spinning top

Spinning tops, known as koma in Japanese, are one of the oldest and most richly varied toys in the world. Japan, in particular, is known for its numerous regional varieties. Learn how to make two types of koma from a classic square origami design, and enjoy watching them spin.

Monday 26 May 2025, 14:30–16:30
Thursday 29 May 2025, 14:30–16:30

Design your own paper kokeshi 

Kokeshi are painted wooden dolls from Japan’s northeastern Tōhoku region. It is thought they were first made in the late Edo period (1603-1868) 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 Tōhoku and design your own patterns.

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 14:30–16:30
Sunday 1 June 2025, 14:30–16:30