Explore the cultures of Japan this half term with a series of free family-friendly activity workshops at Japan House London. Each session invites participants to learn about Japan while getting creative, with activities including seasonal origami and paper kokeshi dolls from Japan’s northeastern Tōhoku region.

Early summer origami

Celebrate early summer in Japan through origami, Japanese paper folding. Make an elegant iris, a flower that blooms from late May, and a playful frog, whose calls fill the air during Japan’s early summer rainy season.

Sunday 24 May 2026, 14:30–16:30 (The Library)
Tuesday 26 May 2026, 14:30–16:30 (The Library)
Thursday 28 May 2026, 14:30–16:30 (The Library)

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 27 May 2026, 14:30–16:30 (The Hall)
Saturday 30 May 2026, 14:30–16:30 (The Hall)

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Drop-in | Admission Free
Children must be 6+ and accompanied by an adult. These are relaxed, two-hour drop-in workshops. Spaces are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. If the session is full, you may be asked to queue, and we will welcome you in if a space becomes available.