Come and join us for Origami folding and playing with traditional Japanese toys.
As part of Hatsumomiji Week, we will have two activities simultaneously in our community room for October's Family Saturday!
We are inviting the Origami group P.A.P.E.R. and bringing out traditional Japanese toys to play together.
Origami:
The roots of Ori (折り, folding) Gami (紙=kami, paper) originates in the 6th century in Japan. Use of paper was limited only to formal ceremonies and rituals and was not commonly available for recreational paper folding until the 17th century. Today, origami is enjoyed around the world and continues to evolve its art form.
Traditional Japanese Toys:
Traditional Japanese toys are simple yet creative, reflecting Japan's rich culture and history. Many are handmade from natural materials like wood and paper, and have been enjoyed by children for generations. At the event, we will have Kendama, a wooden skill toy where players try to catch a ball on various parts of a handle; Otedama, a beanbag game similar to juggling, using cloth bags filled with beans or rice; Taketonbo, a bamboo propeller toy that spins and flies into the air when launched by hand; and Ayatori, a string game where players create intricate patterns, similar to Cat’s Cradle.
These toys are not only entertaining but also help develop important skills like coordination, creativity, and focus. Many traditional Japanese toys continue to hold cultural significance and are still popular today, especially at festivals and in educational settings.
* Free admission to all youth 12 and younger and seniors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday and Respect for Elders Day.