FREE ALL DAY!
Join us for our annual summer celebration featuring Japanese and Japanese American performances, crafts, and activities.
- Musical performances by LA Matsuri Taiko, Common Souls, and Shin Kawasaki
- Basic taiko drumming and bon odori dance lessons
- Free samples of saataa andaagii (Okinawan deep-fried pastries)
- JANM Members Only reserved seating and express lines
…and so much more!
See the complete schedule below, or download the flyer!
Special perks available for JANM members! Be sure to check in at the front desk to get a member sticker so you can take advantage of the perks highlighted below.
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Activities
Suncatchers
Make a colorful suncatcher to hang in a window.
Scratch Art
Create beautiful works of art by scratching your own designs into our coated paper boards; as the black coating is scratched away, vivid rainbow colors are revealed.
Paper Cranes for Peace
Help us fold paper cranes for Harvest for Hope, a project that aims to collect 1.5 million cranes in memory of children who died during the Holocaust.
This activity is inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded over 1,000 paper cranes in hopes of recovering from illness caused by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. One of Sadako’s original cranes is on display now in front of JANM’s Hirasaki National Resource Center.
Natsumatsuri Hats
It wouldn’t be Natsumatsuri without JANM’s signature paper hats! Make one that shows off your personal style.
Happi Coat Photo Booth
Take home a souvenir photo of yourself in a traditional happi coat, courtesy of Nerdbot.
Express Line for members!
Okinawan Treats
Sample freshly made saataa andaagii—delicious deep-fried pastries—while supplies last.
Museum Scavenger Hunt
While exploring JANM’s exhibitions, find all of the items on our scavenger hunt list and win a prize courtesy of Bandai.
Ruthie’s Origami Corner
Learn to fold a paper koi (carp).
Toddler Room
Bring your toddlers here to relax and play with other toddlers.
NOTE: all children must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times.
Schedule
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Henna Tattoos by Beauty Marks Henna
Get a fun temporary henna tattoo, made with all-natural ingredients. For children only. Line will end at 1:30 p.m. Please note henna tattoos generally last 1–3 weeks.
Express Line for members!
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Taiko Workshop
Join JANM volunteer Hal Keimi for an energetic lesson in basic taiko drumming.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Obon Lecture and Community Dance
Learn about Japan’s obon festival, which honors and celebrates the spirits of ancestors, with Rev. Kaz Nakata of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. A group bon odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Airbrush Tattoos by TNT
Impress your friends with a stylish temporary airbrush tattoo. For children only. Line will end at 4:30 p.m. Airbrush tattoos may last up to five days but can be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Express Line for members!
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Stage Magic by Johnny Wu
Prepare to be surprised and delighted by this versatile magician. Johnny Wu uses everyday objects to perfrom interactive magic tricks.
Reserved seating for members!
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Performance by LA Matsuri Taiko
Founded in 1977 by Master Etsuo Hongo, LA Matsuri Taiko is known for its powerful sounds, innovative techniques, and distinctive visual presentation.
Reserved seating for members!
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Performance by Common Souls
Mellow out and take a break listening to electronic ballads by Common Souls.
Reserved seating for members!
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Performance by Shin Kawasaki
Shin Kawasaki closes out the day with his own infectious mix of musical styles, encompassing technopop, prog rock, dub, acid jazz, fusion, metal, and drum-and-bass.
Reserved seating for members!
