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Children's Day 2024
April 21st, 2024
Children's Day 2024
EVENT
Sunday, April 21st, 10am - 4pm
(last admission at 3:30 pm)
Celebrate family with us during our Children's Day celebration at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Children’s Day is one of Japan’s most important holidays and is celebrated every year with vibrant carp streamers, fun origami, and other traditional festivities.
Our upcoming event promises a cultural appreciation and fun-filled experience for all ages. Inspired by the timeless legend of the koi's ascent to become a dragon, this year's event honors the Year of the Dragon, highlighting the resilience, courage, and boundless potential of children.
Admission:
General $15 / $17 at Gate
Youth 7-17: $13 / $15 at Gate
Youth 0-6: Free!
Member $10 / $12 at Gate
Please note that there is no general admission on April 21st. General admission is included with event ticket purchase.
What to Expect
Children's Day, known as Kodomo no Hi, is a cherished celebration in Japan, typically held on May 5th. Families honor children's happiness and well-being on this day, often flying colorful Koinobori carp streamers and displaying Hina Dolls and Kokeshi Dolls. It's a day filled with joy and festivity, reflecting the importance of children in Japanese culture!
Join us for a day filled with exciting activities suitable for children and families of all ages! From hands-on crafts like origami and kokeshi doll-making to interactive toy experiences and even a chance to create your own Japanese dry garden or dress up in yukata, we have many ways to immerse your family in a day filled with traditional Japanese culture!
Prepare to be entertained by talented performers throughout the day. From the adorable dances of the Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club to the thrilling Shinobi Ranger Show and the powerful demonstrations by the Arizona Japan Karate Association and Arizona Budokan, there's no shortage of excitement and skill on display!
Explore the JFG Market featuring a pop-up Rohoen Market offering Japanese gifts, snacks, drinks, and more, and don't miss out on the offerings from our vendors, including Junko's adorable Japanese kids' clothes, the Koi Pond Society's hands-on Koi experience, and Keiko Onaka's Yukata dressing and photoshoot opportunity.
Feeling Hungry? Indulge in delicious Japanese treats from vendors like Kakigori Addict, serving up Japanese shaved ice and takoyaki, perfect for a spring festival!
Event Schedule
Enjoy demonstrations throughout the day! Most included with admission.
Free Activities - All Day (10am-4pm)
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Craft Booth
Learn how to fold origami and decorate your creations with stamps.
Interactive Japanese Toys
Play with traditional Japanese toys at our booth.
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Cut & Paste booth
Participate in fun themed collage from Cut & Paste Phx.
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Yo-yo Tsuri
Will you be able to catch the floating yo-yo balloon?
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Create Japanese Karesansui (Dry Garden)
Play in a life-size karesansui!
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Greater Phoenix Pond Society Koi Experience
Play with koi fish up close! www.phoenixponds.com
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Paid Activities
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10am-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-2pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm: Kokeshi making workshop
Additional $15, cash and card accepted. Timed tickets scheduled every 30 minutes   
Ticket includes instruction, mini demonstration, materials and a photo opportunity.
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10am-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-2pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm: Miniature Ikebana Making
Additional $10, cash and card accepted. Timed tickets scheduled every 30 minutes   
Ticket includes instruction, mini demonstration, vase, flowers and a photo opportunity.
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10am-2pm (Sessions Throughout the Day): Experience the Charm of Yukata!
(Dressing & Photoshoot)
Additional $25 per person, cash preferred, card accepted.
Enjoy dressing up in Yukata attire and striking a pose in our professional photoshoot.
While mainly tailored for children, adults can also partake in this exquisite experience, though sizes are limited. Only 30 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis!
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Programming
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10:00am: Opening Taiko Performance by Kemushi Daiko from Fushicho Daiko Dojo
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10:30am: Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai Demonstration
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11:30am: 'Paper Prayers' Film Screening by Carolyn Robertson, and 'Little Michiko' Film Screening by Kiyoko Toyama​​​
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12:30pm: Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club - Dance
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Watch as the Nakayoshi kids club perform traditional kids songs and dances!
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1:30pm: Project Shinobi Ninja Performance and Workshop
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Enjoy an action-packed live show from Project Shinobi and J's Martial Arts & Performance Academy.
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2:30pm: Nakayoshi J-Pop Kids Club - Dance
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Watch as the Nakayoshi kids club perform dances to your favorite J-Pop hits!​
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3pm: Shotokan Karate Demonstration by Arizona Japan Karate Association (JKA)
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Vendors
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Kimono for You by Junko
Kimono for You - Vintage kimono and accessories for adults and children!
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Japanese Brush Calligraphy by Yuka Ishiko
Beautiful calligraphy artwork for sale, and have your name or favorite Kanji character written in Japanese!
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Greater Phoenix Pond Society
Information and interactive koi experience.
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Experience the Charm of Yukata! (Dressing & Photoshoot)
Dress your family up in yukata with professional kimono dresser Keiko Onaka and take unforgettable photos!
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Rohoen Market
​Enjoy hot tea and sweets from our Gift Shop
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Kakigori Addict - Food
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Takoyaki
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Japanese Shave Ice
We hope to see you at our next exciting event, April 21st, 2024!
