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Children's Day 2026
(Kodomono-Hi)
April 19th, 2026
EVENT
Free entry for Member!
Children's Day (Kodomono-Hi)
Sunday, April 19th, 10 AM - 5 PM
(Last admission at 4 PM)
Admission
General $15 / $17 at Gate
Youth 7-17 $13 / $15 at Gate
Youth 0-6 Free!
Member Free!
Celebrate Children’s Day!
Celebrate the season of renewal with a joyful day filled with vibrant cultural experiences for all ages!
Join us for a spring celebration honoring children, creativity, and cultural connection. Explore the timeless charm of Kokeshi dolls — handcrafted with care and painted with wishes for health, happiness, and protection. Enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, cultural displays, and interactive experiences for the whole family.
We are also thrilled to welcome special guest Willie Ito, a legendary American animator whose career spans more than 60 years at iconic studios including Walt Disney, Warner Bros., and Hanna-Barbera. Ito will offer an Artist Talk, followed by a screening of Hello Maggie! — an animated short film rooted in World War II Japanese American history.
This event is perfect for families and culture lovers alike. Be inspired, learn, create, and celebrate spring together!
Please note that there is no general admission on April 19th. 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 traditional Japanese children's drum team and the adorable dances of the Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club to the thrilling Shinobi Ranger Show, 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 the The Greater Phoenix Pond Society 's interaction with Koi fish, and Yukata dressing with photoshoot opportunity and face painting and etc.
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
Enjoy demonstrations throughout the day! Most included with admission.
(Lecture & Demo) subject to change
PROGRAM
Sunday, April 19th
10:30 AM Martial Arts Demonstration by Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai (20 min)
11:00 AM Performance by Kids Taiko Team Uchideno Kozuchi — Koshio Gumi (20 min)
11:30 AM Soranbushi Dance with Emiri — Join in and dance together with the audiences (20 min)
12:30 PM Artist Talk by Willie Ito — Legendary Animator (20 min)
1:30 PM Kids Club Dance, Part 1 by Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club (20 min)
2:00 PM Project Shinobi Ninja Performance & Workshop by J’s Martial Arts Performance Academy
3:00 PM Kids Club Dance, Part 2 by Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club (20 min)
3:30 PM Kids & Youth Taiko Performance by Kemushi — Fushicho Daiko Dojo (20 min)
4:00 PM JPOP&KPOP Dance, Part 3 by Nakayoshi Japanese Kids Club (20 min)
DISPLAYS
Koinobori Carp Streamers: Colorful carp streamers flying over the pond
— a beloved symbol of Children's Day.
Kokeshi Dolls Display: A beautiful collection of traditional hand-painted Japanese wooden dolls.
The Mirror of Matsuyama — Walk-Through Story: An immersive walk-through experience based
on the classic Japanese folktale.
Calligraphy Scroll: An elegant display of Japanese brush calligraphy artwork.
Weapons & Armor — by Arizona Budokan: A showcase of traditional Japanese martial
arts, weapons, and armor.
Hina Doll & Kabuto: A display of ornamental Hina dolls alongside a Kabuto (samurai helmet),
honoring both Girls' Day and Children's Day traditions.
ACTIVITIES
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Wille Ito Film Screening: Book sales and signing,
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Film screening: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
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Origami & Craft Booth Fold a Samurai hat, try other origami shapes, and enjoy coloring.
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Japanese Traditional Toys Display: Explore a collection of classic Japanese toys.
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Play with Yo-yo (TBA) Try your hand at traditional Japanese yo-yo play.
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Japanese Karesansui (Dry Garden): Create your own miniature Japanese rock garden.
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Koi Experience — Greater Phoenix Pond Society Get up close and play with koi fish.
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Play with Shymon Interactive fun with Shymon.
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Shogi Booth & GoroGoro Mini-Tournament — Arizona Shogi Club Play GoroGoro Shogi, a fast and fun board game perfect for kids. Tournament starts at 11:00 AM (limited to 6 players, three 10-min rounds). Teaching games available all day. An additional fee may apply.
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Kokeshi or Egg Making Workshop — $10. Paint and decorate your own Kokeshi doll or egg to take home. ($15 for both)
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Yukata Dressing & Photoshoot
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Dress up in a beautiful Yukata or Kimono. Choose from two options:
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With professional photoshoot (5 edited photos) — from $60.
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Stroll only, no photos (~20 min) — from $30 Cash & Zelle preferred · $2 credit card surcharge · Children's sizes primary; adult sizes limited.
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Face Painting — by Min Yve Get your face painted with fun, creative designs.
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Brush Calligraphy — by Yuka Ishiko Try the elegant art of Japanese brush calligraphy.
JFG MARKET
Pop up RoHoEn Market with Japanese gifts, snacks, drinks and more
VENDORS/Exhibitor
The Greater Phoenix Pond Society (Shachi area)
Yukata Dressing and Photoshoot
Face Painting
Arizona Budokan
Phoenix Shoji Club
FOOD VENDORS
Kakigori Addict
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Japanese Shaved ice
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Takoyaki
Thank you to our Sponsor. Six Tree Foundation, for your contributions to making this event possible.
