This year, JASC celebrated several traditional Japanese holidays with our community of young families through several events! We were thrilled to host three Open Houses to celebrate Hinamatsuri, Kodomo no Hi, and Tanabata in our new building! It has been amazing to see so many children and their families come together to celebrate Japanese culture with us!

See below for a recap of our past events!

Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) March 2026

On March 1, 2026, we hosted a Hinamatsuri Open House and invited families to visit our building to celebrate this beloved holiday in Japan!

Every year, JASC decorates the building with hina ningyo (ornamental dolls that represent the emperor, empress, and court figures from the Heian period) and several traditional crafts and decorations. Children enjoyed several activities including delicious Japanese sweets while learning more about the holiday and how it is celebrated today!

Kodomo No Hi (Children’s Day) May 2026

On May 5, 2026, JASC welcomed families to celebrate Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day), a cherished holiday in Japan dedicated to celebrating the happiness, health, and growth of children.

Guests enjoyed a variety of hands-on cultural activities, including folding origami kabuto (samurai helmets) and crafting colorful koinobori (carp streamers), while learning about the traditions and symbolism behind the holiday. Families also enjoyed kashiwamochi and other delicious Japanese snacks, making for an afternoon filled with culture, creativity, and community.

Tanabata (Star Festival) July 2026

On July 7, 2026, JASC hosted our first-ever Tanabata Open House, welcoming families to celebrate the Japanese Star Festival through an evening of cultural traditions, hands-on activities, and community.

Visitors learned about the story and customs of Tanabata while enjoying festive activities including tanzaku wish writing on bamboo, ningyō sukui (toy scooping), face painting, arts and crafts, watermelon splitting (suikawari), shaved ice, and other family-friendly games. With more than 100 attendees filling our building, the event brought together children, parents, volunteers, and community members for a memorable celebration of Japanese culture, creativity, and connection.