Tampopo Kai Families Continue a Beloved Holiday Tradition at MSI

Since 1989, JASC’s Tampopo Kai families have proudly decorated the Japan Tree at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit — a Chicago holiday tradition that celebrates global cultures and community spirit.

Each year, our Tampopo Kai teacher Naomi Negi and participating families including our Children’s Program Coordinator Yuri Yatsuda, gather to adorn the Japan Tree with handcrafted ornaments that reflect traditional Japanese artistry. These include temari (embroidered thread balls), washi-ningyō (paper dolls in kimono), orizuru (paper cranes), kabuto (samurai helmets), and kusudama (origami balls). Together, these ornaments symbolize both the beauty and creativity of Japanese culture.

In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a joyful, secular holiday shared with family and friends. The Japan Tree brings that same spirit of togetherness to the Museum’s exhibit, which runs November 8, 2025 through January 5, 2026.

We thank our Tampopo Kai families for continuing this special tradition and sharing the warmth of Japanese culture with the Chicago community each holiday season.

🌐 Learn more about Tampopo Kai: https://jasc-chicago.org/cultural-programs/tampopo-kai/
🎟️ Visit the Museum of Science and Industry: https://www.griffinmsi.org/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world 

Watch our video about this cherished tradition: