The American National Museum of Japan (JANM) will begin its virtual Natsumatsuri family festival in 2021 on Saturday, August 14th.
This online summer celebration will include virtual events, crafts and Japanese and Japanese American virtual activities for all ages.
Virtual activities:
Paper sun hat – Making your own unique and fun paper sun hats is a tradition of JANM. Download instructions for making a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the summer rays. And know the historical inspiration of these protective hoods.
Ruthie’s Origami Corner – Watch our video to learn how to fold a paper mini yukata (summer kimono), popular dress during Japanese summer festivals. The video premieres at janm.org/natsumatsuri2021 on August 14th. This activity is named in honor of JANM volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937-2020), who led origami activities at the museum for many years.
Half colored winds – Join this video to make a festive decoration that goes in the wind. Inspired by the Tanabata kazari festival (decorations) that fly over Little Tokyo during the summer. The video for this activity will be released at janm.org/natsumatsuri2021 on August 14th.
No box with JANM collections – This installment of the Unboxed video series delves into JANM’s amazing collection of photos about JA’s life as he explores food, fun and summer festivals. The video for this activity will be released at janm.org/natsumatsuri2021 on August 14th.
Nikkei Matsuri photo activity (July 17-August 22)
Every year, Nikkei communities around the world come together to do fun cultural activities and eat at matsuri (festivals). These events usually celebrate specific occasions like Tanabata and Obon. JANM’s Discover Nikkei project is collecting photos to share the matsuri traditions of our global Nikkei community. We want to see photos of your family’s participation in Good Smell, special meals, games, and other traditional (or non-traditional) decorations and celebrations.
To participate, simply email your photo and a brief description to editor@DiscoverNikkei.org. For complete shipping guidelines and to view photos already submitted, visit Discover Nikkei.
This activity is presented in conjunction with the Nisei Week Foundation.
Draw for membership in JANM – Be sure to participate in the draw for our activity to win a free subscription year. Leave a comment answering the festival question in our YouTube videos to participate in the raffle.
Questions about the festival can be found in Natsumatsuri’s video descriptions or program content. All comments on any of these platforms must be posted before 5pm (Pacific) on Sunday, August 15th. Limit one entry per home per video / program.
For members:
Virtual members only: Conversation “A life in pieces” (10-11 h)
All JANM members are invited to an exclusive conversation for exclusive members with JANM Vice President of Exhibitions and Art Director Clement Hanami, writer / filmmaker Sharon Yamato, actor Kurt Kanazawa and founder and director Emblematic delegate, Nonny de la Peña, to the gallery before the museum opens to the public. They will discuss the virtual reality video created for “A Life in Pieces: The Diary and Letters of Stanley Hayami.”
This program is free for all members, but RSVP is required in advance at the RSVP link, by email at memberevents@janm.org or by phone at (213) 830-5646.
For more information or questions, contact publicprograms@janm.org.