Sunday, October 30 11am to 03pm
Japan Society
333 East 47th St., New York, NY 10017

On Halloween Eve, enter a mystical sacred forest filled with the frights and delights of Japan’s ghosts and mythical creatures. Experience the richness of Japan’s fall festivals and the thrills of Halloween through an adventure of family-friendly fun and learning! Activities for the day include a tsukumogami (animate household tools) haunted house, samurai and taiko performances, a variety of arts and crafts, photo opportunities (wear your costume!) and more. All are welcome to attend!

Activities Include:

Tsukumogami Haunted House: Nestled behind the sacred forest on Japan Society’s first floor is a fun, educational (and perhaps a bit scary) haunted house. Children twist and turn through a maze to discover the tsukumogami world of wonders—a pair of slurping old slippers, clanging used kettles and even a trio raucous ancient musical instruments, all objects that have been dormant in the house for a 100 years before springing to life to avenge their misuse. Scripted and directed by Izumi Ashizawa, with puppets co-created by Prague-based puppet smith Yumi Hayashi, the team behind Stony Brook University’s recent hit play Mysterious Lake. Recommended for children 4+, requires parental supervision.

Tsukumogami Storytelling: Once upon a time in the city of Edo, barber Magesuke’s tools started talking to him. Soon his barber shop and the talking tools became a big hit and were very popular with his customers. However, his greedy neighbor Warube is plotting an evil plan for their demise… Enjoy the telling of Magesuke and His Talking Tools along with other select tsukumogami stories.

Ton-ton-ton Taiko: Sounds of the Fall Festival: Children experience a riveting rat-a-tat (or ton-ton-ton as they say in Japanese) taiko drum performance followed by a mini drumming workshop. Hosted by Hiro Kurashima and Friends, part of the Brooklyn-based group Taiko Masala. Recommended for children 3+, requires parental supervision. Seats for the workshop is limited.

Samurai Legends Live + Sword Fighting Demonstration: Just in time for Halloween, legendary war general Ieyasu Tokugawa—one of the best known samurai in Japanese history—comes back to life in an educational and enjoyable talk followed by a sword fighting demonstration. Celebrating Nagoya City’s 400th anniversary, delegates from the city have gathered a group of performers acting as historical busho (handsome men) to resurrect the past. Brought to you by Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai. Recommended for children 4+, requires parental supervision.

Tsukumogami Paper Sumo!: Ready, set, sumo! Japan’s centuries-old national sport comes to life in this paper-based tsukumogami-themed table game where children decorate their own wrestler and then compete against an opponent in competitive sumo bouts. Recommended for children 3+, requires parental supervision.

Crafting Omamori Protective Charms and Mini Kokeshi Dolls: Plagued by pesky spirits? Need help to achieve dreams and goals? In this hands on craft-making workshop, children create their own omamori traditional lucky charms. Popular wishes in Japan include study success, healthy family, love, and safe driving, or children can wish for anything their hearts desire. Parents also can create mini kokeshi dolls to wish for their child’s growth, health and well-being. Recommended for children 4+, requires parental supervision.

Sacred Forest Photo Booth and Costume Contest: Come dressed in your favorite costume and take a funny/cool/kawaii (cute) photo or selfie with tsukumogami and other creatures. Hosted by the New York City’s venerable local Japanese newspaper Yomitime, participants are encouraged to submit photos to their Family Day Costume Photo Contest. Participants will have a chance to win prizes and select photos will be published in the Yomitime in the near future. Appropriate for all ages, requires parental supervision.

At Twilight Treasure Hunt: At twilight, the spirits of the sacred forest come out to play! Inspired by Japan Society Gallery major fall exhibition Simon Starling: At Twilight (After W. B. Yeats’ Noh Reincarnation), children follow a cartoon dancing hawk to spot mischievous masked characters and mesmerizing modernist statues on this self-guided family adventure throughout Japan Society Gallery’s immersive installation. Recommended for children 5+, requires parental supervision.

For tickets visit: http://www.japansociety.org