Japan may be half way around the world, but a new exhibit in Manhattan is bringing the country’s culture to city kids. NY1’s Tara Lynn Wagner filed this report.
Consider it a trip to Japan without the long flight.
A bright and bubbly new exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is called Hello from Japan!
Having already explored Greece and China in their culture series, museum officials thought Japan would be a great next stop, in part because they already had an in.
“We chose Japanese culture because we felt that Hello Kitty was already a familiar product. Children and families already connect with it,” says Director of Exhibition Development Lizzy Martin.
Wagner: “How old are you, Kayla?”
Kayla: Four.
Wagner: “And who is on your shirt?”
Kayla: “Hello kitty!”
The journey allows kids to travel through the country and its culture, stopping at seven different activity booths a long the way. The first focuses on Kawaii where kids of alll ages got to dress up and immerse themselves in Japan’s cuteness aesthetic.
From there, it was photo booths, karaoke booths and food stands plus a look at how things work on the streets of the Harajuku district.
“I learned that Japan doesn’t have cones. They have bunny rabbits that are like cones over there but they’re not cones. They’re bunny rabbits… I like it,” said one young visitor.
Cross a bridge and visitors find themselves in a Shinto shrine, where they can leave a wish or get a fortune.
“I think it’s terrific. I’ve been to Japan and this is a great memory of Japan for me,” says Howard Miller, who brought his granddaughter.
Throughout the run of the exhibit, the museum will also be hosting special guests who will teach children about various activities like how to make sushi.
“For instance at the end of January, we have the Animazing Festival where we explore anime and manga, which is a very important part of Japanese culture and contemporary life in japan,” says Director of Public Programming David Rios.
It’s obvious the kids were having a ball—but just how authentic is the Japanese experience?
I asked Yohei Nagai, who is from Japan and brought his young daughters along for a peek at his homeland.
Wagner:“I want to let them know the culture. It’s very nice to see.”
Nagai :“So you think it’s accurate? They did a good job?”
Wagner:“Oh yeah, sure. Pretty much the same as Japan. I really enjoyed it.”
Hello from Japan! opened this weekend and will say goodbye to New York on May 17.
BY TARA LYNN WAGNER
