Kayo美 Kai--Week 9

Images created by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

For Week 9 of Kayo美 Kai, JASH invites you to create and share an ANA Paper Airplane in honor of National Paper Airplane Day.

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Who is ANA?

All Nippon Airways (ANA) was founded in 1952 and has since become the largest 5-star airline in Japan, as well as one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 81 international routes and 120 domestic routes.

ANA has been servicing direct flights between Houston and Tokyo since 2015.

While flights have been suspended through the month of June, we look forward to the return of Service between Houston and Tokyo as soon as safely possible.

JASH is proud to count ANA as a friend and corporate member.

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Materials to make an ANA Paper Airplane:

• ANA Paper Airplane Template [click button on right to download]

• Scissors

• Glue

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How to make an ANA Paper Airplane:

1. Carefully cut out each piece of the airplane.

2a. Assemble body parts and glue them together. (Each side consist of four parts)

2b. Be sure to leave the bottom tab free for use later.

3a. Take the two tail wing pieces and cut the slits partially down the middle of each.

3b. Glue the tail wings together so that the center slits align.

4a. Gather the main wings of your airplane.

4b. Glue the wings together so that the graphics align.

5a. Align the body of the airplane and the wings, folding the bottom tab to rest on the top of one of the wings.

5b. Glue the wings to the main body.

6a. Ensure that the tail of the airplane is secured before aligning the tail wings with the top fin.

6b. Glue the tail wings onto the fin.

7. Congrats! You are ready to fly ANA!

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Share your ANA paper airplanes by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

Kayo美 Kai--Week 8

Image created by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

For Week 8 of Kayo美 Kai, JASH invites you to create your own Choju Jinbutsu Giga in honor of International Museum Day.

What is Choju Jinbutsu Giga?  

The Choju Jinbutsu Giga (鳥獣人物戯画/ literally “caricatures of animals and humans”) is a famous set of four (4) ten-meter-long picture scrolls, or emakimono (絵巻物; えまきもの), from Kozan-ji temple in Kyoto, Japan. Dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185), the scrolls are the earliest examples of the linear monochrome drawing style used in traditional Japanese painting, and they are frequently described as the first manga.

Using fine black brush lines (hakubyō), the Choju Jinbutsu Giga depicts humorous images of various animals frolicking in human fashion while staying faithful to the animal’s innate form and action. Frogs, rabbits, monkeys and foxes engage in sumo bouts, swimming races, archery contests, and even Buddhist prayer services. Some are in noble court garb, lending a gently satirical edge to the spectacle. (Note: The stories unfold from the right and move left, according to Japanese tradition.)

Some of the scrolls are drawn with a meticulous hand, while others are much sketchier, and this suggests the works were completed by several artists at different times. While the creators of the scrolls remain a mystery, scholars suspect the images are the work of a number of Imperial Court painters letting off steam. Further muddying the waters is the fact that over the centuries the scrolls have been cut up and reassembled in different sequences.

The Choju Jinbutsu Giga scrolls are a Japanese National Treasure. The first two scrolls are entrusted to the Tokyo National Museum, and the second two are housed in the Kyoto National Museum.

Images by https://kosanji.com/chojujinbutsugiga/

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Materials to make Choju Jinbutsu Giga:

• A computer with internet access

• Link to the Giga Maker website: https://gigamaker.jimdofree.com/

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How to make Choju Jinbutsu Giga:

1. After the website loads, you can see the canvas.

2. Pick (from left to right) Frog, Rabbit, Monkey, Group, Other or Text and drag the images you like onto the canvas.

3. After dragging and dropping a character onto the canvas, feel free to edit by picking (from left to right) Bigger, Smaller, Mirror, or Delete

4. If you dislike your design or want to start over, you can choose Clear All, as pictured above.

5. Congrats! You’ve created your own Choju Jinbutsu Giga. Take a screenshot to save.

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See Options for Each Character Group Below:

Choices for Monkey.

Choices for Frog.

Choices for Rabbit.

Choices for Group.

Choices for Other.

Choices for Text.

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JASH Choju Jinbutsu Giga Gallery:

View creations made by the JASH staff.

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Share your Choju Jinbutsu Giga by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

Kayo美 Kai--Week 7

All images by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

For Week 7 of Kayo美 Kai, JASH invites you to create your own kendama in celebration of Kendama Day on May 14th.

What is a kendama?  

A kendama (けん玉; けんだま) is wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand eye coordination, balance, and reflexes. It can be played by young and old alike.

The kendama is made up of the ken (けん; handle) and the tama (たま; ball), which is connected by a string.  Kendama tricks are done by juggling the ball through the three cups, spiking the ball with the ken spike, and balancing both in new creative ways.  Mastering the kendama takes practice, focus, patience, and creativity.

What is Kendama Day?

The kendama shape that we have come to know today has derived from the design of Mr. Egi Hama. It was called Nichigetsu Ball (日月 ボール; Sun-and-moon ball) because the ball looked like the sun, while the shape of the shallow carved cups were like a crescent moon. This original prototype of kendama, nichi getsu boru, was registered on the 14th of May 1919.

Kendama Day was officially recognized by Japan Anniversary Association in 2017 and is celebrated on the 14th of May in honor of the prototype’s registration.

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Materials to make a kendama:

• Paper squares (origami paper is preferred as it is precut; however, printer paper, newspaper or wrapping paper trimmed into a square will also work)

• Sturdy ribbon or string

• Scissors

• Tape

• Plastic or Styrofoam cups

• Stickers/markers/paint (optional)

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How to make a kendama:

1. Cut a piece of ribbon or string around 16 in.

2. Crumple a sheet of paper into a ball.

3. Tape one end of the string to the ball.

4. Wrap the ball with origami or wrapping paper and tape it.

5. Tape the other end of the string to the bottom of a cup.

6. Tape the cups together, allowing the string to hang out.

7. Decorate your kendama,

8. Congratulations, your kendama is ready!

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How to use your kendama

Learn tricks and test your skills through Kendama Kentei.

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Share your kendama by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

Kayo美 Kai--Week 6

All images by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

In celebration of May 5th, Japan’s Children’s Day (こどものひ; Kodomo no Hi), create an origami kabuto helmet for Week 6 of Kayo美 Kai.

What is a kabuto?  

A kabuto (兜, 冑) is a type of helmet used by samurai. It was often adorned with decorations, which can be family crests, flat or sculptural objects representing animals, mythical entities, prayers, or other symbols. Horns were also common, and many kabuto incorporated stylized deer antlers.

Kabuto incorporated a suspended neck guard, usually composed of three to seven semicircular, lacquered metal lames, attached and articulated by silk or leather lacing.

Why do people display kabuto on Children’s Day?

Similar to the koinobori kites that are flown on Children’s Day (こどもの日; pronounced kodomo no hi), ornate samurai kabuto are displayed in the homes of families with ons as a wish for the boys to be strong and courageous.

Materials to make a kabuto:

• Paper squares (origami paper is preferred as it is precut; however, printer paper, newspaper or wrapping paper trimmed into a square will also work)

How to fold a kabuto:

• Watch the video below or download the instructions from the button

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Share your kabuto by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

Kayo美 Kai--Week 5

All images by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

With this fifth installment of Kayo美 Kai, JASH is looking to bring a little joy to our youngest community members with koinobori lunch bags.

What is a koinobori?  

The Japanese word koinobori (鯉のぼり) is a combination of the words koi (鯉), meaning carp, and nobori (のぼり), meaning flag or banner.

Koinobori are a type of windsock that was originally flown on battlefields by samurai to instill the carp’s strength and courage into the warriors.

Why do people fly koinobori?

Koinobori during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) were all painted with black ink to look like wild carp. However, with the rapid Westernization of Japan in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912), koinobori painted in other colors became available. This trend continued through the Taisho (1912–1926) and Showa (1926-1989) periods until the colorful koinobori of today appeared.

The koinobori are flown during the last celebration of Golden Week, Children’s Day (こどもの日; pronounced kodomo no hi). Originally known as Boy’s Day, which is held every year on May 5, families with sons will fly these colorful banners or set up ornate samurai helmet displays. The carp is considered to be a spirited fish and due to its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

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Materials to make a koinobori bag:

• JASH koinobori design [all] [blank] [red] [black] [blue]

• Brown paper lunch sacks

• Colored pencils, markers, or paint (NO GLITTER PLEASE!)

• Scissors

• Glue

How to make a koinobori bag:

• Print off the JASH koinobori design.

• Color your koi if using the blank template. (NO GLITTER PLEASE!)

• Cut out the colored pieces.

• Glue the pieces to the long side of the brown paper bag (base of the bag should be facing down).

• Let dry.

• Write an encouraging message.

Download a koinobori template:

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Send us your koinobori:

JASH is working with Kids’ Meals Inc. to provide fun and engaging lunch bags and lunches to children in need, and we would like your help. We encourage you to send your decorated koinobori bags to the JASH office, listed below.

All bags should be sent to:

Japan-America Society of Houston

4543 Post Oak Place Dr., Ste 220

Houston, TX 77027

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Share your koinobori by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

Kayo美 Kai--Week 4

With this fourth installment of Kayo美 Kai, JASH is looking to honor those on the front lines fighting COVID-19. To do this, we are turnI got to the origami crane, Japan’s symbol of hope and healing in challenging times.

What is Origami?  

Origami is the art of paper-folding. Its name derives from the Japanese words ori (おり) which means to fold and kami/gami (紙；かみ/がみ) which means paper. Traditional origami consists of folding a single sheet of square paper into a figure without cutting, gluing, or taping. A variety of basic origami folds can be combined in different ways to make intricate designs. Origami has been practiced since the Edo period (1603–1867) in Japan before its popularity spread around the world.

Why do people fold cranes?

In Japan, the crane (鶴；つる；pronounced tsu-ru) is a mystical creature that is believed to live for a thousand years. 

As a result, the crane represents good fortune and longevity while the wings of the crane were believed to carry souls up to Paradise. The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness.”

Traditionally, it was believed that if 1000 origami cranes were folded in a year, one’s hopes would be realized. The senbazaru (千羽鶴), which literally means 1000 cranes, are typically strung together to wish for a long life or a quick recovery from illness or injury. Senbazaru are also used to raise awareness for a cause.

Join JASH and Asia Society Texas Center in folding cranes for our community and contribute to our collective wish for hope, health, and healing. You can make your cranes extra special by using blue paper.  #LightItBlue in a show of solidarity for those on the front lines.  

Be sure to post images of your cranes on social media using the hashtags #Kayo美Kai and #1000CranesForHope.

Send us your cranes:

We encourage you to send your cranes to JASH. All cranes collected will be delivered along with food to people in need by CrowdSource Rescue Volunteers.

Together, we can share hope and healing through origami.

All cranes should be sent to:

Japan-America Society of Houston

2990 Richmond Ave., Ste 670

Houston, TX 77098

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Materials to make a crane:

• Paper squares (origami paper is preferred as it is precut; however, printer paper trimmed into a square will work)

How to fold a crane:

Instructions provided by https://en.origami-club.com/traditional/crane/zu.html

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Share your cranes by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

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Kayo美 Kai--Week 3

Images by Keiko Tsubokura

For our third installment of Kayo美 Kai, join us in making a JASH self-care fukuwarai.

Fukuwarai (福笑い) is a traditional New Year’s game in Japan.

As “fuku” (福) means luck and “warai” (笑) means laughter, the name of the game translates to “lucky laugh.”  As such, the game is often correlated with the proverb -「笑う門には福来たる」(Warau kado niwa fuku kitaru) - “Luck comes to a house with lots of laughter.”

Historically, the game was thought to have been developed during the Edo Period (1602-1868) as a game celebrating arts and culture.  It then became a New Year’s game during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) to bring luck to the start of a new year.

The objective of the game is to place cutouts of several facial features on the outline of a face, all while blindfolded.  (Think ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’!)

Okame is the most common face used in fukuwarai. She is also known as otafuku. With full cheeks, Okame was considered the epitome of beauty during the medieval times. Additionally, okame means tortoise, a symbol for longevity in Japan. 

Another face often used in fukuwarai is Hyottoko, who is a comical Japanese character with his mismatched eyes and puckered lips.  He has several roles in Japan but will often be seen in theater in the place of a clown. 

Here is what you need to create a JASH self-care fukuwarai:

Materials:

• JASH self-care fukuwarai template

Click on the image to download template.

Click on the image to download template.

• Scissors

• Double-sided tape / ticky tack / mounter’s putty

• Blindfold / bandana

• optional: A partner to guide you

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How to Play:

• Cut out each of the pieces.

• Use ticky tack / mounter’s putty or double-sided tape for an adhesive on the back. 

• Place the blank face either on the table or affix it to the wall.

• Put on your blindfold. 

• Try to place the features (and mask!) in right place. If you have a partner, follow their instructions. 

• Once you have finished, remove your blindfold and see your work.

Click on the image to download instructions.

Share your fukuwarai creations by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

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Kayo美 Kai--Week 2

Images by Keiko Tsubokura

It’s peak season to celebrate the splendor of the sakura / cherry blossoms!

For centuries Japan has worshiped cherry blossoms—sometimes as a goddess, always for their beauty and often as a good excuse for a party! —Kirsty Kawano, Saavy Tokyo

And while the joyful tradition of hanami (flower viewing) has been put on hold this year, we invite you to celebrate the symbol of Japan from your home.

Join us in making kirigami sakura for our second installment of Kayo美 Kai!

Kirigami (切り紙) is the art of creative papercutting. Kiri means “to cut" and kami/gami means "paper" in Japanese. Inspired by papercrafts in China, kirigami became popular in Japan around the 7th century, using traditionally crafted washi paper to create the pieces.

Kirigami starts with a folded base followed by precise cuts to form a piece of art. Simple kirigami are usually symmetrical.

Here is what you need to create kirigami sakura:

Materials:

・Paper (Construction Paper, Wrapping paper, etc...)

Printable origami paper patterns are available online. Click here to download.

・Scissors

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Step-by-Step (from L to R):

1. Prepare a sheet of square paper

2. Fold it in half

3. Fold up bottom left corner

4. Unfold

5. Fold down top left corner

6. Unfold

7. Bring bottom right corner to center

8. Fold corner back to make a kite shape

9. Fold left side to meet the right

10. Flip paper over

11. Fold in half

12. Get ready to draw!

13A. Trace petal shape

14A. Cut along the lines

15A. Unfold & enjoy!

13B. Trace petal shape

14B. Cut, unfold & enjoy!

The sakura reminds us more, now than ever, that new beginnings lie ahead.

Share your kirigami creations by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

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Kayo美 Kai--Week 1

Drawing by yōkai master Mizuki Shigeru

It is said that drawing can elicit a relaxed mindset, and we can’t think of anything better to draw at this time than the amabie.

The amabie (アマビエ) is a mythical mermaid-like creature considered to be one of the yōkai, a class of spirits, monsters, and demons, from Japanese folklore.

Stories of the amabie were first popularized during the Edo period (1603-1868) at the end of Japan’s isolationism.  As legend has it, a scale-covered spirit with long hair, a beak and 3 legs appeared off the coast of Kumamoto, Japan, revealing prophecies about upcoming harvests and potential destruction from infectious disease.

Before disappearing back into the sea, the creature shared advice for surviving epidemics. 

the original Edo Era tile carving, courtesy Kyoto University Digital Archives

According to records, the yōkai said,

“If an epidemic occurs, draw a picture of me and show it to everyone.”

Seeing and distributing amabie’s image was thereafter believed to serve as protection from disease.

The legend has recently resurfaced in Japan, and it stands to reason that artistic renderings of the amabie are now flooding social media.

JASH is joining in the #AmabieChallenge to share hope for safety and good health in the face of COVID-19. You will find amabie-inspired art from the JASH staff below. 

We invite you to create an amabie of your own.  Share your creation by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.

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Welcome to Kayo美 Kai

Welcome to the first edition of “Kayo美 Kai” (Kayobi Kai), JASH’s new Tuesday (火曜日; kayobi) art “gathering.”

As we continue to self isolate, we are turning to 美 (bi) for inspiration.

美 (bi) is the Japanese character for beauty and the root of the Japanese word for the arts, 美術 (bijutsu).

Japanese art forms have been a source of fascination for centuries, from the highly refined traditional arts to 工芸 (kogei) crafts.

Each Tuesday, we will be introducing arts & crafts and activity ideas for learning about Japan!

Whether you are entertaining children/grandchildren or just looking for a way to creatively pass the time, we hope these projects will bring a bit of excitement to your days.

Seeing so much creativity coming out of a difficult situation has been reassuring, and we look forward to contributing with Japanese-inspired activities.

After all, who doesn’t need a bit of beauty in their lives at this time?