“Japanese parents so cherish their sons and daughters that in 1948 they set aside the fifth day of every May as a national holiday to celebrate the health and happiness of their youngsters. Children of all ages and persuasions in Tucson will follow suit on Saturday, May 6, at the fourth annual Children’s Day Festival at Yume Japanese Gardens, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson opened in January 2013 as Southern Arizona’s only authentic Japanese gardens. Each May since, the non-profit has attracted hundreds to its Children’s Day Festival, with traditional Japanese wooden toys, goldfish netting, yukata (summer-weight kimonos) for youngsters to wear, and handicrafts, such as origami (paper folding).

New activities this year include showing children how to make bento: box-shaped containers that are universal in Japan for carrying home-packed meals to school or work. Bento kits, assembly lessons, chopsticks, and rice and other food for the boxes will be for sale for $15.

Additionally, a flamboyantly dressed role-player – personified by Lani Chan (aka Lani Villanueva) – will entertain children as the singing and dancing Miku Hatsune, an anime character and virtual pop star famous in Japan as a “vocaloid,” or humanoid persona voiced by a singing synthesizer application.

Admission to the Festival costs $10 for adults and $3 for children fifteen and under. To fight early summer temperatures, visitors can purchase traditional Japanese foods, such as cold noodles and shaved, flavored ices.

Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson are located at 2130 Alvernon Way, immediately south of the Tucson Botanical Gardens and are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. It showcases five traditional Japanese garden designs, a large koi pond, a replica traditional Japanese house, and a museum currently featuring an exhibition of classical and contemporary hand-painted Japanese hanging scrolls.”

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For more information on the Children’s Day Festival or the Gardens, call (520) 272-3200, write yume.gardens@gmail.com or visit the Gardens website at yumegardens.org.

May 5 is traditionally considered Boys’ Day in Japanese culture, when we fly koinobori (koi/carp wind socks) to signify the number of boys in a household. “The carp is a symbol of strength, determination, vigor, and success.  Figurines of Japanese warriors and heroes are set up inside the house along with representations of samurai helmets to inspire strength and bravery.”

“Tango no Sekku or Children’s Day is a Japanese national holiday celebrating the healthy growth and development of children, especially boys. The purpose of the holiday is to encourage children to grow to be strong leaders and powerful individuals. Celebrated on May 5^th, Children’s Day became a national holiday in 1948. Prior to that time many people celebrated May 5^th as Boy’s Day.”

Children’s Day doll display will be at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures opening on April 25 to May 29, 2017 (4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.)  Upcoming Children’s day festival at Yume Japanese Gardens on May 6, 2017 (2130 N. Alvernon Way). See our SAJCC Calendar for more details.

“Originally a festival to wish for the health and happiness of boys, Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, as it is now called, honors all children with traditional decorations and activities.” Favorite foods are prepared in honor of the boys in the household.

Happy Boys’ Day/Children’s Day 2017. May 5 is still Boys’ Day in Hawaii, and many koi are flown above homes.

Koi owned by Stephan Classen, only son of the Editor, photo courtesy of Carolyn Classen

“Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Beads of Courage member Kelsey Luria, and all the lives we touch through our mission, during the unveiling of the Beads of Courage 1,000 Origami Cranes Community Art Project. Japanese legend says that people with the patience and commitment to complete the project will be granted a wish. Together, we will hold a wish for children and teens coping with cancer and other serious illnesses to find a cure, happiness and strength throughout their journey.

The public is invited to the Beads of Courage 1,000 Origami Cranes Community Art Project Reception.
April 19th 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Light refreshments will be served.

Beads of Courage is grateful to the community of Tucson for responding to our call to action. Every origami crane was folded by hand by caring people with the support and enthusiasm of Coppelia Tarantal, Kelsey’s aunt.

The community is invited to lend support through our Buy One to Give One program. When you buy a crane bead or a Queen Bee bracelet kit, you make it possible for Beads of Courage to give one to a Beads of Courage member.”

Beads of Courage is located in the Metal Arts Village, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. (NE corner of E. Ft. Lowell Drive).

https://www.facebook.com/events/1808751952780428/