Japan and Nature: Spirit of the Seasons

Family time can be spent exploring different Japanese traditions throughout the four seasons. Autumn begins by celebrating the fall rice harvest and playing festival drums. Winter includes learning how to use chopsticks and playing Fukuwarai, similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey. In spring, kids practice calligraphy through writing nature kanji and make Teru Teru Bozu dolls that look like ghosts to ward off rain. Summer means catching hidden insects and fish, which are then released back into the lake.