#Japan #Sumida #Traditional Culture #Sumida Festival #Children's Event

Sumida Children's Folk Song Festival: Embracing Tradition with Joy

On July 12, 2025, the Sumida Children's Folk Song Festival was held at the Tachikawa Children's Center in Tokyo's Sumida Ward, organized by the Japan Folk Culture Promotion Association, led by director Chiharu Sato. This vibrant event aimed to immerse children and their families in various aspects of Japan's rich traditional culture, where participants could 'see, hear, and experience' folk songs, traditional instruments, dances, kimono wearing, and more. Approximately 60 families attended, filling the venue with laughter and joy throughout the day.

Engaging Live Performances: Singing and Dancing with Professionals

The first half of the event featured the 'Folk Song and Dance Interaction Live,' showcasing performances by folk singer Mitsuna Koyama, Tsugaru shamisen player Hiro-kun Sawame, traditional performer Michiyo Kagami, and dancer Yoshimura Hanayuki. Attendees were treated to a medley of folk songs passed down through the regions of Japan, captivating the children with the powerful sounds of the shamisen. The audience was equally enthralled by the breathtaking skills displayed during the traditional Japanese acrobatics segment, where audiences gasped in awe at the agility in balancing balls on umbrellas and the remarkable 'five-stage tea bowl' tricks. In the dance workshop, everyone got the chance to learn the 'Hanagasa Ondo' from Yamagata Prefecture, fostering a sense of fellowship in the room as participants danced along with their flower hats.

An Enthralling Cultural Experience: Diverse Hands-On Activities

In the second half of the event, participants rotated through a series of practical experience booths dedicated to various traditional cultural practices, including folk singing, shamisen, biwa, koto playing, kimono dressing, and traditional acrobatics. The enthusiasm was palpable as children sang along with instructors during the folk singing sessions, often shouting, 'I want to sing it again!' Many kids expressed a keen interest in mastering instruments like the shamisen and biwa, determined to make music despite initial challenges. The kimono experience allowed them to don beautiful traditional attire, capturing precious photos with their families while embracing the joy of Japan's clothing culture. The acrobatics booth was bustling with energy as children eagerly tried their hands at tricks using umbrellas, resulting in unending smiles and cheers.

Positive Reactions: A Growing Interest in Traditional Culture

Feedback from attendees indicated a strong enthusiasm for the unique cultural experiences, with many expressing their enjoyment of activities they had never encountered before. Comments like 'I had fun with experiences I can’t normally have' and 'I want to learn more about traditional culture' highlighted a newfound interest in Japan's cultural heritage, suggesting that the festival successfully ignited passion in the participants.

Building Community Through Cultural Heritage

The Sumida Children's Folk Song Festival is part of the 'Sumida Traditional Culture Interaction Project,' aimed at creating accessible platforms for local children to engage with Japan's traditional arts. This year’s festival allowed each child to encounter their 'own discoveries' through interdisciplinary and experiential programs. The Japan Folk Culture Promotion Association is committed to continuing this initiative, partnering with local communities to ensure that traditional culture remains part of children's everyday lives, while preserving their heritage for generations to come.

About the Sumida Traditional Culture Interaction Project

The project was initiated to address the decreasing opportunities for children to engage with Japan's rich cultural traditions amidst changing family dynamics and lifestyles. By connecting children with their cultural roots, the project nurtures personal growth and fosters pride and attachment to their communities. Funded with the support of Sumida Ward, this initiative represents a 2025 government-endorsed program for traditional cultural family education.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Sumida Children's Folk Song Festival – Enjoying Traditional Culture Together
• - Date: July 12, 2025 (Saturday), from 13:00 to 16:00
• - Venue: Tachikawa Children's Center (1-5-2 Tachikawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
• - Target Audience: Middle school students and younger (participation with a guardian is allowed)
• - Entry Fee: Free
• - Organizer: Japan Folk Culture Promotion Association
• - Co-Organizer: Folk Song Future Network
• - Supported By: Sumida Ward, Sumida Ward Board of Education, Japan Folk Song Association Foundation
• - Partners: Event Supporter Network Sumida
• - Official Website: Sumida Minyo Festival
• - Social Media: Follow us here

About the Organization

• - Organization Name: Japan Folk Culture Promotion Association
• - Location: 2F, Nishi-Shinjuku Mizuma Building, 3-3-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Representative: Director Chiharu Sato
• - Established: October 31, 2023
• - Mission: To revitalize local economies and promote social connections through the preservation and promotion of folk and traditional culture from various regions in Japan.

Photos by Tomohide Ono