#Japan #Tokyo #World Wood Day #Tokyo Toy Festival #International Wood Culture

World Wood Day at the Tokyo Toy Exhibition

The World Wood Day is making a significant presence at the Tokyo Toy Festival, bringing together artisans from different corners of the globe to celebrate wood culture. This international event aims to raise awareness about the importance of wood in a sustainable society, focusing on the craftsmanship and traditions surrounding it. Scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, the event will take place at the Tokyo Toy Museum, which has been chosen as one of the venues for the Japan event.

Event Highlights

The Tokyo Toy Festival has attracted experts from three different countries who will showcase their unique wooden art forms and craftsmanship. Here are the featured artisans:

1. Japanese Karakuri Doll Artisans

From Japan, we have the talented duo, Kazuaki and Megumi Harada, who are renowned for their work on automata and Karakuri dolls. Attendees will have the chance to view their fascinating creations and participate in workshops to make their own mechanical toys.

2. Moroccan Foot Wheel Artisan

Next, we welcome Hassan El-Farisi, a traditional foot wheel artisan from Morocco. This ancient technique involves using a foot-operated potter's wheel, a skill that is still carefully preserved by a few artisans in Morocco today.

3. Taiwanese Puppet Theater

Finally, from Taiwan comes the exquisite art of Puppetry known as Bùdàijù, or “Palm Puppet Theater.” The puppets feature a soft body with wooden heads and limbs and are manipulated by puppeteers, providing lively performances. Lai Yong-Ting will be visiting from Taiwan to offer both performances and hands-on workshops, allowing attendees to experience this wonderful cultural display firsthand. Don't miss out, as spaces will be limited and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Details

• - Dates: November 15 (Saturday) & 16 (Sunday), 2025
• - Time: 10 AM - 4 PM, rain or shine
• - Location: Tokyo Toy Museum + Yotsuya Hiroba
• - Access:

- 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Approximately 8 minutes from Akebonobashi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
- 20 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station and Yotsuya Station

• - Organizers: Certified NPO Arts and Play Creation Association & Tokyo Toy Museum
• - Co-organizer: Yotsuya Hiroba

To learn more about each event and the featured artisans, check the Tokyo Toy Festival official website for further details and updates. Join us for a weekend filled with creativity, craftsmanship, and a unique cultural exchange of wood art that promises to engage attendees of all ages!