Celebrating the New Year at Kizuna Welfare Association's Kindergartens

In January, the Kizuna Welfare Association, based in Saitama City, held festive events across its various kindergartens to celebrate the New Year. Children participated with joy and excitement, experiencing authentic Japanese cultural traditions during these festivities. Each kindergarten organized activities in unique ways, making the occasion both educational and fun.

Lion Dance and Traditional Games

The New Year celebration kicked off with enthusiastic greetings from the children, who joyfully said, "Happy New Year!" The highlight of the event was the lion dance, which intrigued the kids. Initial surprise turned into happy smiles as they received gentle nibbles from the lion, participating in this traditional ritual meant to drive away evil spirits and wish for good health.

After the lion dance, the children took part in various traditional New Year games like Fukuwarai (a game similar to pin the tail on the donkey) and spinning tops, along with balloon badminton. These activities were met with laughter and play, filling the air with joy as the children embraced the spirit of the season.

In the preschool classes, the children enjoyed a panel theater themed around