On Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston hosted a Japanese Children’s Day Celebration at Texas Children’s Hospital. To organize Children’s Day, the consulate collaborated with Texas Children’s Hospital and a cultural performance group, Showing Japan. Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5th in Japan to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of all children.
The program began in the lobby of the west tower where over 75 people including patients, family members, and staff stopped to enjoy the traditional Japanese dances performed by members of Showing Japan dressed in kimono. Due to the popularity of the performance, Showing Japan was asked to dance again on the 3rd floor sky bridge before dancing one final time in Pi Beta Phi Patient/ Family Library on the 16th floor, the main venue for the event.
The library was decorated with symbols of Children’s Day, including carp streamers called koinobori that are flown outside of homes in Japan on May 5th. The carp, who fights its way boldly upstream, symbolizes the strength and spirit of children. A Japanese samurai warrior doll wearing the traditional kabuto helmet was also displayed. Over 25 patients stopped by the library to learn about Children’s day, fold origami koinobori and kabuto helmets, and watch the telling of Issun Boshi, a Japanese tale of a brave samurai boy. |
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