Free Online Seminar for Children: "Thinking About Japan Through Traditional Crafts ~Tools Supporting Japanese Identity and Culture~" (2nd Identity Forum) Held on April 18th (Saturday)

The Foundation for Overseas Children's Education (JOES) will host a free online seminar for children living abroad, focusing on how to think about "Japanese identity" and "self-identity" through traditional crafts. The seminar will feature Mr. Takatoshi Kawai, Executive Director of the Japan Traditional Crafts Association, as the lecturer.

Japan's traditional crafts have developed while valuing the "relationship between oneself and others" and "coexistence with nature." The tools, designed with thorough consideration for usability, embody the spirit of thoughtfulness towards others. The practice of using different vessels for different seasons, and techniques born from the desire to cherish objects, such as kintsugi (gold repair), reflect gratitude towards nature for its materials. These sentiments embedded in Japanese traditional crafts are being re-evaluated in recent years amidst increasing globalization and are gaining recognition from various countries.

By thinking about Japanese traditional crafts, and even researching the traditional crafts of the countries and regions where they live, children may be able to understand "Japanese identity," which in turn may lead to understanding "self-identity." Children growing up abroad, amidst changing languages and environments, may experience fluctuations in their sense of "who they are." Using familiar cultural elements like traditional crafts as a clue, they may be able to re-examine the "core of their heart" that lies at the root of their values.

What is the "core of the heart" for children growing up abroad? Why not think together about hints for this through traditional crafts?

2nd Identity Forum "Thinking About Japan Through Traditional Crafts ~Tools Supporting Japanese Identity and Culture~"

【Event Overview】

〇Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (JST)

〇Lecturer: Mr. Takatoshi Kawai (Executive Director, Japan Traditional Crafts Association)

〇Format: Online (Zoom Webinar)

〇Target Audience: 4th-grade elementary school to junior high school students living abroad (school groups also welcome), and anyone interested in the theme.

〇Participation Fee: Free

〇Application and Details: https://www.joes.or.jp/kojin/identity

【Recommended for Children Who】

● Want to know more about Japan!

● Are curious about the differences between foreign countries and Japan.

● Have ever wondered, "What nationality am I?"

【Recommended for Parents Who】

● Have ever felt, "What nationality is my child?"

● Are concerned about their child's "Japanese identity."

● Want to reconsider what "Japanese-ness" means.

*We will also provide information on archived distribution for those who apply, so please do apply.