Koinobori Model
These Japanese carp shaped wind socks are called koinobori and they are traditionally flown on and around children’s day, 5th May. This model is a colourful model and relatively easy to make. Plus it looks great once it is made. It comes from the model makers at Canon. Follow this link for their website.
Japanese themed mobile
This mobile with Japanese themed ornaments is a great way to decorate a classroom or bedroom and it can be made by groups of children making different parts or by one person making the whole mobile.
Did you know:
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. It can grow up to 10 cm a day during the growing season.
Star festival model
Japan enjoys many festivals and one of these is the star festival or Tanabata. It takes place on 7th July and people decorate bamboo with paper lanterns and colourful strips of paper on which people write their wishes. This model comes in many parts and this model can be made by one person or a group of people sharing the work out.
Dharma doll model
These dolls are called dharma dolls and they are traditionally thought of as bringing good luck in Japan. They are modelled on the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism and the tradition states that you paint one eye in at the beginning of a project / venture and when the project is complete, you paint in the second eye.
Traditional Japanese house model
How about making this traditional Japanese house. As you make it, you can see inside the house and the floor plan is printed on the inside so you can see how the inhabitants would have lived in this house. This house is best made if printed on to card and it makes a wonderful way to look at and see how people would have lived.
Tanuki paper model
The tanuki or Japanese racoon dog has been an important character in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years. A cheeky character, he is always cheerful and a master of disguise. There are many carved wooden statues of him around Japan.