The Japan Foundation, Toronto will have a special opening on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24* (*gallery only) with various activities for everyone to enjoy. Join us for “Blooming Japan in Toronto ― A Japanese Arts & Culture Experience,” with short animated films, library activities, Japanese language and cultural talk, and Cherry Blossoms-themed Tenugui Towels exhibition!
Registration are encouraged for some activities, but drop-ins are more than welcome! Please check the full details below to learn more about our activities.
Arts & Culture (Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24)
Gallery and Event Hall will be open with extended hours (10:30 AM – 4:30 PM) on both days.
Tenugui Towels with Cherry Blossoms: Design Excellence in Daily Life
In celebration of spring 2026, with Cherry Blossoms as a main theme, along with related Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, this colourful exhibition demonstrates the endless creativity in Tenugui.
Tenugui are towels made of bleached cotton, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in long. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning, but also for wrapping and wearing, and even as advertising tools.
Narrowed to a width of 34 cm and focused on the viewpoint of cherry blossoms, one can expect to still see wide-open and spectacular views.
Pre-registrations are open for the exhibition, but not mandatory during the weekend. Pre-registered guests will have priority entry to the exhibition if we are at full capacity.
Short Films Program
Discover a program of short films curated by acclaimed animator and professor YAMAMURA Koji, showcasing inventive works by current and former animation students of the Tokyo University of the Arts. The total runtime of the program is 63 minutes, and the films will be on loop at the JFT Event Hall on both days*.
*On Saturday May 23, the films will be paused during the BYOB: Japanese Language and Culture Talk session, from 11:45AM to 1:15PM.
Read more about the selection of short films here.
Language Education (Saturday, May 23 only)
Bring Your Own Bento: Japanese Language and Culture Talk (12:00 – 1:00 PM)
Have you been thinking about learning a new language but haven’t been able to find the time? The Japan Foundation, Toronto is happy to offer a series of Japanese language and culture talks over the lunch hour! In these sessions, we will introduce words and expressions to get you started on the path to learning Japanese!
In this session, we will cover the topic of “Japanese Houses & Architecture”. Come join us and learn Japanese words and phrases related to houses, rooms and furniture, along with interesting facts about Japanese architecture, from traditional to contemporary designs!
This talk is free to join but registration is required. For this B.Y.O.B. (“bring your own bento“) session, please feel free to bring your bento/lunch with you!
Pre-registrations are required for this event. Drop-ins may be accommodated if there is space, but not guaranteed.
Library (Saturday, May 23 only)
Extended Library Hours
Our library will be open with extended hours from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, May 23.
Visitors are welcome to browse our collection of 20,000+ Japan-related books, manga, and audio-visual materials in English, Japanese, and French, covering a wide range of topics including language study, art, literature, history, and culture.
If you’re new to our library, bring your photo ID along with proof of current address, and we can help you sign up for a library card.
Origami & Kirigami: Japanese Paper Art in Bloom
Create your own sakura (cherry blossoms) at the library’s drop-in origami and kirigami table! Origami, meaning “folded paper,” is the traditional Japanese art of transforming a sheet of paper into intricate models through folding, while kirigami, meaning “cut paper,” incorporates delicate cuts to create designs. No registration is needed—just stop by anytime during library hours and explore these beautiful paper arts at your own pace. Both beginners and experienced makers are welcome! Bring cherry blossoms to life as you connect with Japanese culture.
Library Display on Origami & Kirigami Books
If you feel inspired by our origami and kirigami table, continue your journey into Japanese paper arts with our library collection on display. From beginner-friendly guides to advanced design collections, explore techniques, patterns, and creative ideas to deepen your skills in folding (origami) and cutting (kirigami). Our collection includes both physical books and ebooks to suit your style.
