The Hayward Area Historical Society will be hosting a number of programs in conjunction with the Special Gallery Exhibition Loyal Americans: Japanese American Imprisonment During World War II. For the first of these programs we will invite the whole family down to the Museum to learn about traditional Japanese forms of arts and crafts. Looking at and experiencing art often provides important insights into past and existing cultures, helping us better understand how others have lived and what they value. Join us to further explore Japanese culture through Origami and Taiko drumming.

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. Ancient Japanese legend says that anyone who takes the time and completes 1,000 paper origami cranes will be granted a wish from the gods. In commemoration of this tradition, join us between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM in making 1,000 cranes to be hung and displayed in the lobby for the remainder of the Loyal Americans exhibition. 

In Japanese, the word taiko translates to a barrel-shaped drum. In recent decades the art-form of ensemble taiko drumming has become extremely popular with many groups performing at concerts or during festivals. Starting at 11:00 AM, the Eden Aoba Taiko group will put on a demonstration of their drumming and show their art.