TOKYO

National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 1F Special Exhibition Room

2025 7.29 Tue - 9.28 Sun

Special Exhibition co-organized by National Museum of Nature and Science, and Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

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Outline

Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 1F Special Exhibition Room
Dates: July 29 (Tues.)–September 28 (Sun.), 2025
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (entry until 30 minutes before closing)
*Open until 18:00 from August 9 to August 15
Closed: September 1 (Mon), 8 (Mon), 16 (Tue), 22 (Mon).
Open every day during the exhibition period in July and August.
Admission: Adults and University students ¥630 (¥510 for groups), free for high school students and younger and those 65 and older

*Only the permanent exhibition admission fee applies.

*Groups must be 20 or more people.
Organized by: National Museum of Nature and Science and Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Special cooperation: The Association to Promote the Preservation, Utilization, and Development of Techniques of Traditional Architectural Craftspersons
Sponsored by: Takenaka Corporation
Cooperation: Jingushicho, Japan Association for the Preservation of Traditional Construction Arts, PIIA Association for the preservation of national temple and shrine roof construction techniques, inc., Association for the Preservation of Tatami Techniques for Cultural Properties, Japan Thatching Cultural Association
Subsidized by: 2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (Japan Arts Council; Agency for Cultural Affairs)

Access

National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 1F Special Exhibition Room

National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion, 7-20 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718

5 min. walk from JR Ueno Station, Park Exit
10 min. walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station
10 min. walk from Keisei Line Keisei Ueno Station * We have neither parking area for cars nor bicycles

Event

Note: Event may be rescheduled or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Demonstration: “Tatami-Making Workshop”

No registration required

Craftsmen demonstrate handmade tatami mats that are rarely seen in front of them. You can experience traditional techniques up close, including how to use materials and tools, and finishing techniques. At the experience corner, you can also experience actually laying tatami mats using tatami puzzles. You can enjoy learning the wisdom and ingenuity of craftsmen put in the way of laying tatami mats. Anyone, from children to adults, can feel free to participate.

Date & Time: August 24 (Sun.), 2025
Free participation between 10:00–12:00 a.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Association for the Preservation of Tatami Techniques for Cultural Properties
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 1F Central Hall
Fee: No charge (with Museum entrance ticket)
Participants: Elementary school students and older; elementary students should be accompanied by an adult. Adults may also join.
Capacity: Flexible (no reservations required; inquire at Reception Desk)
Note: Please wear clothing that allows free movement. Refrain from wearing sandals, crocs, high heels, and clothing that could result in injury.
Waiting time: About 10 minutes (there may be a wait in case the experience corner is crowded).

Commemorative Lectures: “Plants and Crafts of Satoyama: Talking about Circulating Lifestyles”

First-come, first-served

Botany and architecture experts talk about the connection between plants living in satoyama and people’s lives in various ways. It introduces the wisdom of living with nature, such as the characteristics of the plant resources used in architecture and the wisdom of its use, the current state of the endangered species growing in thatch, and the cultural and ecological value of thatch from the perspective of thatch craftsmen.
Satoyama is not just a natural environment, but a Venue where people use it to preserve diverse ecosystems. In the lecture, I will delve into how the plant resources of satoyama have been circulated and utilized in daily life, and consider the significance of conservation in modern times and how sustainable use should be.

Date & Time: September 7, 2025
1:30–3:30 p.m. (doors open 13:00)
Moderator: Andō Kunihiro (Architect and professor emeritus, University of Tsukuba)
Speakers: Kokubugata Goro (Chief Curator, Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science), Obata Kazuo (Curator emeritus, Ibaraki Nature Museum), Kawakami Yoshinori (Thatcher)
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 2F Auditorium
Fee: No charge (with Museum entrance ticket)
Capacity: 100 (prior reservation necessary)
English interpretation: Check the “interpretation desired” item and reserve by August 12 (Thues.)
Deadline for reservations: Reservations will be taken until capacity is reached. In the case of cancellations, you may be contacted by the reservation site and allowed to re-apply.
Note: Same-day admission may be possible if space is available.

Workshop & Demonstration: “Let’s Try Thatching!”

First-come, first-served

This is a participatory event where you can actually experience the traditional thatched roof technology. The Japanese pampas grass is carefully placed on the base of the roof one by one, and at the end, you will experience the basic process of thatched, until the surface is adjusted using scissors. Under the guidance of craftsmen, this is a valuable opportunity to learn how to handle kaya and how to shape the roof while moving hands. Why don’t you feel the wisdom of traditional living and the depth of technology while facing natural materials?

Date & Time: September 13 (Sat.), 2025
Session 1) 10:00–12:00 / Session 2) 14:00–16:00
Instructor: Japan Thatching Cultural Association
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion 1F Central Hall
Fee: No charge (with Museum entrance ticket)
Participants: Fourth grade students and older (elementary school students will participate as a pair with an adult parent or guardian; adults are also welcome)
Capacity: 20 per session (prior reservation necessary)
Note: Wear overalls or light work clothes and sneakers (sandals, crocs, high heels, and other inappropriate footwear will not be permitted).
Deadline for reservations: Reservations will be taken until capacity is reached. In the case of cancellations, you may be contacted by the reservation site and allowed to re-apply.
Note: Same-day admission may be possible if space is available.

Workshop & Demonstration: “Let’s Try Thatching!”

No registration required

Note: We regret, the event has been canceled. Thank you for your understanding.

Date & Time: ~~September 20 (Sat.), 2025~~
~~10:00–12:00 / 14:00–16:00~~
Instructor: PIIA Association for the Preservation of National Temple and Shrine Roof Construction Techniques, Inc.
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan Pavilion (Outdoor)
Fee: No charge (with Museum entrance ticket)
Capacity: Flexible (no reservations required; inquire at Reception Desk)

Info

National Museum of Nature and Science

NTT Hello Dial: (050)5541-8600 (Domestic Calls)
Tel.: +81-(50)-5541-8600 (International Calls)

7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718

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