Celebrate Spring Break by learning about Japan and its beautiful spring season!

Each day during the week, join us in welcoming spring by participating in a different come-and-go, kid-friendly activity. Learn about the different sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms), create spring-inspired origami, and enjoy daily screenings of fun Japanese anime movies, plus take advantage of FREE admission to our exhibition New Cartographies in its final week.

Admission is free for all activities; Activities begin daily at 12 p.m. Film screenings begin at 2 p.m. Each day's programming concludes when the film screenings end.

Please check back for updates about the film screenings!

Daily Activities

Monday, March 11 Origami Spring Flowers Learn about and create many different types of origami flowers, including a special technique for Mother's Day.

Tuesday, March 12 Japanese Spring Characters Learn about and draw spring-related, written Japanese characters.

Wednesday, March 13 Onigiri and Bento Create and eat Onigiri (rice balls) and Bento lunch boxes for the Ohanami season (cherry blossom viewing). Please note that Bento and Onigiri are samples of Japanese food, not full meals. All children must be accompanied by adults. Not recommended for people with food allergies or food sensitivities. Bento Workshop #1 (12–12:30 p.m.) — Free tickets available at the front desk on a first come, first serve basis. Limited to 20 participants. Onigiri Workshop (ongoing while supplies last) — Limited to 50 participants. Dream Craft Bento (12–2 p.m.) Bento Workshop #2 (1–1:30 p.m.) — Free tickets available at the front desk on a first come, first serve basis. Limited to 20 participants.

Thursday, March 14 Doll's Festival Learn about this traditional Japanese festival while building your own craft Japanese dolls.

Friday, March 15 Children's Day Learn about this traditional Japanese festival while building your own carp (fish) decoration and samurai helmet.

About the Films

Monday, March 11 | Lu Over the Wall
2017, Rated PG, Length: 1hr 52min
When confronted by bullies in his small fishing town, Kai is helped by Lu, a mermaid who loves music but is vulnerable to sunlight. With a local seafood company posing a threat to the town and a number of its inhabitants hostile towards the mer-people, Lu, Kai, and his friends must band together to ensure both communities' survival. A funky, upbeat tale featuring cute mer-dogs, musical mermaids, and a giant humanoid shark.

Tuesday, March 12 | Pokémon the First Movie
1998, Rated G, Length: 1hr 36min
After a scientist genetically clones a Pokémon named Mewtwo, Mewtwo then clones other Pokémons on his own. As the Pokémon revolt, Ash Ketcham ventures with his friends to the villain's island where battles ensue.

Wednesday, March 13 | Oblivion Island – Haruka and the Magic Mirror
2009, Rated G, Length: 1hr 33min
Ordinary teenager Haruka's life takes a turn when she follows a strange creature resembling a fox and finds herself on Oblivion Island, an amazing place made entirely of memorabilia from the human world. But humans are not supposed to be on Oblivion Island, and the Baron, who rules that world, has his eye on this unexpected intruder.

Thursday, March 14 | Mirai
2018, Rated PG, Length: 1hr 38min
A young boy struggles to cope with the arrival of a little sister until things turn magical: A mysterious garden in his backyard becomes a gateway, allowing him to travel back in time and encounter his mother as a little girl and his great-grandfather as a young man. These fantasy-filled adventures help the child become the big brother he was meant to be.

Friday, March 15 | Astro Boy
2009, Rated PG, Length: 1hr 34min
In the futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, Astro Boy embarks on a journey in search of acceptance before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him.

Press Coverage

Things to do for Spring Break in Houston
Spring Break 2019 Guide
12 fun spring break activities in Houston for the whole family

Education and outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center are made possible through generous funding from Karen Chang, Greater Houston Community Foundation, and the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Generous funding also provided by the Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center. This program is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan in Houston.

Program Sponsors

Japan Series Presenting Sponsor

Japan Outreach Sponsor