June 10: “The Tubmaker Who Flew to the Sea” and Teru Teru Bozu paper craft

June in Japan is known as Tsuyu, the rainy season, when gentle rains and cloudy skies become a part of daily life. But what do you do when you are hoping for sunny weather before an important day?

In Japan, people often hang Teru Teru Bozu, a traditional handmade decoration believed to bring good weather. Usually made from tissue paper or cloth, these cheerful little figures are displayed near windows or doors to wish for sunshine.

Join us for a kamishibai reading of “Okeya no Ten Nobori” or “The Tubmaker Who Flew to the Sky,” a whimsical tale featuring a sleepy thunder god, Kaminari-sama, whose storms bring rainy weather.

After the story, make your own Teru Teru Bozu out of craft paper to chase away the rain and Kaminari-sama and invite sunny skies!