Japanese New Year Celebration at the USU Museum of Anthropology

The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology invites everyone to learn about the traditions of Japan’s biggest celebration of the year —The Japanese New Year Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly event will explore the culture and history behind the Japanese New Year. Patrons will have the opportunity to participate in many different activities throughout the day and view a variety of educational displays on the Japanese New Year.  

Learn how to play Fukiwarai, a traditional Japanese New Year children’s game, write a New Year’s postcard, learn the story behind and craft peace cranes, and get recipes for traditional Japanese New Year’s foods.

“The Japanese New Year is a time for peace and resolution, deeply rooted in tradition,” said Saturdays Program Planner Kimberly Buckner. “We are excited to offer the community a chance to explore the history and culture behind Japan’s biggest celebration of the year.”

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252.

In addition to its Saturday program hours, the Museum of Anthropology is open to USU students and members of the public six days a week, with regular hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

Funding for Saturday events is provided by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website. 

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU.

Contact: Monique Pomerleau, USU Museum of Anthropology (435) 797-7545, monique.pomerleau@usu.edu