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Waku Waku Museum, MIHO MUSEUM’s children’s educational program, promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, welcomed its second year in 2005 with 2,648 participants. The program takes place every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our participants include neighborhood families, local organizations, children’s groups, and sports clubs, and on those days, excited children can be seen all over the museum, talking about the different artworks.    Middle school and high school students, who visit the museum as an extracurricular activity, are also among these groups. The aim is to effectively incorporate these activities into class.    This year marks the third year for this concept of creating a fun learning space for children, Waku Waku Museum, which is quickly becoming an establishment. Our staff looks forward to as many energetic children, our future, learn and benefit from this space.    *The participant breakdown is as follows: 294 pre-schoolers, 1,004 elementary school students, 340 middle school students, 64 high school students, and 946 school teachers/group leaders.

From a third-gradert: I was surprised because this object with three faces was so small. I had a great time because I learned a lot. I had fun and was surprised by many things.

From a fifth grader: Illustration by the fifth grader The teachers explained things very well, so it was easy to understand the artworks. It made me want to learn about the other works too. I hope to participate in the Waku Waku Museum programs again. I also enjoyed being asked questions like a quiz. It was fun to solve the problems as in a quiz game, and I could understand much more about the art I was looking at.

From the parents:

I was surprised that the children were much more inquisitive the children than the adults expected. The children were impressed with the works of art. If there were no such opportunity, we probably wouldn’t have come here. It was a wonderful experience.

I really enjoyed this program, because I was always under the impression that a quiet place like museums is difficult to visit with children. I also appreciated the explanations on the works. I hope that there will be more programs such this.

The nonprofit organization Shûmei International invites visitors with disabilities and their attendants to a free special museum opening, on a reservation basis. Visitors to this special opening can leisurely view the artworks and participate in educational workshops on this day, which is usually closed to the general public.    The restaurant and café will be closed. However, a self-service area for drinks will be open in the café area. For those needing special assistance, please call us in advance for the various services we offer.    For more information, call NPO Shûmei International (tel. 0748-82-3140, e-mail: nposhumei@shumei.or.jp)

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