DIY Little Passports: Japan

Konichiwa! Our little explorer is adventuring to Japan this month as we celebrate the cherry blossoms on the other side of the world, and changing of seasons here. Every month she receives a surprise package as part of our DIY Little Passports project! Check out what arrived from the Land of the Rising Sun.

In This Package

• Crafts: Design a Kimono, Origami Paper, Mini Koinobori Japanese Flying Carp
• Yan Yan Strawberry Creme Treat
• Erasers
• Note pad

Additional resources:
The following library books were put into a bag and I told my kid that when we went to the library without her the day before, they gave it to us- kind of like kits we normally check out. Keeps it organized and easy to access! I asked the librarians about what books they would recommend for my project, and they were more than helpful.​

• Library Books: Japanese Mythology, How to Draw Japan’s Sights and Symbols, Yoko books by Rosemary Wells, Letters from Around the World Japan, Origami for Fun!, Celebrate Japan

Receiving the Mail

My process for packaging is now basically streamlined! I type up our address and the address of the latest World Explorers Club P.O. Box on little labels so that it’s easy to pre-make and put on whatever I need to stick it on. I grab all the stamps I have for that country, and tape or glue it on.This month I stuffed all the package contents I could into a Manila envelope and sealed it shut with packaging tape. Then I waited until the next day when Little Explorer was home in the afternoon, left it on the doorstep and rang the doorbell, then ran inside and pretended to be predisposed so my husband asked her to get the door. We regularly receive packages left with a knock or a doorbell, so she wasn’t suspicious at all, and was thrilled to see her name!

The Letter

Things mentioned in the letter:

• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Shinto
• Japanese foods (sushi, bento box, teriyaki)
• Japanese Tea House
• Tidying
• Mount Fuji

Cost Breakdown

• Stamps, Stickers, Postcard: Part of initial cost
• Melissa and Doug Origami Kit: $5
• Yan Yan Treat: $1
• Print Coloring Page & Kimono Craft: $0.16
• Tokyo Gifts from my sister: FREE
• Library Books: FREE
• Materials for Koinobori Craft: FREE

Total cost this month: $6.16

How It’s Going This Month

She’s been going through her books quickly! She shared her treat with her brother, and I showed her this Kimono that my best friend who was stationed in Japan sent to her when she was just a baby. It was giant on her then and now it doesn’t fit her anymore. We made Yakisoba for dinner this week and we might try more foods or plan a tea party!

Check out all the other places we’ve explored in this DIY Little Passports project here!