Pop-Up Little Japan Exhibition

A space to share Japanese culture.

With no one being allowed to travel anytime soon, Pop-Up Little Japan is a chance to experience some aspects of Japanese culture, right here in Nelson’s ShopFront Theatre. Pop-Up Little Japan has a mix of exhibitions, shows and classes.

Click here for more information on puppet shows and classes in calligraphy and origami.

HINA NINGYO DISPLAY
To celebrate the upcoming Japanese traditional girl’s day, Hina Matsuri, Pop-Up Little Japan has three sets of beautiful Hina Ningyo (Hina Dolls) on display. All the Hina Ningyo are originally from Japan and belong to ladies at different ages (66, 64 and 42 years) who now all live in Nelson.

This is a very rare chance to see them all together in Nelson!

Hina Matsuri is on 3 March, and observed as a day to pray for the health and good future of young girls. When a girl is born into a family, it is customary for relatives to give her Hina Ningyo.

Traditionally, in the days leading up to the annual festival, the dolls are displayed in the household on red-carpeted tiered platforms. The ornamental dolls represent the Emperor, Empress,  attendants and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian Period (8th-12th centuries). There’s some really great information here.

The Hina Ningyo are on display on at ShopFront Theatre at 105 Collingwood Street.
– Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from until 26 February, 12noon to 1.30pm
– Monday 1 March – Friday 5 March from 12noon to 4.30pm.