Foreign Minister’s Commendation to be Awarded to
Boston Children’s Museumn
On July 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced that it would award the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Boston Children’s Museum in recognition of its significant contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States of America.
Boston Children’s Museum, which was founded in 1913, is the second oldest children’s museum in the United States. The Museum has created various exhibits and facilities which promote understanding and exploration of culture, arts, math, science, and careers through hands-on, interactive experiences. The Museum’s commitment to multi-culturalism led it to develop a section where children could learn about different cultures and ethnicities.
Boston Children’s Museum especially features Japanese culture by maintaining the display of a hundred-year-old traditional Japanese silk merchant’s house, which was a gift from Kyoto. Inside this “Kyo no Machiya,” there are nostalgic items such as an instantaneous water heater, and CRT-based television, which accurately represent a typical 1970’s Japanese household. Also, there are hands-on demonstrations such as how to fold origami, every day at “Kyo no Machiya.”
Not only exhibits and facilities, but also various kinds of seasonal events promoting the Japanese culture are held at the Museum. For instance, there is a big festival introducing the Japanese way of celebrating Oshogatsu (New Year’s Day) in January, and Sakura Matsuri in March introduces the Japanese custom of celebrating cherry blossom season. The Museum also encourages its visitors to experience Japanese children’s daily life with a Kamishibai (paper drama) exhibit, and showing a typical elementary school classroom and child’s room.
In cooperation with Harvard University, the Museum conducts school visits to promote further understanding among teachers and students in local elementary and junior high schools. Other featured activities include theme-based exploration kits such as “Japanese calligraphy” and “Japanese family,” and holding seminars on the Japanese culture. All of these programs have tremendously contributed to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan acknowledges these great efforts made by Boston Children’s Museum in introducing the Japanese culture and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. To recognize Boston Children’s Museum’s continuing contributions and to further strengthen the support and understanding of its activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to honor Boston Children’s Museum with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
The Consul General of Japan in Boston, Takeshi Hikihara said, “from the beginning of its long history, Boston Children’s Museum has paid special attention to Japan. It has actively contributed to mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. through its display of the ‘Kyo no Machiya,’ as well as by holding festivals, seminars and cultural programs.
“I am pleased that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan highly esteemed these remarkable achievements and honored the Museum with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation. There are many fun attractions and tools at the Museum. I strongly encourage children from New England to visit Boston Children’s Museum, and have a good time, as well as learn about the Japanese culture through play.”
“We are deeply honored to accept the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for our longstanding Japanese program that promotes our strong ties to Japan,” said Carole Charnow, President & CEO of Boston Children’s Museum. “Every day children from around the world come to Boston Children's Museum to enjoy our beautiful Japanese house, our fine Japanese collection, and the many Japanese cultural celebrations we present each year. On behalf of our visitors, staff and Board I would like to extend my deepest thanks for this great honor.”
The award will be presented at a Boston Children’s Museum event to be scheduled later.