Just stick them on in layers! New Year’s kagamimochi

This is a flat kagami-mochi craft using layered cutouts that you can safely do even in schools where 3D projects aren’t allowed.

Just cut out circles in gradually different sizes and stack and glue them to create a kagami-mochi with a three-dimensional feel, so it’s easy for children to make.

This example uses four layers, but adding more layers will give it more presence, and making it smaller as a mini kagami-mochi is also an adorable variation.

Since simply gluing the pieces together makes it look polished, it’s a project where children can easily feel a sense of accomplishment.

Arranged on a wall as New Year’s decorations, it looks festive—definitely a New Year’s craft to try.

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Crayon Shimenawa

Let’s make a New Year’s decoration using a drawn shimenawa rope and ornaments! All the parts are flat, but by incorporating shading into the drawings, they’ll look three-dimensional.

First, draw the base shimenawa on white drawing paper.

Start by drawing a large circle, then place teardrop shapes along that line.

Next, fill the inside of each teardrop with a light green.

Once filled, add shading with dark green and white, then rub with a cotton swab to blend the crayon.

You’ll create the decorative parts in the same way, so draw your favorite motifs, such as plum blossoms or a Japanese-style ribbon.

Attach the parts to the shimenawa, punch a hole, thread a string through, and it’s complete!

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Stamping Shishimai (Lion Dance)

This is a New Year–themed craft activity that kids can enjoy by stamping away.

Through making it, they can naturally learn that the furoshiki cloth of the shishimai (lion dance) often features auspicious patterns, such as the swirling karakusa arabesque and the powerful ke-manji motif.

The shishimai is a beloved traditional performing art for warding off misfortune and praying for good health, and it’s said that being “bitten” on the head will keep you lively for the year.

As children create patterns with stamping, sharing this background story alongside the activity will greatly deepen their understanding.

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Daruma-chan with decalcomania

This is a creative activity packed with depth and fun that uses the technique of pressing paint to transfer patterns.

Simply folding the paper in half and opening it encourages thinking about symmetry and helps develop spatial imagination.

Plus, because children can experience the flow of prediction, experimentation, and results, it nurtures a curiosity that makes them want to try again and again.

For infants, making a decollage in a single red color and then adding facial parts afterward can look adorable, making it enjoyable at different developmental stages.

Although it looks simple, it’s full of learning—perfect for a winter craft: a little Daruma.

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Kadomatsu decoration made with Japanese-pattern paper plates

This is a simple craft that lets you create festive New Year’s decor using only familiar materials.

By using paper plates with traditional Japanese patterns, just cutting and pasting instantly brings out a seasonal feel, and simply hanging it on the wall elevates the New Year’s mood.

The steps are very straightforward: use a paper plate as the base, attach kadomatsu parts made from doilies and construction paper, and finish with a ribbon.

Since you can put it together quickly with double-sided tape, it’s perfect for making with children.

You’ll have an adorable, elegant, Japanese-style kadomatsu decoration in no time—an ideal New Year’s craft that brightens up your entryway or room.

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Twisted paper streamer made of decorative tissue paper

A perfect New Year’s craft activity where you can make an authentic shimenawa just by twisting tissue paper.

The steps are simple: roll two colors of tissue paper into thin strands, twist them together, make two of the same, and form a ring.

The twisting process is great fine-motor practice as kids learn to control their strength, and they’ll also enjoy choosing the colors.

Showing a real shimenawa or a photo beforehand helps them visualize the result and complete the project smoothly.

Add New Year-themed decorations like pine or snakes at the end to instantly create a festive, eye-catching shimenawa.

It’s easy yet full of seasonal charm—highly recommended for parents and children to enjoy together over the New Year.

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New Year’s shishimai (lion dance) craft

[New Year] Making a Shishimai (Lion Dance) #January #NewYear

This is a handmade activity that lets you enjoy and feel close to traditional events.

While assembling the face and learning the parts of the shishimai (lion dance)—eyes, nose, and mouth—children naturally develop their observation skills.

By freely combining the parts, you can create a lion with tons of personality, from smiling faces to humorous expressions.

It’s also great fun to play as a fukuwarai game, letting you fully enjoy the New Year atmosphere.

Making it together while asking, “What kind of face will it be?” is enjoyable with family and friends, and it’s perfect as a winter break craft activity.

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