Japanese Graduation Party

by Claire Watson
(Sydney, Australia)

We decided to have a different style of graduation party this time as there are lots of other parties on the go and also we have wonderful Japanese neighbors who have been very much part of our son's life.

With their help we were able to plan a japanese party with many great features, food and demonstrations.

We removed a lot of our furniture to get a minimal look and then decorated with japanese hanging scrolls, graduation banner with japanese charcters, pictures all around with japanese characters signifying the food area, tea ceremony, bonsai demonstration and play areas.
Our backyard was turned into a dance floor as it is very hot in Sydney at graduation time. There were hanging lanterns to light the dance floor and of course a good DJ.

The house had lots of japanese travel type photos with Mount Fuji, Bullet Train , Tokyo and lots, lots more.

The invites had japanese characters and were rolled up like mini scrolls with a ribbon around them.

Costume was optional but guests did try hard to wear something with japanese characters on them.

The graduation party demonstrations of the tea ceremony, bonsai and martial arts went down well and interspersed well with games, food, dancing and relaxing.


Since we are in Australia we combined Japanese food with a choice of some BBQ and salads.

It was a great night!


In Addition

This celebration of Japan is a wonderful thing to do. After events in Japan in early 2011 it is important to show support for he Japanese people. Certainly it would be an amazing touch if you could do some fund raising for the right charity.


In terms of invitations you might find hat you can present them in Japanese and English. This will set the scene for the party and give a sense of occasion. Add some Japanese character confetti to the envelope.


Decorations can incorporate many Japanese symbols, copies of wonderful art work and tourist type posters of famous buildings, landscape and scenery. You should be able to find pictures of Mount Fuji, Bullet Trains, Villages and Tokyo to start with. If you set up a disaster support area you may be able to show just the right amount of photos and information sheets to get a good response. Also:

• Wall hung gossamers with Japanese characters



• Mini pagodas



• Symbols of Japanese business like Sony and Toyota



• Display of Japanese clothing



• Toy bullet trains

I am sure you will find lots of decorating ideas.


Guests should be able to find the right clothing for the Japanese party.


Favors can be a Bonsai Tree and care kit, cultural books and some Japanese postcards.


Enjoy the Japanese party.