Encouraging Children’s Creativity Through Arts and Crafts
Published: February 18, 2026
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Rainbow Art” is a classroom where children explore art and creative expression while developing their thinking skills and self-confidence.
“Rainbow Art” was founded on Ms. Kurokami’s experience raising her child in Shanghai.
After living abroad for several years, she was inspired by the growing popularity of arts and crafts for children and decided to open her own school. As a mother of three, she has always enjoyed creating and drawing with her kids, discovering how important it is to nurture children’s unique inner worlds. Seeing how creativity was encouraged overseas, she felt it was essential to offer a similar space for children in Japan.
Artworks filled with children’s one-of-a-kind creativity.
For example, when asked to represent an apple, a child might choose a color other than red, because in their mind, apples do not have to look a certain way. Limiting children to copying the real world can stifle their imagination and creativity. Through arts and crafts, they are given the freedom to explore endless possibilities. Before each activity, they review real images, share ideas through brief discussions and brainstorming, and then each child creates something independently based on those shared ideas.
The Art Course includes the “Art Kids Class” for preschool-aged children and the “Art Jr Class” for elementary and middle school students. Each lesson is 60 minutes, and the project theme changes weekly. Classes are also offered separately in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
Activities are tailored to each child’s age and developmental stage, and skills are introduced gradually as children grow. Ms. Kurokami also believes that language learning is essential today, so classes may include English or Chinese, allowing children to naturally hear another language while they develop their creativity. In the Toyosu area, many students attend international schools, so switching between Japanese and other languages often feels natural to them.
Each lesson has a theme, but there is no single right answer. What Rainbow Art values most is not deciding on “the correct answer.”
Each week focuses on a new theme, with advanced groups sometimes working on larger projects over two weeks. Seasonal topics are also used to introduce cultural symbols and their meanings. Many children start out with little artistic confidence, often copying others, but the classes emphasize that there is no single right answer. As their confidence grows, their work becomes bolder and larger. Completed projects are presented in class, and parents may attend or receive a video recording of their child’s progress.
The program is designed for students to complete one piece of artwork in each lesson. By “thinking, creating, and finishing” within the limited time, each session offers a strong sense of accomplishment.
At first, children tend to focus solely on drawing what they are asked to draw. By offering a wide range of materials and techniques, we encourage them to explore new ways of expressing themselves. The goal is not to create something perfect or realistic, but to let children express their ideas freely.
When children are allowed to share their inner worlds without correction, their creativity can be truly surprising! Why not bring your child to an arts and crafts class and watch their creative journey unfold?
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on January 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the class directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
