The importance of imagination on Toy Day

The Japan Toy Association very cleverly created Toy Day おもちゃの日 to fall on "Children's Day" to honor the role toys play in children's growth and imagination. It is a natural fit, as a day that people are naturally thinking about children. 

According to the Japan Toy Association, toys are more than entertainment: they support learning, creativity, emotional developement and allow children explore the world in a safe way at their own pace. I wholeheartedly agree. Not all toys are created equally though! I think it is always savvy to research toys before purchasing them. Even better still, if you can receive hand-me-downs and / or borrow from toy libraries it supports sustainability. 

The day also highlights the work and role of toy makers across Japan. It also reflects on toys of each era and how some toys have endured the test of time. Toys remind us not only of the joy of childhood, but also the importance of imagination and shared moments.