About the classes
“In 2017, we started this initiative with the goal of creating a welcoming space where families with young children can take a break, connect with others, and exchange information. Starting in April 2023, we will be holding a weekly family drop-in every Monday (except for July and August). We are excited to share that news with you!
In the past, we have had Canadian families interested in learning about Japanese language and culture, and we welcome any families who wish to join us. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our culture with you and learn from each other.”
OHANASHI OHANASHI
Location：Tonarigumi１F（42 W8th Ave.)
Date: Mondays, April-June, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Storytelling from 10:15 a.m.)
Fee：＄５
Age range: 1 year and over, but since children between 1 and 2 years old grow at very different rates, please come and join us and decide which class is best for your child. You are welcome to attend both classes.
クラスの内容：
JMar 31 Closed for Spring Break
Apr 7 Ohanashi Ohanashi
Apr 14 Yoga with babies/tots by Fumiko
Apr 21 Closed for Easter Monday
April 28 Zumba with babies/tots by Kayo
May 5 Ohanashi Ohanashi
May 12 Yoga with babies/tots by Fumiko
May 19 Closed for Victoria Day
May 26 Zumba with babies/tots by Kayo
Jun 2 Ohanashi Ohanashi
Jun 9 Yoga with babies/tots by Fumiko
Jun 16 Zumba with babies/tots by Kayo
Jun 23 Ohanashi Ohanashi Event
Jun 30 Closed for Summer Break
OHANASHI OHANASHI
Location：Tonarigumi１F（42 W8th Ave.)
Date: Monday, April 7, May 5, June 2 & June 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Storytelling from 10:15 a.m.)
Fee：＄５
Number of participants: Up to 24 parents and children together
Age range: 1 year and under, but since children between 1 and 2 years old grow at very different rates, please come and join us and decide which class is best for your child. You are welcome to attend both classes.
Zumba with Babies/Tots by Kayo
Location：Tonarigumi１F（42 W8th Ave.)
Date: Monday, April 28, May 26 and June 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Fee：＄５
Age range: babies & toddlers
Instructor: Kayo Echizenya
Yoga with Baby by Fumiko
Location：Tonarigumi１F（42 W8th Ave.)
Date: Monday, April 14, May 12, June 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Yoga from 10:15-10:30 a.m.)
Fee：＄５
Age range: babies
Instructor: Fumiko Sawada
＊Registration is not required as this is a drop-in class. Class announcements and changes will be sent from the “!["Add](http://<a href="https://lin.ee/d6YcAfU"><img src="https://scdn.line-apps.com/n/line_add_friends/btn/en.png" alt="Add friend" height="36" border="0"></a>“>Ohanashi Ohanashi Line Official Account</a>“, so please register <a href=)
“>here.
About our library
To check out a book, you will need one of the following
Facebook account or LINE account
On your iPhone/Android, go to the LIBRISE website and log in.
Lending Procedure
１．Find the book you want to borrow.
２．Display the lending card screen on your iPhone/Android and show it to the staff.
３．Give the book you want to borrow to the staff. This completes the borrowing procedure.
Our thoughts
Raising children overseas can be a challenging and lonely experience, especially when living away from one’s home country. That’s why we’re here to offer support to families in this situation.
Our space provides a welcoming environment for you to bring your young children to play and learn in a Japanese-inspired setting, while also connecting with other mothers and sharing valuable information. We understand the busy schedules that come with raising a family, so we aim to provide a place where you can take a break and relax with your little ones.
Our Story
Those eyes when you pick up a book.
Those eyes when you pick up a book.
That face when you look into the book
That look on your face when you are listening to a book.
I want to see children’s smiles shining through the books.
“Storytelling” was born from our motivation.
May many big smiles come out of this tiny space
We opened with this wish in mind.
