At the Education and Public Programs Department of the Artizon Museum, there is a hand puppet affectionately called “Kaeru-chan” (Little Frog) that is available for lending. When children from kindergartens and schools visit the museum, Kaeru-chan welcomes and bids them farewell. It is also used to engage with the children by wearing it on their hands and discussing the artwork together.

Here is a charming story from a kindergarten visit:

“For all of the children, it was their first time visiting a museum, and also their first time riding a single-person escalator. They were so excited to ride it alone, stretching out both arms to show off their bravery. It was incredibly adorable.

When they were about to leave, one of the children asked, ‘What’s this little one’s name?’ I replied, ‘I just call it Kaeru-san (Mr. Frog).’ The child then tried saying different names, like ‘Kero-chan,’ ‘Kiru-chan,’ and ‘Keru-chan.’ Finally, as if murmuring to themselves, they settled on ‘Keru-chan’ and told me that was the name.”