About Toy Specialist
The staff in red aprons are volunteer “Toy Specialist” More than 100 people, ranging in age from teens to their 80s and coming from all walks of life, are actively involved. They help create a warm and engaging atmosphere by serving as a bridge between the toys and our visitors.
A bridge between visitors and toys
Toy Specialist are like bridges between toys and people, between people and people, as “play guides”.
Through play, they make friends with people who share the same hobbies and skills,
and they expand their play activities by assisting toy creators, workshops, and other events!
Activities that transcend generations and professions
Currently, there are approximately 120 registered participants (as of 2022), ranging in age from teens to 80s.
They vary in age and occupation. By working together as curators, a wide range of generations can come into contact with a variety of knowledge that they did not have.
Main Activities
The museum provides a place where visitors of many generations, from babies to the elderly, can experience the thrill and excitement of life through toys. They also make friends through circle activities such as handmade toys, traditional games and storytelling, They also take part in various skill development courses for toy curators only, They participate in activities as a place for lifelong learning.
・Supporting toys, play and workshops Assisting with events and planning exhibition changeover work
Organising toys and cleaning the museum, etc
Three patterns of activity are available to suit your lifestyle.
※It would be helpful if you could attend at least twice a month on an ongoing basis.
- Full day (1 day) 9:30-16:30
- Morning (half day) 9:30-13:10
- Afternoon (half day) 12:50 - 16:30
Participation Requirements
- Over 18 years of age, enjoys dealing with people and is cheerful and energetic.
- At least twice a month *Continuous participation would be helpful.
- Those who agree with the aims and activities of the NPO Furusato Kiso and are willing to join.
- You will be required to purchase a red apron (uniform) for 3,000 yen.
- Annual renewal in April (Membership fee: 1,000 yen, including NPO insurance coverage)
Toy Specialist Training Course
Participants will learn about the history of the Toy Museum, develop hospitality skills, and discover the joy and appeal of play.
About the “Supporting Director” Donation Program
As a Hometown Experience × Wood Education Museum, we are committed to passing down the local culture, craftsmanship, and the traditions of wood to future generations. We kindly ask for your support in these efforts.
How Your Donation Will Be Used
We will use your donation for the following activities.
- Toy maintenance and exhibit management
- Training and development of personnel for hometown experiences and wood education programs
Benefits for Supporting Directors
For those who donate 10,000 yen or more, we will create a wooden block engraved with your name as a token of our gratitude and display it in the museum. You will also receive a special Kiso horse-shaped wooden block as a gift. We invite you to bring it with you when you visit and help us create a beautiful satoyama (village forest) landscape together, with rows of Kiso horses.
