Japanese House Gallery

木は幸せをつくる

Exhibit Featuring Artwork Exploring Life and Happiness Through Tree Growth
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Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Arts Friends Tohoku Project

“Trees Make Happiness 2” showcases works by Japanese student artists, providing insights into contemporary youth culture and its diverse narratives. It encourages viewers to connect with shared experiences, a sense of happiness, and the significance of trees in our lives. This exhibit revisits its theme of the first “Trees Make Happiness” exhibit, brought from Japan to the Museum in 2016. A decade later, this new exhibit invites both artists and visitors to reflect once again on how trees relate to our experiences of happiness, comfort, and resilience.

The current exhibit is part of the Arts Friends Tohoku Project, which was initiated by the Japan Program at Boston Children’s Museum in 2011 in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Minatsu Ariga, a former Museum intern, volunteer, and graduate of Lesley University (MA), began teaching at Tohoku University of Art and Design and launched the Art Thinking initiative to explore the importance of art in the development of young people. Since its start, Boston Children’s Museum and the Art Thinking have worked together to present seven art exhibits and eight cultural programs for audiences of all ages in Boston. The Arts Friends Tohoku Project marks its 15th anniversary in March.

“Trees Make Happiness 2” is the result of collaboration among students, faculty, and alumni from several Japanese institutions, including Kanazawa University, Nagoya University of the Arts, Musashino Gakugei College of Art, Tohoku University of Art and Design (Art in Life), Mie Prefectural Iino High School, and Sugino Fashion College.

The exhibit is located adjacent to the Japanese House—an authentic 19th-century Kyoto home, gifted to Boston in 1979 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership. 

“Trees Make Happiness 2” will be open through Summer 2026.