Why Clay Play Matters: What Japan, the World’s Most Creative Nation, Can Teach Us About Early Childhood Education

Japan's Commitment to Safety

In 2016, Adobe named Japan the 'Most Creative Country in the World'. While Japan is famous for its anime, manga, cuisine, and rich cultural traditions, there’s another aspect that deserves just as much attention—its strong focus on safety and security. This commitment to safety is everywhere, from product manufacturing to homes, workplaces, and even how kids are educated.

In Japan, encouraging creativity through play starts young. But what’s often overlooked is the solid foundation of safety behind this creative education. When it comes to picking out toys, parents and grandparents in Japan are incredibly careful. They choose toys that are not only fun and educational but also super safe. Every toy is designed with strict safety standards, so kids can play without a care in the world.

This focus on safety is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It’s a part of daily life, from homes and kindergartens to society as a whole, shaping how Japan approaches both education and everyday living.

The Surprising Benefits of Clay Play on Brain Development

In 2020, India made a major update to its 'National Education Policy' for the first time in 35 years, lowering the starting age for compulsory education from 6 to 3 years old. This change was based on the understanding that 'over 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs prior to the age of 6, indicating the critical importance of appropriate care and stimulation of the brain in the early years in order to ensure healthy brain development and growth'. (National Education Policy 2020).

Japan also recognizes how crucial early brain development is, and one of the ways they support this is through 'clay play.' Many Japanese parents know that playing with clay doesn’t just build fine motor skills—it also has amazing benefits for brain development. When kids knead and shape clay, it stimulates all their senses and helps cultivate their tactile sensitivity. Playing with clay in this way strengthens the nerves in their fingers, which in turn, activates the brain, boosting cognitive abilities, memory, and motor skills—all of which play a vital role in brain development as kids grow.

Concerns Regarding Safety

While playing with modelling clay is great fun for children and beneficial for their brain development, it can also be a source of concern for parents. With younger kids, there's always the worry about them ingesting the clay or about potential allergies. A lot of store-bought clays are made from materials like soil, oil, wheat, or sand, which can raise some safety concerns.

You can feel rest-assured that the "Rice Clay" sold at the FUN! JAPAN SELECT SHOP is made with kids’ safety and health in mind. It’s crafted from just rice flour, salt, and water, so it's completely safe even if your child accidentally ingests it, and has a low risk of causing allergic reactions, making it a great option for parents who want to prioritize their child’s health.

Experience the Joy of Japanese Clay Play: Fun for Kids and Adults Alike!

India and Japan have a long history of sharing and exchanging cultures and we’re very excited for the opportunity to share with everyone in India one of Japan’s latest trends—rice-based clay! If you’re interested in Japanese culture and education, you’ve got to try this popular new product that’s taking Japan by storm!

This rice-based modelling clay featuring many vibrant colours is perfect for nurturing kids' creativity. Just like pens or crayons, it comes in a variety of shades, making playtime even more fun as well as enriching your child’s brain development. Worried that it might be too tricky to create something? Not sure what to make? No need to worry! The rice clay kits include everything you need to craft fun things like hamburgers and sushi easily. It’s a great way for you to bond with your child and enjoy pretend play together. Give it a try!