Chapter 2. Towards the Enrichment and Spread of Culture
� 2 The Rise of Local Art and Culture
3. Opportunities to Appreciate Art at the Local Level
(2) The Children's Arts Theater
The Children's Art Theater, in operation since 1974, provides children between the ages of ten and thirteen (an important growth phase) with opportunities to appreciate excellent performing arts that are appropriate to their stage of development, for the purpose of building creativity, cultivating sensitivity, inspiring them with noble sentiments and improving and enriching artistic and cultural activities for children. It carries out touring programs to various parts of Japan during the children's' summer vacation (July - August) to promote art, culture and the sound growth of children. In 1992, 58 performances were presented in 5 categories, such as orchestra and juvenile drama. Of these, 9 performances were given on isolated islands and in remote areas. 44 Performances are scheduled in 5 categories for 1993.