Music, arts and crafts to help Japan

The gala concerts with Philip Glass, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and Ryuichi Sakamoto are sold out, but there are still 12 full hours of music, arts and crafts at the Concert for Japan Saturday, a special benefit for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. If you've never visited the Japan Society, this is a great opportunity to see the current exhibit, "Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven and Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art," and to learn more about the culture of this country that has been so much in the news of late. And best of all, you'll be helping the recovery effort. Some of the day's highlights:

TAIKO DRUMMERS

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the New York Suwa Taiko Association kicks things off; plus the Cocolo Japanese Gospel Choir.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC

From 2:45 to 4 p.m., there's an open concert of traditional Japanese music, with koto player Masayo Ishigure and the Miyabi ensemble, which combines string instruments such as koto and samisen and shakuhachi flutes. Seating is first come, first served.

WORKSHOPS

Learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy with master calligrapher Masako Inkyo, try your hand at origami with volunteers from Origami USA and attend a session of Kamishibai storytelling ("paper drama"). You can even get a 30-minute session of introductory Japanese phrases with teachers from the Toyota Language Center. Classes are offered throughout the day; some require registration.

LANTERN INSTALLATION

The atrium of the Japan Society is the site for a Luminous Washi Lantern installation created by the students of architect Aki Ishida at the Rhode Island School of Design, inspired by the rice paper lanterns seen at festivals in Japan. Visitors can leave wishes on paper at the installation, and take paper-folding workshops.

NEW MUSIC

From 8 to 11 p.m., check out bands such as Hard Nips, Echostream, The Suzan, Me & Mars, DJ Aki and the all-girl revue Salmé from Tokyo. Seating is first-come, first-served.

BYE BYE KITTY!!!

The Japan Society's current exhibit (on view through June 12) looks at contemporary Japanese art, featuring paintings, objects, photographs, videos, and installations by 16 emerging and mid-career artists.

Concert for Japan

WHEN | WHERE Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St.

ADMISSION $5 at the door; all proceeds benefit the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

INFO 212-832-1155, japansociety.org

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

While waiting for the last movie this July (sob), check out Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which showcases props and costumes and re-creates film sets.

INFO On view at Discovery Times Square, 226 W. 44th St.

ADMISSION $25 (adults), $19.50 (kids 4-12), 866-987-9692, discoveryts.com