Summer vacation is just around the corner, and for those of you worried about keeping the little ones entertained, the planetarium at Hamagin Space Science Center has a number of kid-friendly events that should not only be fun, but also teach them about the universe.

Anpanman and Doraemon fans should head there before July 6 for a showing of "Go! Anpanman: The Color of the Stars and Sky" and "Doraemon's Great Exploration of the Universe 2: The Secret of the Sun." Then from July 12 until Aug. 31, visitors can enjoy "Pocket Monster XY: Fragmented Universe" during which the characters from the popular game and anime series will explain the dangers of space debris. For the younger audience there is also "We are Aliens!," which looks into the possibility that we are not alone in the universe, and runs until July 6.

Adults, too, can enjoy the view with an "Asian Healing" show, which until July 6 will bring them the starry sky of a Southern-Asian resort, accompanied by the gentle sound of the ocean.

Each program lasts 45 minutes and includes 10 to 15 minutes of explanation about the stars. Be sure to check Hamagin Space Science Center's website for exact times as each program runs only once a day.

Events take place daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Hamagin Space Science Center in Yokodai, Yokohama until Aug. 31. Admission is ¥600 for adults, ¥300 for children aged over 4 and free for children 3 and under. For more information, visit www.yokohama-kagakukan.jp/planetarium/#schedule.