Kamishibai
I've been telling kamishibai tales for over 20 years and on each of my many visits to Japan, I've further explored the art. I have:
- Met with old time kamishibai tellers
- Visited mothers' & bunko home library groups making kamishibai
- Interviewed writers and scholars researching kamishibai
- Gone to kamishibai festivals where fine homemade sets abound
- Studied gaito kamishibai in Osaka Int. Institute of Children's Literature
- Taken part in kamishibai training sessions, conferences, and much more
In the U.S., I give workshops using samples from my collection of over 30 fine sets, including folk tales, original stories, modern Japanese literature, and stories on issues like recycling and special needs. I give storytelling performances with kamishibai for ages four and up, and I lead workshops to help others explore the art. Here are a few formats, contact me for more options or if you're interested in booking one for your school, library, museum, or group.
Performances
In a typical 45 minute performance, I share about four different stories, choosing a balance of story types and illustration styles. If desired, I can also bring Japanese folk toys, children's books, and snacks for listeners to explore after my stories, to extend the experience.
Staff workshop
Two hour introduction (longer/ shorter times possible) during which I:
- Give a brief overview of kamishibai’s background
- Model ways of kamishibai telling
- Show a rich range of Japanese sets
- Go over basic kamishibai design principles
- Help teachers to begin planning and making their own sets
- Review the basics of kamishibai storytelling techniques
- Share tips to help students make and tell kamishibai
Staff & student workshops
One or two days...
in the school, meeting with four double classes of students.
- In each double class, I tell some stories, show a few more sets, go over design ideas relevant to students’ ages, show them the process of making sets, and review tips for telling. I can come back for a second day, after most sets are almost finished, to model and share more tips for kamishibai telling.
Three days in school...
over one or two weeks, with four double or five single classes.
- DAY 1: We start with a large group kamishibai telling, followed by single group visits when I show more sample sets and cover design ideas, so that students can begin drafts.
- DAY 2: We go over telling tips in each class, then students move from rough drafts to cards, with feedback.
- DAY 3: I review telling ideas then students practice in pairs, and we finish with a final telling celebration.
Five day residency...
working with five single classes (can be spread over 2 weeks):
- The week begins with a large group program to share kamishibai telling. Then I visit each class to show more ideas and to present design principles. Over the next days, we move from drafting the card sets to creating and coloring them. Toward the end of the residency, I cover ideas for kamishibai storytelling, ending with a celebration where student tellers share their work.
A copy of my booklet, Japanese Tales of the Strange, will also be sent for preparation; it contains stories suitable for kamishibai, along with basic instructions on kamishibai making. I bring other relevant handouts later, as needed.
