Performance: Shunsuke Yamaguchi, The Kamishibai Man

Join us for Japanese folk tales of nature and transformation illustrated though kamishibai, a form of Japanese street theater that was popular from the 1930s through the post-war period. The stories were told by a kamishibaiya (“kamishibai narrator”) who travelled to street corners with sets of illustrated boards that were placed in a cabinet or stage-like creation. Shunsuke Yamaguchi will tell the stories of Princess Kaguya and Hana Saka Jisan, and answer audience questions during a lively, interactive performance for all ages.

Before the performance, visit Studio 3411 (old studio number 202) from 12:30 to 1:45 pm for a hands-on family activity where children can make their own miniature kamishibai theater and explore how these traditional Japanese tales come to life behind the scenes. Learn more.