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Kamishibai - Japanese Storytelling

Kamishibai originates from traditional Japanese street theatre in the form of picture card storytelling. Unlike children’s storybooks, the text for Kamishibai is written on the reverse of cards so that the story can be easily read while the pictures are shown to students. 

The Japan Society offers a range of kamishibai resources which can be used to bring traditional Japanese stories to life in your classroom:

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Kamishibai: Hanasaka Jiisan

Kamishibai: Hanasaka Jiisan

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Kamishibai: Momotaro – Peach Boy

Kamishibai: Momotaro – Peach Boy

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Kamishibai: Tsuru no Ongaeshi – The Grateful Crane

Kamishibai: Tsuru no Ongaeshi – The Grateful Crane

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Kamishibai Videos

Kamishibai Videos

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Kamishibai Set

Kamishibai Set